Enough

by Dawn French

ETTA'S FOUND THE CURE FOR OLD AGE. BUT HER FAMILY WON'T LIKE IT . . .

Etta is sixty-eight years old. Happy, healthy and an active participant in her world, she’s gathered her family together for an unforgettable weekend.

Tick.
At 5am that Saturday morning, Etta wakes her daughter, her granddaughter, her son and her daughter-in-law up to lead everyone down to the beach. To ‘Etta’s Hollow’, where a roaring fire has already been lit. Drowsy but delighted – the sun is just starting to rise for a glorious dawn – Etta’s family bask in the beauty of the moment. A memory to be cherished forever.

Tick.

Until twenty minutes later, when Etta announces to her assembled beloveds something as shocking as it is alarming. ‘I have brought you all down to the beach this morning to tell you something important. You see, the thing is, today is my last day alive.’

Boom.

Over the next twenty-four hours, Etta and her family are about to have the most surprising, affecting life-affirming day of all their lives.

PRAISE FOR DAWN FRENCH

‘'Dawn tackles the big ones - love, death, grief, childhood, motherhood, parenthood - head on' Guardian

'Fantastic, passionate, compassionate, so much wisdom, a lot of humour and very real’ Bernadine Evaristo

'Gorgeous. Wise and full of love' Marian Keyes

'A life-affirming read' Daily Express

‘'An extraordinary book - sad, heartening, gripping and reassuringly human' Jo Brand

‘Tender and devastating, it almost broke my heart' Sunday Express

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Comedy

413 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

About the author

Dawn Roma French is a British actress, writer and comedian. In her career spanning three decades, she has been nominated for six BAFTA Awards and also won a Fellowship BAFTA along with her best friend Jennifer Saunders. She is best-known for starring in and writing her comedy sketch show, French and Saunders, alongside her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders, and for playing the lead role of Geraldine Granger in the sitcom The Vicar of Dibley.

Reviews

[Rhianna Clay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anyone rating this 5 stars is on crack. I’ve rounded up to a 3 because I’m feeling unusually generous. It won’t last. I couldn’t get past how cringey the dialogue was throughout. There were some genuine heartwarming elements, particularly the grandmother-granddaughter relationship which is always a weak spot for me because my nana was my great love but the dialogue really just spoilt it for me. Unusual premise and I liked the setting (exactly how I want to live out my old age, in a quirky house by the beach) but nowhere near as good as her last book.

[Karen Little · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Dawn French book - wow very impressive.

A book I understand the author has drawn from her experience to write, but in a far different way than the tragedy she suffered, you can tell as you turn each page that there is familiarity with the underlying subject matter.

As you start the book you find out the premise and every single page you turn you hope you get the outcome that you do. But you do have to read every single page to understand how the outcome is reached.

I am not a great one for emotional expressions, but the character of Etta, two years older than me, reached out to me in a way that a character on a page hasn’t done for a long time. Her dilemma that she came to resolve in her own way was not one I’m familiar with but I understand how she got there,. Overall the book is to to me a life of affirming story of how a normal dysfunctional, as we all are, family go about their everyday life and how at such an awful moment they realise what they mean to each other and it reignites the love for each other the care for each other but overall the respect for each other.

I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did, and if Dawn French is reading this all I can say is thank you. It was brilliant.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dawn, sorry Etta, is sixty-eight years old. Happy, healthy and an active participant in her world, she’s gathered her family together for an unforgettable weekend. Then she drops a bombshell.

The premise of Enough is the right to choose when you die, but Dawn, sorry Etta, had no serious illness, no depression, so why would she want to give up everything, especially her granddaughter? It just didn't ring true.

What follows is a journey through Dawn's comedy routines, from the Vicar of Dibley to The Twat Files. Enough!

The characters were not well-developed and even stereotyped, the dialogue was clunky with too much of Dawn's silly swearing and daft words. Enough!!

Dawn's, sorry Etta's, epiphany at the end was fairly obvious - we knew that something was going to happen to make her change her mind. Enough!!!

I sort of get that Dawn was trying to process her own father's suicide, but maybe she should have done that in her own voice rather than a novel, which would have been more authentic.

[Mark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have had enough of the bodily function humour, the silly words (anyhoo?) and most of all the sentimental, homespun philosophising. I finished because I wanted to know what happens, but I didn’t enjoy the journey getting there.

[Spwd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely love Dawn French books and this one didn't disappoint, it's not my favourite but I still loved it. The comedy she manages to bring to a dark subject is really quite clever.
The relationship with her children is heartwarming but the relationship with Pearl is just so special, she manages to really capture the personality of a 5yr old.
The story of her father's birthday party had me in tears as did the "grape incident". I won't say anymore on that so as not to spoil it.
All in all a really enjoyable read and captures the subject matter really well.

[Michelle Perfitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every minute I spent reading this book. The roller coaster of emotions I experienced throughout this book was unreal. I'm a big fan of Dawn French and her work and this book didn't disappoint you can clearly hear the her humour on every page. Another outstanding piece of work from Dawn.

[Karen Gallaher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darkly humourous, with philosophical thoughts and reasoning. Loved it.

[Stephen Devonport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unbelievably good Dawn French is such a talented writer who lifts you up and drops you down and keeps you wondering right to the end so funny and so emotional loved it

[Aria 88 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook review

Read by the author

No plot, no character development, no tension and release.

Starts with a bang … invites her son, his wife, her daughter, her baby granddaughter to tell them she’s topping herself … then tortures the listener with dull conversations

Flashbacks to school, first sex, first marriage, ex-husband’s death (she couldn’t even bother to have Etta tearfully become a widow), dad’s birthday, yawn, yawn

Huge spoiler












Baby Pearl chokes on a grape, Etta does CPR and saves her, Etta promises not to end it

[Samantha Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is tough, the story is well written, and the small number of characters feels intimate and you really do get to know them inside and out. However, the storyline is obviously quite an emotional one and there is literally no telling how it’s going to end up

I listened to this as an audiobook and the fact Dawn French narrated it made it even better. It also means you cannot, not imagine Dawn as the main character

[Julia Rice · Rating 1 out of 5]

I pre ordered this book because Dawn is one of my go to authors, and i have loved all her books....until now!
I had no idea what this book was about, so when i discovered it was about an 68 year old woman deciding to kill herself, I wasn't particularly happy. Basically Dawn has written Etta as herself, a 68 year old, pasty loving, Cornish woman., who describes herself as a twat.
Her children and grandchild come to visit and she tells them her grand plan. To be carried out that day. So the book is basically 24 hours of the children begging her not to kill herself with some odd moments in-between where they make pasties or go to the beach. There are other chapters that go back in time to points in Ettas life. They didn't add anything to the story.
All in all i felt it was just a load of self indulgent twaddle. People telling each other how much they love each other and then the mother saying, oh yeah, I'm still killing myself later!!!
I truely hated this book and I'm never going to buy any of Dawn's books blindly again. And if i hear the word twat again any time soon, i will commit my own murder!!!!

[Kev Woollan · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Found the book hard to get into, especially the first chapter. Wasn’t sure about the characters or the setting, but post the first chapter loved it - glad I didn’t give up. Read it yourself and make up your own mind, don’t just go by others reviews. Liked the concept and warmed to the characters and setting. Makes you think about sorting out your own life and making it simpler and what’s important, as we often get too wrapped up in the small stuff.

[beverleybookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not the journey or the destination that matters, it’s the company.

As someone who is in the depths of grief, I actually enjoyed this story. I immersed read it with the audiobook which Dawn French read herself which made it that more enjoyable.
Talking about grief, life, and what matters. A whole life is in this book and it was beautifully written.

[Fab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Enough by Dawn French

I found Enough to be a deeply heartfelt and emotional story. Dawn French tackles a difficult and sensitive subject with honesty while skilfully weaving in moments of light comedy that make the book feel both engaging and human.

The way the story is written gives you a real understanding of the Etta's thoughts and emotions, allowing you to follow her reasoning and appreciate the motivations behind the decisions she makes about her future. It is a touching novel that balances humour and emotion beautifully, making it both an enjoyable and meaningful read.

[Marnie Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really beautifully told story.

[Natalie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable.

[Lynne Diamond · Rating 1 out of 5]

Only managed 120 pages - rubbish!

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a tough subject to listen about but it was done with compassion and care. This book was funny in parts too. Dawn French narrated the book brilliantly.

[Liz · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read to page 186 but just didn’t feel anything towards any of the characters and in those 186 pages I felt like nothing happened and I just wasn’t going to carry on reading to find out.

[Mairi Byatt · Rating 3 out of 5]

All a bit too self absorbed for me!

[Billy Newhall · Rating 2 out of 5]

To quote my high school PE teacher, it “would be much better if she just applied herself”. Smashing concept that didn’t really feel like it reached its potential. Whelmed to say the least

[Lynne · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a dreadful book, the characters were self absorbed, the writing poor and the plot (what there was of it) was predictable. If I had not been reading it for a book club I’d have given up pn it . Even the humour was irritating- and I do like Dawn French!!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this more especially as Dawn French narrates as well. However the lead Etta is only 68 and suggests she has lived her whole life and there is nothing more which isn't convincing. Nice family relationships and strong themes throughout however felt something was missing.

[MRS SARAH · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a massive fan of Dawn French and loved her other books. She writes about the emotional side of life brilliantly and you feel you know and understand her characters completely. I loved Pearl - the total joy of a 5 year old captured perfectly. It’s only 4 stars from me though as I couldn’t get past my anger at the decision Etta had made and at only 68! That bit didn’t feel real or right. I do understand though and agree with the concept and essence of Enough.

[Hannah Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn’t really understand or relate to Etta and I feel that there will be lots of people that feel like this. I definitely empathised with the children!! Brilliantly narrated by Dawn French on audio but I have to give it 3 stars because it just didn’t make a lot of sense to me.

[Joanne John · Rating 1 out of 5]

As much as I love Dawn French, this was dreadful.

[Ophelia Gold · Rating 3 out of 5]

Firstly, I have to say I think I've injured my neck with how much nodding I was doing while listening to the audio book. Dawn French has well and truly written down thoughts and feelings, I'm sure alot of us have had. It's really strange timing my reading this as I was in a heavy conversation about suicide in general with my husband (not mine personally) only the other day. And I explained how I thought my view on suicide would shock people if I voiced that it is down to free will. No one choses to be here, but we are here, so if someone choses to leave early, it is their life, and it's their's to hand it in if they don't want it anymore. It's a heavy topic I know, but Dawn really echoed alot of my feelings on the matter, its not that we're shouting from the roof tops for everyone to off themselves, but I do agree with everyone's right to chose - after all you can't force someone to live. Or so I thought... spoiler alert. The main character is practical and logical and not mentally ill or depressed but has taken control over her life and wants to chose when to make her exit. Throughout the whole novel the main character 'Eta' is adamant and refuses to be swayed by her children or friends to stay...until right at the end. It seems to be her grandchild that makes her change her mind and decides to stay and live longer. So ultimately this is the book that is going through a major drum roll for a finale that never happens.
It's still an interesting read and it contains excellent insights on life, if it is all that precious?, we are only visitors here for a short time, maybe there isn't life after death but maybe having all you've experienced here is more than 'enough'.

[Katy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enough
⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is my third book of Dawn French's and I would say definitely different to all her others.

Etta is in her late sixty's and has decided that she has had enough of life, not for any worrying reason as she is totally fit and healthy only that she wants to spare her family her old age..... she may even be lonely? Etta has suffered a horrible lose in her life which is still very present in her life.

After pulling all the family together for one last day Etta decides to tell them why she has gathered them, all sat comfortably in Ettas Hollow on the beach with a rawing fire pit comes her news...... She is going to end her life, today is her last day on earth, once everyone has gone home... she has it all planned out!

The next twenty four hours have now turned into something special, however Dolly (her daughter), Vernon and Lizzy (her son and daughter in law) have other ideas, some very heart felt discussions and begging her not to do it take place, even time with Pearl her beautiful young grand daughter can't make her change her mind 💔

After discussions and a moving moment will Etta really go through with her decision???

Etta's story is told in two ways... at the start of each chapter you get to find out about Etta from her early years upto the present day (which I found is where the humour lied).

I found this book life affirming and really sad in places, but it definitely gets your brain and thoughts going!

Some places in the book are funny but not Dawn's typical delivery of humour.

[Emma Higginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read a couple of Dawn French's novels and found them witty and thoroughly enjoyable, I decided to pick up Enough after seeing it mentioned on her Instagram account. What I wasn't expecting was to be taken on such an emotional rollercoaster.

The novel moves effortlessly between laugh-out-loud moments, deeply relatable reflections, and scenes that are genuinely moving and, at times, upsetting. Set over the course of a single day, the story follows Etta as she drags both her family and the reader through the emotional turmoil of coming to terms with ageing.

At times, it felt as though Dawn French was sharing some of her own thoughts and feelings about growing older. Etta's journey is one that many women will recognise as their bodies begin to slow down and change, bringing with them questions about identity, purpose and what lies ahead.

There were a few sections that felt slightly drawn out, but I would encourage readers to stick with it. The story develops in unexpected ways, and the twists in the plot prompt reflection on our own lives, our relationships, and what we still have to look forward to.

Enough is funny, poignant and thought-provoking. It is a book that stays with you long after you've turned the final page.

[Jo - •.• Midlife Cosy Reader •.• · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not read the blurb when I selected this book from the library. I just knew that I loved the author and it would surely be a good book.

I did not expect the main plot line to be about death. In fact I was really shocked.

Etta is a few years younger than my own parents and statistically now days, we should all be planning to live until we are 90.

When Etta shares with her adult children that today would be her last day alive I found myself feeling just as robbed of her kids did. I would be just as shocked to be told that not only me and my siblings but our children - the grandchildren would not be growing up with their grandmother in their lives.

Over 24 hours this family goes on a soul searching journey with each of them trying to make sense of Etta's thought process behind her decision as they try to make sense of why?

I had to put this book down so often it took me over a month read it because it was really heartbreaking at times.

Having said that it was also unputdownable at times.

I'm all the better for reading this :)