Coco Mellors is the New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of Cleopatra and Frankenstein, Blue Sisters and Grenade. Her novels have been translated into over thirty languages and are currently being adapted for the screen. Originally from London, she lives in New York with her husband and children.
*Grenade* is the latest novel by Coco Mellors, of *Blue Sisters* and *Cleopatra and Frankenstein* fame. It centers on relationships and fertility struggles. I would urge readers to check out the CW beforehand, as this novel details miscarriages and infertility issues.
In this story, we follow 35-year-old filmmaker Zuzu as she leaves her husband in LA to go to Paris, where she meets up with her good friend and actress Anouk. The trip is expected to last a handful of days for a film festival. As Zuzu and Anouk catch up, readers are taken back through Zuzu's past five years. We learn about her passionate yet unstable relationship with famous musician Paloma, her relationship with her future husband, and their struggles with infertility, all while they try to determine what they want out of life, careers, and partners.
Fans of Mellors will enjoy this novel, which is about more than pregnancy. It is about womanhood. Whether you are trans or cisgender, womanhood is complicated, and the pressures come from everywhere. It is about choices, strength, coming to know oneself, and finding one's family. It is emotional and reflects pressure often compounded by time.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Coco Mellors for the ARC! I absolutely loved Grenade! This book felt completely different than Coco’s other books, but in a good way. I grew attached to every character; even Paloma, despite hating her. The real stars however, were Anouk and Fede. They were incredible supporting characters. There were times I was shouting at my Kindle. “You’re too good for Zuzu!” I was genuinely expecting a sad ending. However I was pleasantly surprised. I ended the book feel hopeful . 5⭐️! I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy upon its release.
Side note. I don’t know how to link my Goodreads with my Netgalley account. So I have to paste my Netgalley review here. 😂😂
Thanks for NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Coco Mellors is back doing what she does best: writing wonderfully messy, magnetic, and deeply flawed people. Set over 3 chaotic days in Paris, Grenade follows Zuzu as her quiet life begins to unravel. Torn between her marriage, a deep longing for motherhood, and the sudden re-emergence of an ex, she has to decide whether to play it safe or pull the pin.