A Day Like Any Other

by Isla Dewar

You can’t change your past. You can only use the experiences you live through to make your future better, wiser. Anna and her best friend George meet every week to remember, to sigh, to laugh, to reminisce about their moments of glory, guilt and mischief and share their sorrows over a glass or three of wine. The things they’ve done still make them blush. Anna wanted to be a poet – a famous poet. George left home in a childish rage and years later returned with her baby.

When Anna is asked to look after the boy across the road for a few hours each week, she isn’t sure. She doesn’t really do children. But she takes the job on and, gradually, a child’s view of her world shows her a different place.

George remembers a flat she stayed in when she ran away from home. It had the kitchen of all kitchens and, oh, how she’d love to see it again. Anna sets out to see if it still exists and discovers a cookbook full of recipes, intimates notes and drawings from George’s life.

Does all this mark an ending or the beginning of something new and marvellous for Anna and George?

Genres: Fiction

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published July 14, 2020

About the author

Born in Edinburgh, Isla Dewar now lives in Fife with her husband, a cartoonist, and two sons. Her first novel, Keeping Up with Magda, published in 1995, has been followed by a string of bestsellers.

Reviews

[Bilbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[Lemari Montellano · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were times when I thought I would DNF this one… not because it’s bad, maybe because my fave genre is thriller and fast-paced, and this book is the opposite of that. There were times that I got bored and had to put it down because I was looking for some action.

But as I read through the pages, I’ve grown to love the main characters: George and Anna. I like how they navigate through life together amidst their differences. I like that this book is thought-provoking and full of insights.

When I get old, I want to be able to reminisce about the good old times—things I’m proud of, things I’m embarrassed about, and things I regret. This book also made me realize that there is nothing wrong about being ordinary, and that there is beauty in mundane things. :)

[Hilary Tesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* or more 3.5* because it somehow lacked the bite of some of Isla Dewar’s other books like “Keeping up with Magda” etc. Quite a gentle tale of two long time friends contemplating their pasts; George dwelling on hers more and the kitchen she remembered when with Alistair - whilst Anna learns to look at the present after being asked to look after Marlon by a neighbour. Poignant at times, funny at others.

[Sue Lilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely story of qwirky characters and their eccentric goings-on. George and Anna have shared a lot and still have things to learn about each other. Loved the message that you’re never too old for change. I’m working my way through all of the back catalogue and I’ve loved every one.

[Mairi Byatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

In floods. Just stunning and so relatable, when it is made into a film, can I audition for one of the main parts? Adored it and adored Isla Dewar since her first book!

[Tania · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insightful, funny and enjoyable.

George and her best friend Anna try to live life to the full, whilst reflecting on the mistakes they made as teenagers.

Recommended short read.

[Teresa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book of Isla Dewar that I haven't given five stars to,it just didn't flow like her previous novels.

[Ian McNair · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pointless.

[Claire O'Brien · Rating 3 out of 5]

A novel set to remind us that the old women we pass on the street has lived a life full of love, happiness, death and sadness, and we shouldn't presume they haven't, and aren't still in fact, just because they appear old to us. A nice description of aging, but the story around the kitchen was just too silly really.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Dewar does not seem to be as well known as Jo Jo Moyes or Cecillia Ahern but her books all need to be consumed with joy and laughter. A delightful Scottish writer it was a sad day when she passed in 2021 having written 17 novels. She cleverly tells stories of ordinary people and allows you to reflect on your own experiences. All start in quite an unassuming way but quickly invite you to hold on and turn that next page. I have read many of her books - its rated 4 due to its easy consumption but her stories as always resonate. I invite you all to read her books if you have not so far. You will not be disappointed.

[Tommy Maker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written story about a long lasting friendship. 2 lives, different lifestyles, but joined together by being school friends that will last a lifetime. The antics they got up too, reminiscing about things they had done in previous years, and the search for a kitchen. A new friendship between old and young. Love blossoming in maturer years.

Could not fault this at all! A real feel good factor book.

[Kirsty · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was ok. I wouldn't read it again or recommend it. I did stick with it because it is a lovely story of friendship but I was hoping for and expecting more. It just felt like the story didn't really go anywhere but as i said it is a lovely book on friendship and I must admit the type of friendships we all can hope to have in our lives.

[Tilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart warming story of two friends, now in later years, remembering highs and lows of life. The embarrassing moments, the guilt and shared lives all merging into a wonderful tale which encourages the reader to examine their own story.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, gentle story of friendship. Set in Edinburgh, it has occasional similarities to Alexander McCall Smith’s Edinburgh books.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely book about life and friendship.

[Vikki King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isla Dewar never disappoints. Her characters,flawed and fantastic. Stories that ebb and flow. Ordinary lives penned by an extraordinary writer.

[Carole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Karlajansenmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are the people I needed in my life. Thanks for the read!

[Vanessa Blackwell-Whitehead · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Ekaterina Averina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, friendship and forgiveness