The Invisible Women’s Club

by Helen Paris

Ignored.Seventy-something Janet Pimm is invisible. Spending most of her days alone, she tends her beloved allotment with the care and love she doesn't receive from people. Plants, Janet thinks, are more important than friends.Overlooked.Janet's neighbour, Bev, has reached the age when a cloak of invisibility threatens to descend. Her friendly advances are rebuffed by Janet, but when the council threatens to close the allotments, Janet must swallow her pride and enlist Bev's help.But they're about to prove everyone wrong.As the two join forces, Janet realises that she isn't happy to be a wallflower after all. And that maybe there's more to Bev than she thought. As the bulldozers roll in and they fight to save Janet's treasured allotment, both women find their voice again. And no one can silence them now...

Genres: Fiction, Book Club, Contemporary, LGBT, Literary Fiction, Audiobook, Cozy

336 pages, Hardcover

Published August 3, 2023

About the author

Helen Paris liebt das Abtauchen in fremde Welten, ob virtuell in Geschichten oder auf ihren Reisen rund um den Globus. Seit knapp zwanzig Jahren lebt sie mit ihrem Mann zeitweise auf ihrem Segelkatamaran und ist auf allen Weltmeeren unterwegs. Eine halbjährige Reise quer durch Nordamerika mit Schiff und Wohnmobil hat ihre Liebe zu diesem vielseitigen Kontinent geweckt.

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Janet is a connoisseur of loneliness. Each morning she samples the sharp clear cold of waking up alone, savours the dark shadowy notes of another lone evening that tips into endless solitary night. And it’s there, too, of course, that aloneness. Snuggled up in bed right beside her.”

The Invisible Women’s Club is the second novel by British author, Helen Paris. At seventy-two, Janet Pimm has been on her own for quite some time, and she really doesn’t need her neighbour Bev’s charitable chumminess, her invitations to watch the local am-dram troupe churn out another farce.

The thing that gives her most joy is her afternoons at Seaview Allotments. She may not be growing the sort of things her fellow gardeners do: to some her plot looks like it’s full of weeds; but she has an encyclopaedic knowledge of plants from which she is sure they could benefit. “Ever since taking over her plot at Seaview, Janet has tried to share her knowledge with the other allotmenteers, to disperse like pollen the endless possibilities and wonders of plants. Yet despite her best intentions, her efforts always seem to misfire.”

Nor, it seems, is the National Trust interested: her application as a volunteer guide in their gardens is rejected. But the consolation she finds in being among her plants is suddenly threatened: a council warns they have a knotweed invasion in the wildflower corridor abutting the allotments, which may mean that all of the one hundred and twenty plots will be repossessed by council and bulldozed.

The gardeners are anxious, angry, panicky at the idea of losing their refuge, their hobby, the source of food for their Refugee Community Kitchen; some even look at Janet with accusation; chair of their allotment group, Patrice Winston urges calm; legal advice will be sought; the councillor will be met with; a social media campaign will be launched to save their hard work.

But Janet is suspicious, and a quick check shows the knotweed has been recently transplanted. Their large parcel of land is central to town with sea views; Pete Marsh, the newest borough councillor in Hastings has been seen with a wealthy developer. Janet smells a rat.

“But this is just topsoil; Janet needs to dig deeper to find the roots. There will be something she can grab hold of and pull. She just needs to find the correct place to foot the spade.” (Janet does tend to think in gardening terms).

To fight this, she’s going to need proof. She turns to her formidable colleague from her time at GCHQ, Glynis Hatchwell, now retired in Windermere, but hungry, Janet can tell, for distraction. Janet’s day trip to the Lake District to brief Glynis doesn’t quite go as planned…

What a marvellous tale Paris gives the reader! Not just a David and Goliath story pitting gardeners against developers, but also one that addresses attitudes to older women, and to menopause, and champions the mental and physical health benefits of working an allotment.

Janet is an interesting protagonist, a woman carrying guilt and regret who find courage and friendship in the fight for her little plot. Paris gives her an appealing support cast: some quirky but most well-intentioned. Paris includes plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and a few lump-in-the-throat ones, in this truly heart-warming and uplifting read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Random House UK/Doubleday.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Janet Pimm is a character whom I warmed to straight away, but I’d imagine some readers wouldn’t agree. This is a well-written story and delightful about friendship, community and looking out for one another. I was drawn to this book purely by its beautiful cover. Recommended.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Invisible Women’s Club by Helen Paris is an uplifting novel by Helen Paris.

At 72 years of age, Janet Pimm feels both invisible and useless, her only respite
the sense of purpose she feels while tending her beloved allotment. But when the alleged discovery of an invasive weed by the local council threatens the existence of the garden community, Janet finally insists on being seen.

Janet presents initially as quite an abrasive character, but as the story develops, so too does sympathy and understanding for the elderly woman who is burdened by regret, loss, and loneliness. Her garden, where she grows mainly medicinal and herbal plants of which she has an encyclopaedic knowledge, serves as a refuge, and it’s imminent destruction is the motivation she needs to face her past, and change her future.

To prove the connection between the threat to Seaview Allotments, an unscrupulous new councillor and a property developer Janet calls on an old friend, and finds herself making new ones, including her neighbour Bev. I adored Bev, Janet’s vocal, menopausal neighbour, from the outset. I empathised with her experience, and I admired her enthusiasm for her cause. Bev proves to be a good influence on Janet, and I really enjoyed the friendship the two formed as they shared adventure, and confidences.

As well as addressing the all too often dismissive attitudes to older women, Paris explores themes of connection, community spirit, and redemption. Though there are many poignant moments in the story, there is also plenty of humour. I particularly enjoyed Janet’s blunt assessments, and Bev’s proclamations.

With its thoughtful character portrayal and empowering messages, The Invisible Women’s Club is an engaging novel.

[Melanie’s reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m probably in the minority but I loved Janet from the get go. No nonsense and slightly misunderstood in her offers of help, manure gift anyone? She is extremely knowledgeable and if they only listened her allotment neighbours could learn a thing or two. She is also very lonely not that she would admit it and she certainly won’t take Bev up on her many offers of watching the local am-dram performances.

As all the other allotment owners seem to make friends, Janet is still alone on the periphery until the council declare it is closing the allotments due to the discovery of knotweed.
With a bit of digging (see what I did there) it turns out the knotweed has been transplanted there and the new councillor has been having meetings with a developer. Time for Janet to garner the troops aka the allotmenteers, put neighbour Bev to good use and maybe even finally make some friends.

I have to say I especially liked all the supporting characters and Janet’s nicknames for them brought a touch of humour. Although I did have to read twice the inclusion of FbK, Felicity bloody Kendal and her Joules decked chums. Surely not The Felicity Kendal and would Margot be making an appearance too?

This sounds like such a delightful feel good read doesn’t it? It is but there is so much more to this as we discover Janet’s past and how she became so solitary, that there is more to Bev than she first thought and that as women age they tend to disappear. Do not underestimate them though, as when women come together (especially if menopause is thrown in the mix) they become a formidable force to be reckoned with.

This will have you shouting “You grow girls” as Janet and Bev are two to root for and I promise that is now the end of my terrible puns.

[Seri · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pretty wholesome story but the writing was a bit simile-heavy for me. Some gems (mostly gardening related) include;
- She is speckled with sadness like rust on a forgotten spade.
- ...the feeling that there is a self-propelled lawnmower loose in her skull (this is to describe a hangover - we've all been there, am I right?)
- Janet feels like she has been pulverized by an antique Victorian cast-iron garden lawn-roller that has gone back and forth over her entire body (this one's not a result of alcohol, but of spending a night outside in a cave.)
- The past and present have collided, sending her thoughts scattering wildly like billiard balls in a break shot. (I actually just looked this up and if we're being technical, although billiards often refers to pool, the game technically involves only three balls, making this analogy pretty weak.)
- ...trying to work out what's missing, like that game people used to play with objects on a tray, when something is removed and you have to guess what. (I mean, what? What game even is this?)
- impatient as a mayfly at dusk (maybe I kinda like this one. succinct.)
- ...her mouth as dry as a bag of fuller's earth (imagining this makes me feel uncomfortable.)
and finally
- Water drips off Bev like a monkey brush vine after a rainstorm in the Amazon.

I can't fault the specificity. The consistency. It's just not really for me.

[Rosa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3*

Ein Krimi in einer englischen Kleingartensiedlung mit einer ruppigen Protagonistin in ihren 70ern klingt wirklich nach guter, leichter Unterhaltung. Mit dieser Erwartungshaltung ging ich auch an dieses Buch heran. Allerdings war der Großteil der Geschichte leider eher langweilig, auch wenn ich die angesprochenen Themen teilweise sehr interessant fand (besonders die Themen Wechseljahre und Beziehungen im Alter) Ich habe die Beschreibungen der Gärten gerne gelesen habe und auch Janets Liebe für Pflanzen war sehr entzückend.
Die Story selbst wird aber leider erst gegen Ende interessant. Dann aber auch sehr wholesome.

[Karen Pincher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really easy, heart warming read. I would especially (but not exclusively) encourage all women of a certain age to give it a go. The protagonist has reluctantly accepted her lot in life and has limited faith in human nature until she is up against the odds and reluctantly accepts the help of a neighbour. A tale of friendship and comradery, good pace and thoroughly enjoyable.

[Josefien Robijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Planten/gay/vriendschap

[Gaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like a soft blanket. Makes you laugh out loud and at times very sad. A real feel-good treat!

[Ann-Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. Somehow I could really identify with Janet, even though she’s almost 40 years older than me. Her journey of finding her voice and standing up for something she cared about while opening herself up to other people was really heartwarming and inspiring to read. This story and the social criticism and feminist ideas sprinkled in kept me wanting to squeeze some reading time into my days as often as I could. And, listening to this as an audiobook, I was especially delighted by Sylvestra Letouzel‘s performance. I finished this book some time ago but I still often think about the characters and wish I could’ve tagged along for their lives a little longer.

[Helen Temple · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t enjoy this . I couldn’t get along with the characters and they didn’t feel believable or likeable to me .

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read which leaves you wanting to reach out to neighbours and make sure you don't forget all the women you once were and will become.

[paperlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dieses Buch fängt sehr amüsant und vielversprechend an: MC Janet ist Rentnerin und besitzt einen Garten in einer Gartenanlage. Eines Tages wird dort eine invasive Pflanzenart entdeckt, und es droht die Schliessung der Gärten – was Janet natürlich nicht einfach so hinnehmen will. Nach ein paar Recherchen findet sie heraus, dass die Pflanze wohl nicht ganz zufällig dort gelandet ist und jemand offenbar ein Interesse daran hat, die Gärten plattzumachen, um das Gelände als Baufläche zu nutzen. Da hat diese Person allerdings die Rechnung ohne Janet gemacht – kampflos gibt sie sicher nicht auf …

Und genau an diesem spannenden Punkt wird die Story leider ziemlich vorhersehbar und wirkt zunehmend konstruiert. Anfangs hatte ich das Gefühl, Janet sei eine herrlich schrullige ältere Dame mit vielen Eigenheiten – was die Geschichte charmant und unterhaltsam gemacht hat, fast wie ein weibliches Pendant zu Frederik Backmans "Ein Mann namens Ove". Doch diese Schrulligkeit verflüchtigt sich relativ schnell, und was bleibt, ist eine Erzählung, in der einem die Themen geradezu um die Ohren gehauen werden – etwa die Wechseljahre oder der plötzliche Kindstod. Der Ton ist dabei oft sehr erklärend, als ob wir Leser:innen nicht selber begreifen könnten, wie wichtig diese Themen sind, wenn man sie nicht ausdrücklich anspricht. Das wirkt dann schnell mal konstruiert und stellenweise sogar belehrend. Besser wäre gewesen, diese Themen subtiler in die Handlung einzubauen, sodass sich die Botschaften eher zwischen den Zeilen entfalten.

Auch die Themenwahl fand ich etwas merkwürdig – laut Klappentext ist Janet bereits 71 Jahre alt. Und in diesem Alter stehen für mich nicht mehr die Wechseljahre im Fokus, sondern eher Themen wie die eigene Endlichkeit oder körperliche Veränderungen im Alter. (Ich habe längere Zeit beruflich mit dieser Altersgruppe zu tun gehabt, daher spreche ich da aus Erfahrung. ;)) Schaut man auf das Alter der Autorin – 57 Jahre –, scheint es, als ob das Thema Wechseljahre eher sie selbst beschäftigt und sie es unbedingt in die Geschichte einbauen wollte. Grundsätzlich verständlich, aber dann hätte sie meiner Meinung nach das Alter der Hauptfigur entsprechend anpassen müssen – das hätte authentischer gewirkt.

Na ja. Auch sonst verläuft die Handlung ziemlich gradlinig und durchschaubar. Nach dem starken Einstieg hatte ich auf eine schräg-humorvolle Krimistory gehofft. Stattdessen weiss man ziemlich schnell, was Sache ist, und es geht dann eigentlich nur noch darum, dass Janet und ihre neue Freundin den Skandal publik machen. Das passiert über Social Media und ein paar Protestaktionen – und das war’s. Überraschungen? Leider Fehlanzeige. Gerade im Mittel- und Schlussteil wirkt das Ganze dadurch ein bisschen langatmig.

Mit einem spannenderen Plot, mehr "show, don’t tell", einem konsequent humorvollen Stil und einer durchgehend schrulligen MC hätte das Buch richtig toll werden können. So bleibt es leider nur mittelmässig – ein Buch, das niemandem wehtut, aber halt auch nicht wirklich originell ist.

[Lynne Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fascinating read. The title was appealing to this woman of a certain age. It was certainly an uplifting book with strong female protagonists. I adored Kate’s journey and her personal transformation along the way, the layers of her character unpeeling as she sloughs off the skins of self-protection developed over many years. Bev’s tenacity was a joy to behold and an unlikely friendship was crafted by her, when others would have given up at the many hurdles. The context of the allotments drew the reader in and delighted with the Latin names of plants, and their healing properties, although this could be off putting to some readers. My husband recommended this book to me and it did not disappoint.

[Amy Dowding · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favourite all time book. So beautiful and wholesome yet awkward and British. Absolutely recommended

[Fay Flude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sublime.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this well paced story about Janet (72) as she fights to save her precious allotment and her neighbour Bev (55ish) who tries to befriend her. Lots of gardening references especially on the medicinal properties of certain plants, which was very informative especially in relation to menopause symptoms. Lots of really engaging characters, clever exploring of the parallels between allotments growing food during the war and now feeding people in need during times of austerity and the Greenham common protests mention. A wonderful celebration of the strength of women, particularly older 'invisible' women.

With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Hanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am Anfang hat mich das Buch irgendwie garnicht gecatched. Aber zum Schluss war ich total into. Das Buch hat ein ganz anderes Thema, es geht um die Rolle der Frau vorallem in den Wechseljahren und in der Rente und wie oft Frauen in dem Alter übersehen werden. Korruption, Protest und neue Liebe, alles iwi sehr verrückt aber richtig toll!

[Miss J · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

I struggled a bit with the menopause theme — it felt repetitive, and Janet came across as quite a misery, which made it hard to connect with her. That said, I really enjoyed the sense of community among the gardeners and their stand against corruption. Despite some dull moments, it ended up being a sweet and quietly uplifting read.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read from start to finish. Not just about saving allotments from greedy developers and corrupt officials, but also about Janet finding herself, facing her past, and finding her worth.

[Mars · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't read this book in the quiet carriage of a train.

By the end I was crying, silently screaming, and wriggling all over the seat in pure joy and admiration for the work of art that is this book.

I recommend this novel to every woman, or everyone who feels like theyre made from Cellophane.

[Grace J Reviewerlady · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter what kind of mood you're in, this is a book to read.

Janet has realised that at seventy-plus, she has no time for other people. She much prefers plants and spends her days on her allotment. Her neighbour, Bev, always seems to be pestering with leaflets for one cause or another and Janet just really can't be bothered. However, when the council threatens to shut down the allotments, it's a case of all hands on deck to try to save them, and Janet swallows her pride and enlists Bev's assistance. As they begin to fight back, Janet realises that she might need other people after all and that there's more to Bev than she first thought.

This is such a lovely novel to read - there is a fine array of characters each with their own idiosyncrasies and talents. We can all be guilty of judging by appearances = like Janet - and not opening our minds as we should. A marvellous story of fighting for a cause and how it brings a community together with a generous dollop of humour thrown in. Well written and completely enjoyable from beginning to end, I have no doubt this one will race up the charts. 5*.and my recommendation.

[Aileen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Zwischen 3 und 4 ⭐️, also 3,5

Es war ein guter, schöner Wohlfühlroman mit (ACHTUNG Spoiler!) ganz dezenter LGBTQ Handlung. Aber, wenn man den Pflanzen nicht ganz so zugetan ist, wie z.B. Ich, dann kann das Buch nicht vollends überzeugen.

[Jayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Enough of being a coward, enough of letting what's most important just go."

Women 'of a certain age' seem to become invisible, not to be taken seriously but just to be patronised and placated. Well, Janet has had enough. She has lived by society's rules and it has not made her happy - time for a change!
Of particular note is Bev's rant about menopause and how it has made her want to rage against all the things that have held her back. "I want to say what I think - not the polite thing but the true thing."
A book for all those women who have settled for less, who have done all the compromising, and are ready to stand up and be heard.

[Emandherbooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one just about scraped a 3/5 for me—on another day, it might have been a 2/5, but I’m feeling generous.

The pacing is slow, and while the vivid descriptions might a keen gardener, I found them a little too easy to skim.

I’d hoped for more depth and complexity, but it’s an easy enough read if you’re in the mood for something light.

The story of friendship, community spirit, and finding your voice post-menopause is heartwarming in its way, even if it didn’t fully live up to its potential for me.

[Chrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

A slow start but I really enjoyed this, I loved unpeeling the layers of Janet’s story and her realisation that she could make new choices, even in her 70s. I also loved Bev, and I found her experiences with the menopause to be extremely relatable. It made me so happy when the two of them finally click into being firm friends, and together they are definitely not so invisible.
This is an uplifting and empowering book, about so many different things but mainly about fighting for what you love.

[Charlotte Wood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure in the beginning / kind of boring/slow to get into but actually really wholesome in the end - very much an old lady book 📖

[Joanne Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book well written a must read for all

[Wendy Storey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. Older women fighting back. Don't underestimate them!!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was incredible. Hate myself for it taking me so long to read