How to Stay Married

by jilly-cooper

When Jilly Cooper, then a young Sunday Times journalist, was asked to write a book on marriage, she had been married to Leo Cooper for a mere seven years. Now they are celebrating their Golden Wedding, and although the institution of marriage has changed a great deal since this book was first written, much of Jilly's advice - frank, fearless, often hilarious, but always wise - still holds good.From the wedding and the honeymoon to life afterwards, including how to deal with the in-laws and how to tell if you spouse is having an affair, she dispenses anecdotes, jokes, common sense and endless optimism and fun.

Genres: Nonfiction

77 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Andrew Summers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost hilariously out of date and sexist.

[Christine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have given this book two stars only because of it's interest as an historical piece of writing. Originally published in 1969, this edition appeared in 2011 as Leo and Jilly Cooper celebrated their Golden Wedding and I was somewhat alarmed to read in Dame Jilly's foreword that she had removed the most dated of the advice, given that what is left is quite enough to make a modern womans eyes stand out on stalks as she reads.

I imagine the book was intended, to a large extent, to be humourous but it misses the mark even there. This may be because, as another reviewer points out, between the two editions of the book it transpired that Mr Cooper had been having an affair for several years; his mistress revealed this fact when she grew tired of Jilly forever writing about her perfect married life, apparently. The Coopers did stay married (eventually) but I can't help thinking that perhaps they shouldn't have. One of the most tasteless aspects of this title is its emphasis on how important it is to keep the man of the marriage happy, almost regardless of your own feelings; accepting back into her life a man who so comprehensively betrayed her seems to indicate she retained this attitude to the end. Although nobody ever really knows the truth about someone else's marriage, I suppose.

[Jonathan Maas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit out of touch with the times, but a good bit of history

In the introduction the author herself notes that this tale now hits with a thud against the modern era, and you have to understand that this was written long ago.

But once you understand that - and if you can get past this pre women's liberation tale that will probably even make the most unevolved male shake his head, it's great. Jilly Cooper has talent to spare, and I listened to it quickly. Great audio as well.

[Jo · Rating 1 out of 5]

I only read this because I'm going on a Jilly Cooper binge. Don't bother to read it expecting any real insight or advice - it's terribly outdated. Best approached as a historical artefact. It was short and trite and unfortunately not that funny. I love Jilly's novels, but this was a no for me.

[Lucie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank GOD for feminism (also wasn’t sure if this was satirical but alas I fear not)

[Franziska Self Fisken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amusing, but written before she experienced a big hiccup in her own marriage.

[Franziska Self Fisken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining , light and witty, but written before she experienced a major hiccup in her own marriage with Leo.

[Olivia Finlayson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this! I found it interesting and light. This is the book of marriage along the lines of “what to expect when your expecting” only its more like “what to expect to make a marriage work.” I know this came out years ago but I really think this book makes some great points. Still relevant 100%.

[Adri266 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Citane na zaklade vyzvy, hladala som nieco fakt prvoplanove. Je to kniha napisana v r. 1970, tak mnohe *rady* boli fakt smiesne. Nie zabavne, smiesne 😒 akoze navarit manzelovi, bud mu dostupna v spalni, od cistoty v dome zavisi stav manzelstva, atd.

[Rosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadly this how-to didn't work for me, but times were different back then... :)

[Poppy Jayne Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this read; very funny and genuinely insightful