Sarah Haywood - Cactus (John Murray Press)

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK 'I found myself laughing out loud at Susan's prickly character' Reese Witherspoon THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER | SHORTLISTED FOR THE BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD |

A RICHARD AND JUDY BOOK CLUB PICK People aren't sure what to make of Susan Green. Family and colleagues find her prickly and hard to understand - but Susan makes perfect sense to herself. Age 45, she thinks her life is perfect.

She has a London flat which is ideal for one; a steady job that suits her passion for logic; and a personal arrangement providing cultural and other, more intimate, benefits. Yet suddenly faced with the loss of her mother and, implausibly, with the possibility of becoming a mother herself, Susan's greatest fear is being realised: she is losing control.

And things can only get worse... At least in Susan's eyes. This sparkling debut is a breath of fresh air with real heart and a powerful emotional punch. In Susan we find a character as exasperating and delightful as The Rosie Project's Don Tillman.

An uncompromising feminist and a fierce fighter, it's a joy to watch her bloom. 'Quirky, poignant and extremely readable' Sunday Mirror 'Brilliantly comic' The Lady 'Wonderfully funny and astute' Red 'Funny, compelling, well-written...for fans of Marian Keyes who demand a bit of grit in their comic writing' Emerald Street I think everyone recognises a little bit of themselves in Susan -- Cari Rosen, author of The Secret Diary of a New Mum * Woman's Hour * One of the best books I've ever read, purely for the main character Susan - one of the best, most likeable, quirky, funny characters in any book I've ever read.

I couldn't have been sadder for this book to end. I don't want to give anything away but if you're going through any change in your life, not really sure what you're doing or feel a bit lost, this is the book for you.

* The Brighton Girl * Brilliantly acerbic... Told with the wit and intelligence of a modern Jane Austen * Linda's Book Bag * A witty tale of a unique and unforgettable woman who is learning to love and be loved.

It is a quirky, warm and entertaining read which certainly packs an emotional punch. * The Curious Ginger Cat * If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, then you'll love The Cactus żeby Sarah Haywood.