by

Sandi Toksvig

 7 out of 10

Taxidermy, Gay Rights, Murder Most Foul, Feminist Frustrations, The Death of Marriage and the Futility of Religion are the grist of Toksvig's delightfully funny yet poignant novel, 'Flying Under Bridges'.

Adam and Eve in Edenford - what a classic concept! What courage!

Oh but this is no Eden for Eve and many a wife and mother will sob with delight as they realize they are not alone in the suburban non-existence that is so beautifully captured in this delightful story.

It is a comedy or at least comedy is used to provide a lot of light relief to a multitude of very serious issues that at times emerge in stark reality for this poor yet immensely gifted heroine. Racism, the plight of refugees, bigotry, sexism, feminism, gay rights, death, aging, youth suicide it is all there and it sneaks up on you as you laugh your way through the pages.

At times the plot seems to slow and the narration and people talking gets a little confusing - but that is a minor point.

The story revolves around the lives of two women who were friends at school. Unexpectedly they are reunited in their home town having followed dramatically different life paths.

Eve is the ever suffering wife, mother and carer for her own mother and Inge was an Olympic gold medallist and became a sports personality for the BBC.

The story begins with Eve writing to Inge from prison, as she awaits her trial for murdering her daughter's fiancé on the day of their wedding! (That's quite enough now as you will have to read the whole book to determine the how and why.)

I liked the way Toksvig has introduced small snippets of information early in the story that take on a whole new light later - her mad feline, Inge's partner, the car aerial and many other facets. You are, as in real life, not given everything at once, though you do have your suspicions aroused.

If you are a blinkered bigot and totally unforgiving of those who do not live the good and fanatical Christian life, you will not enjoy this BUT you may learn a bit about humanity if you persist.

If you get the chance listen to the unabridged audio version spoken by the author. Ms Toksvig does the works humor and pathos proud. A very skilled narrator - look out Pam Ayers!

© David K. Evans (2005)