Sunday, August 30, 2009

Bed Rest: Sarah Bilston


Q is a twenty-something year old woman who has it all: high profile law career, devoted and successful husband, and a cramped apartment in New York City. On the "Modern Woman's List of Things to Do Before Hitting 30," there's just one more item to check off and that's to have a child. Getting pregnant was easy, as were the first 6 months. However, at a regular check-up, it is discovered that Q is not creating enough amniotic fluid and the baby may be in distress. Apparently the only cure for this condition is the old tried-and-true Victorian era method of bed rest. The Woman On The Go becomes The Woman On The Sofa. What ensues is a hilarious and sometimes touchingly poignant story of figuring out what's really important.

At first Q approaches her assigned bed rest with vigor. After all, who wouldn't want a free ticket to be a sloth?! She is waited on hand and foot and absolutely no one demands anything of her. She checks her email, watches re-runs of daytime TV, eats whatever she wants...it seems ideal. Then the third day rolls around and she finds herself bored out of her mind. Q gets herself involved in a neighborhood battle over black mold, and finds herself in the middle an extra-marital affair between her assistant and another lawyer. To add to the hilarity, Q is a Brit expat who has to frequently deal with the misunderstandings of her competitive family.

This was another piece of inconsequential chick-lit, but it was definitely entertaining. I found myself laughing out loud at parts, and wanting to holler at the characters in other parts. Rest assured, there's a happy ending with a healthy baby boy.

4 comments:

  1. Great review, Chrissey! You are a good writer yourself!

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  2. Her new book is just out and is a followup called Sleepless Nights, and is very good too!

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  3. Hi Chrissey,
    I'm actually the publicist for Sarah Bilston's new book and would be glad to send you a copy if you'd like to review it too. Can you email me directly at suzanne@shrevewilliams.com?
    Thanks!
    Suzanne

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  4. Hey thanks! I assume Sleepless Nights must be about what happens after the delivery. I'll have to look for it!

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