Working Wonders

Unlike Jenny Colgan's usual light, village-based novels, this is mostly set in a rather depressing office in Coventry. While the main character, Arthur, is somewhat likeable, most of his colleagues are caricatured and unbelievable, and there use of 'strong' language became tedious after the first few pages.

There's also a very bizarre surreal side to the book, involving legends related to King Arthur. This doesn't fit at all with the rest of the book, and there's no explanation - other than, perhaps, Arthur going crazy. But that doesn't seem to be implied.

I'd have given it three stars but for a very unpleasant event towards the end of the book, with no foreshadowing and no apparent reason for its happening.

Really not recommended.

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A departure in theme somewhat for Colgan, with mythology mixing with romcom. It is the usual easy read, but some of the characters were a little too fickle for my liking. Still worth a read though!

Arthur works in a city planning office of the city council and has just been dumped by his girlfriend because he isn't ambitious enough. He's given the job of getting Coventry a place as City of Culture after defenestrating a photocopier. His dreams are occupied by images of horses and medieval heroism. Will he succeed and will he find love?

Pretty average chicklit with an interesting Arthurian reflection in the story. Funny and heartwarming in parts it's a quick read.

It took me a little while to get into this book but when I did I really enjoyed it. The ending was somewhat surprising.

Gently funny light romance distinguished only by its low-key Arthurian structure.

1.5

Very weird book. The cover claims that she (the author, I assume) is "very, very funny." Maybe she is, but I didn't see it in this book.