Molly Hacker Is Too Picky! by Lisette Brodey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Brilliantly observational rom-com!
Very sharp and witty commentary of a single woman who won't settle for `Mr Anybody' ... and believes that, despite her cynical outlook on dating and romance, she deserves `Mr Right'. She'll fiercely fend off any attempts by others to make her settle.
Molly Hacker is not for compromising!
As a reporter for The Swansea Herald, Molly turns down the opportunity to be a press-pass-carrying socialite...in favour of doing the obituary column. She spurns the attempts of the manipulative Naomi (an awful, self-righteous, social-ladder-climbing, deadly-nightshade of a woman)... to be set up on a blind date with some man that Naomi is determined to match-make.
Yet, notwithstanding the machinations of the dreadful Naomi, as the story progresses Molly goes from zero partner-prospects to too many to handle. And still, despite her overwhelming choice of suitors, Molly remains determinedly picky, and wanders even into neurotic.
On the surface, Molly is a tough, feisty, no-nonsense woman, who is juggling several potential relationships in a skilful but considerate fashion. As each of her suitors is so very different from one another, and offers her different prospects, she appears to be making the best of each in a caring and pragmatic way. But beneath her cool exterior, she is pestered by memories of her lost `true love', and her own insecurities. This provides a wonderful contrast within her personality which makes you all the more curious ... what exactly will it take to make Molly happy?
I particularly enjoyed the snipey attitude illustrated in dialogue, the lovely comedic expressions - many of which are made as though she is talking-to-camera, like an aside to the narrative run - and the clever use of metaphor. I don't often laugh out loud, but this indefatigable character is both passive-aggressive, and vulnerable with her over-analyses.
What Molly's big problem seems to be is her inability to trust. An issue which I felt - without the succour of her irrepressible and flamboyant friend Randy - would most likely drive her insane!
With all of the men vying for Molly's affection, the suspense element kicked in as I tried to guess which of these very different characters was going to reach through to her. I also wondered... will any of them get there?
Now, to the best `fist-thump-on-table-triumphant-yell' section I have read in a long time. The Big Event. No spoilers here - so suffice it to say this was expertly delivered, tied up so many threads that the author wove in earlier chapters, and outcomed in a way you would never guess was coming. Really, I was thumping fist and shouting YES! ... Superb!
And just when you think you've had all the twists you can handle...wait `til the end. It's a brilliant turn of events, and settles the entire story in the most surprising denouement.
Recommended with a high Five!
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