The Forgotten Guide to Happiness - Sophie Jenkins

Blurb

Twenty-eight-year-old Lana Green has never been good at making friends. She’s perfectly happy to be left alone with her books. Or at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Nancy Ellis Hall was once a celebrated writer. Now eighty, she lives alone in her North London house, and thinks she’s doing just fine. But dementia is loosening Nancy’s grip on the world.

When Lana and Nancy become unconventional house mates, their lives will change in ways they never expected. But can an unusual friendship rescue two women who don’t realise they need to be saved?

Review

Lana's second book was rejected by her publisher, because heartbreak and bitterness aren't appealing. So Lana goes in search of a hero, a feel-good-factor; she meets Jack who offers to step in and be her fictional hero because then he gets to date her without the emotional mess. Jack has enough on his hands with his Stepmother Nancy, in the early stages of dementia, who the police deem too vulnerable to live alone. Lana broke without her advance offers to move in with Nancy to look after her and keep her safe in exchange for a place to stay. Seems everyone needs a hero, the question is what qualities really make a good one? 

This novel has heart, it's not your typical boy meets girl they live happily-ever-after story. It's funny, charming but it's also thought-provoking and full of spirit. Nancy is the life and soul of the book her zest of life, the way she commands attention and her ability to bring the other characters together is a joy to read. The scenes detailing her dementia and the way society treats a declining health are poignant. This quirky read written from a struggling writers point of view is certainly worth a read and guaranteed to keep you entertained on these gloomy grey days.  
  
Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Books UK for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.
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