Can life be too good? (Playing Away - Adele Parks)

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Playing Away - Adele Parks
Date:	28/09/02 (37 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Nice writing style, Entertaining

Disadvantages: Not keen on the language at times

A while ago, whilst looking on amazon.co.uk, I came across a special offer for 3 books (Larger Than Life, Game Over and Playing Away) by northern author Adele Parks. The first one I read, is this one, 'Playing Away'. The book promised to be a close up look at having an affair, but the design of the book did not make me think that it would be a serious look into the pros and cons of affair. I had an image of a Bridget Jones style character as the lead, only this time she is married.

The main character is a management consultant called Connie Green. Connie seems to have it all, a gorgeous loving husband, Luke, a good job (even though she hates it), and a wide supportive network of friends, who we are introduced to almost immediately. First, there is Sam, Connie's work colleague, an incurable romantic desperate to find Mr Right. In my mind she is like Val from ITV's Fat Friends. Then there is Daisy, seems a bit of a wet blanket at first, loves to hear stories of how Luke proposed to Connie. In my mind she is like Emily from Emmerdale, and then there is her sister Rose, who makes me think she is like Mandy Jordache from Brookside, Rose is mum to energetic twin boys, and married to City trader Peter. Rose is the mother of the group, but not someone that any of them feel they can confide in. Finally, the vamp of the group is Lucy. She works in the City and likes to play men at their own game, and enjoys casual flings without the commitment. Again, in my mind she is like Mia from Cutting It (was that what it was called). Everything is Connie's world seems peachy.......

Then Connie meets John Harding, a gorgeous, sexy, dangerous chancer. At a work conference, even though Connie is warned about his exploits, she feels drawn to him and starts to wonder if the man she married is really THE ONE! They only talk, which turns into flirting (which is apparently ok as you are not being unfaithful), which turns into a full blown affair, although
truthfully it is never anything meaningful, it is purely about sex. Connie loves the way he calls her Greenie, and how he tells her he wants her, but she fails to realise that he only wants her when there is nothing else on offer.

John becomes Connie's obsession, and the book takes us through the various stages of the affair in what is pretty graphic langauage at times. Even I was taken aback once or twice with the use of the 'C' word, which I always think is totally uncalled for. It does not add to the mood, and whilst I am far from prudish, the first time I came across it, I actually put the book down and could not decide whether or not I wanted to read anymore because I was worried that it was a sign of things to come.

The book does not just centre on Connie, but also on her friends, who all experience life changing events, whilst Connie is too wrapped up in herself to realise. One by one, the friends find out about the affair, and the consequences that follow, especially when she is found out by her husband in a way that made me cringe for her, and this was when I really started to feel for her character, as previously she had been so inconsiderate and selfish, when she thinks that nobody else can understand the feelings she is experiencing.

At times I would have slapped Connie had she been my friend, as even someone overcome with lust cannot be as stupid as she is. I can understand how someone can take over nearly every waking thought, but the story glosses over how she manages to still carry on the role of wife and lover with her husband, when she is being a complete trollop with John. At times, she seems to be 2 completely different people who bear no relation to each other, and whilst I agree you can change, I doubt it is to this extent.

I like Adele Parks writing style. She is a young attractive woman writing for young women, and she is in touch with the language and actions of todays 20-30 somethings. Whilst
I enjoyed the book, and have now lent it to my mum, and I dying to hear if she makes any reference to the language, I just never fully understood why Connie felt the need to risk everything for this man who promised nothing, and this is an area which I think could have been explored more, as I do not think citing boredom is enough of a reason.

If want a book which is entertaining, not too taxing and has generous helpings of sex then this is for you. It is fun, and does make you wonder at times...what if?? I have given away basic plot details, but there are many events which will shock and surprise you, and the ending will come even though you think that things have gone too far.

It does make you think though....CAN LIFE BE TOO GOOD?

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