Whatever Makes You Happy - William Sutcliffe

Gillian, Helen and Carol have been friends since their sons played together as toddlers which was more than thirty years ago. The topic they discuss most often during their monthly meetings are their grown-up sons who seem to have forgotten them. The mothers don't know how they live, what they think and, above all, why there are no grandchildren. When another Mother's Day comes and goes without even a card, they hatch a plan. They're going to descend on their sons unannounced and stay with them for a week during which they're going to find out what kind of men their boys have turned into. They won't be chucked out by their own flesh and blood, will ...  Read the complete review

I hadn't previously heard of William Sutcliffe before picking up his latest novel Whatever Makes You Happy. The blurb on the back sounded interesting and the front cover - a sofa with each side having a distinct ''his 'n' her'' feeling - drew me in further. I tend to prefer novels by female authors, but this reminded me of the 'lad lit' type books of Nick Hornby or some of Ben Elton's, so I looked forward to the read. The plot itself is one that would appeal to both male and female readers. Three men in their thirties are visited by their mothers, who arrive unannounced and inform their offspring they are staying with them for a week. The women feel they have ...  Read the complete review