Older and Wider by Jenny Eclair Book Review

Menopause.

A time in a woman's life that she may fear, dread and eventually come to despise.

Now you may be thinking why am I talking about it, I'm only in my thirties. Well.... 

Firstly, yes women are more known to hit this stage in life nearer their fifties, however you can be pre-menopausal years before that (and I believe I'm heading that way already). 

And secondly when I saw Jenny Eclair's latest novel Older and Wider being talked about over on Twitter, honestly I couldn't resist reading it if only for the humour factor.

A Survivor's Guide to the Menopause

If you are looking for medical advise, this isn't the book for you.

But if you are searching for some light relief, a little of bit of light at the end of the tunnel then this is guaranteed to lift your mood.

'The menopause is a weird one, as a woman you know that the likelihood of it happening to you is pretty inevitable, but no-one really tells you what to expect.'

So says Jenny Eclair, who, with her trademark humour, will share her experience of what can be a difficult time for many women, from the emotional side of life - missing the woman you were, the empty nest, mood swings - to the health aspects of the menopause, starring the hot flush and also periods (lack of), weight problems, insomnia and other issues. Upbeat and honest, Jenny shares her new-found hobbies, the joy of pets and how to make the best of the different but still-fabulous you.

Split into a sort of dictionary we go from A right up to Z, with a candid and comprehensive look into symptoms, medications, tips and tricks on how to deal with this somewhat taboo subject. 

Jenny says from the beginning she isn't a doctor but you can tell that this book is well researched. There is a brilliant mix of one liners moulded in with more serious matters. It's a refreshing read, I think in part because of just how open the author is, making it both relatable and informative.

'The trouble with overheating in bed and ripping off your nightie is that your partner thinks it's a sexy come-on and starts getting excited.'

Menopause isn't a bed of roses but Jenny manages to offer an abundance of reassurance.

This isn't a medical guide.

A know it all book.

What Jenny Eclair has written is something that is direct and relatable, something that will have you crossing your legs so you don't let out a little wee as you laugh with every turn of the page.

Lets be honest, women tend to dread the menopause (just as much as they dread their period turning up month after month) and with good reason.

Now Older and Wider won't take away all of the stresses of this quite frankly non-glamorous time in your life but it will turn some of the negatives into positives and make it all just a little bit more bearable by knowing that you most definitely aren't alone with those hot flushes and mood swings.

I will be recommending this to everyone that will listen.