16 Apr 2012

Book Review - The Stag and Hen Weekend by Mike Gayle



The Stag and Hen Weekend is the story of Phil and Helen, a couple in their thirties about to commit their lives to one another . . . that is of course if they can just manage to get through their respective stag and hen weekends (his: Amsterdam; hers: a country house and day spa in the Peak District) without falling apart. Told in the unique form of two separate stories that have common characters as well as themes and conclusion, The Stag and Hen Weekend can be read from front to back or from back to front putting the reader in the driver's seat as to which story they wish to read first. Feisty, fun and thought provoking.




My Review

I enjoyed this book so much I don't know where to start in telling you how fantastic this is.   I would have to say that this is more two stories that meet in the middle than one story and both equally as funny, sad and also romantic.  

I started off reading the 'Stag' side of the story, which follows Phil and his mates as they head off to Amsterdam.  It all starts out like a typical lads weekend until a few dramas unfold and things are not always what they seem.  I loved the friendships between the lads and especially the friendship between Phil and his mate Simon who has some revellations of his own.  

Moving over to the 'Hen' side of the story, which follows Helen as she heads off to a spa with her friends (and a future sister-in-law that she cannot stand).  All goes well until she bumps into her ex who seems to be around every corner.

Although you could read the Hen side first and the Stag side second, I felt like I read this story the right way around with reading the Stag side first.  In the Stag side of the story, there are a few questions that do get answered in Hen side. 

This was such a great romantic and funny chick lit I could not put it down.  Mike Gayle really knows how to write a really good chick lit story, especially when it comes to the woman's perspective. 

To see my video review, please see below - 




Best wishes 

Debs   :-)

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