The title of the book I’m reviewing today, Prettier If She Smiled More, by Toni Jordan, made me bristle.
It conjured up days when making comments about a woman’s appearance was not only acceptable but considered alluring.
I can recall one social situation in my early 30s when out of the blue an older man in a group of people singled me out for attention by asking why an attractive woman such as me was not married.
The question brought the group chatter to a standstill and I was mortified.
The man meant no harm, I was sure of that — fortunately the practice of making such a public observation has gone by the board in more modern times.
The author had chosen the title of her book for a good reason and I found out quickly that I had worried needlessly because Prettier If She Smiled More is a gem.
The words just fall off the page as the reader is introduced to pharmacist Kylie, her mad mother, and brother and sister.
Kylie is old-fashioned, likes to tightly control her life, and loves her job, at which she excels.
Everything in Kylie’s world is going along swimmingly until one Monday, her job, her relationship with Colin, and her family, all begin to unravel.
This story is funny, hilarious at times, touching, uncomfortable and so timely.
We’ve all re-examined our lives in the light of the pandemic, and as Kylie’s unfolding dilemma shows, there is never a right time to start over.
This book digs down into what a woman’s lot in life is, her job, her love life, and the events that can change those things, especially when she does not want them to.
It also cleverly underlines the fact that when it comes to people, you should never judge a book by its cover.
Prettier If She Smiled More is published by Hachette Australia.
Advance copy supplied by Collins Booksellers, Shepparton.