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The Great Husband Hunt
From the author of The Future Homemakers of America comes the hilarious and moving story of one unstoppable woman's unforgettable ride through an ever-changing century.... What hope is there for Poppy Minkel? She has kinky hair, big ears, skin that's too sallow, and an appetite for fun. Poppy's mother, Dora, despairs of ever finding her a husband, despite the lure of the family fortune offered by Minkel's Mighty Fine Mustard. Correctness, duty, and Dora Minkel Ear Correcting Bandages are the weapons in this husband hunt-and they serve as torture to a girl who has her own hazy ideas about beauty, love, and marriage. After the sudden death of her father, Poppy's rebelliousness bursts into full bloom. From one World War to the next, from New York to Paris, she'll invent her own extraordinary life with never a moment of self-doubt...as acclaimed author Laurie Graham treats us to a rollicking, exhilarating celebration of passion over prudence.
368 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
9 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Graham
41 books139 followersLaurie Graham was first published at the advanced age of 40. Gentle comedy is her style. She is the author of seventeen novels, including the best-selling The Future Homemakers of America and its sequel, The Early Birds
Mother of four, grandmother of many, Laurie is married to a New Yorker and lives in County Dublin, Ireland.
You can visit her website, read what she's up to and say hello at http://lauriegraham.com
Mother of four, grandmother of many, Laurie is married to a New Yorker and lives in County Dublin, Ireland.
You can visit her website, read what she's up to and say hello at http://lauriegraham.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 2, 2008
I really give this book a 3 1/2. The high parts of this rating I reserve towards the beginning of the book, but as the work progressed I became disappointed with the character of Poppy and the plot.
I initially loved this book. Hearing about Poppy's ackward appearance, her mother's shallow obsession with "fixing" her daughter for the "great husband hunt", and Poppy's rebellious nature made me laugh. I thought this book was going to be all about her mother's pushing for this perfect life and Poppy pushing back with unconventional adventures. That this "great husband hunt" would not have produced any husbands or children, just adventures, affairs, and eccentricities. So I was a little disappointed when Poppy did marry (granted it wasn't to a traditional socialite and it did lead to divorce).
In the beginning, Poppy was very naive but she told it like it was even though her Aunt and mother found her comments and behavior rude. I found her honesty very refreshing.
After WWI, Poppy's character crossed the line from this naive,lovable girl to an arrogant, rude young woman. In fact she didn't even seem human anymore. She seemed to have no connection with anyone, her mom, aunt, sister, husbands, and even her children. I thought she was a terrible mother. I could not get over how nonchalance she was when it came to her children. You would have thought that Poppy's experiences with her own shallow mother would have taught her that a mother's attitude has consequences on the happiness of her children. I heard more praises of love between Poppy and her dog than between Poppy and her children.
And if I had to hear one more time, "I'm a mustard heiress," I think I would have screamed. You would think someone would have taught her not to say that b/c 1) it's rude and 2) someone will take advantage of you.
Basically, I couldn't root for Poppy during the second half of the book and that's when my opinion of the novel fell short of the promising beginning.
I initially loved this book. Hearing about Poppy's ackward appearance, her mother's shallow obsession with "fixing" her daughter for the "great husband hunt", and Poppy's rebellious nature made me laugh. I thought this book was going to be all about her mother's pushing for this perfect life and Poppy pushing back with unconventional adventures. That this "great husband hunt" would not have produced any husbands or children, just adventures, affairs, and eccentricities. So I was a little disappointed when Poppy did marry (granted it wasn't to a traditional socialite and it did lead to divorce).
In the beginning, Poppy was very naive but she told it like it was even though her Aunt and mother found her comments and behavior rude. I found her honesty very refreshing.
After WWI, Poppy's character crossed the line from this naive,lovable girl to an arrogant, rude young woman. In fact she didn't even seem human anymore. She seemed to have no connection with anyone, her mom, aunt, sister, husbands, and even her children. I thought she was a terrible mother. I could not get over how nonchalance she was when it came to her children. You would have thought that Poppy's experiences with her own shallow mother would have taught her that a mother's attitude has consequences on the happiness of her children. I heard more praises of love between Poppy and her dog than between Poppy and her children.
And if I had to hear one more time, "I'm a mustard heiress," I think I would have screamed. You would think someone would have taught her not to say that b/c 1) it's rude and 2) someone will take advantage of you.
Basically, I couldn't root for Poppy during the second half of the book and that's when my opinion of the novel fell short of the promising beginning.
October 29, 2011
Poppy Minkel is a mustard heiress. And after spending her childhood under the thumb of strict vanity and duty by her mother Dora and Aunt Fish, she is all too prepared to spend her fortune doing whatever she wishes.
After the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, Poppy's feminine relatives oppress Poppy even more in their own unique ways. Her mother Dora devises a headband to flatten Poppy's ears against her head. But at least Poppy has plenty of fun colors to choose from. She's also forced to rub a whitening cream on her neck. Anything to stifle the imperfections that would certainly lead to Poppy's future as a spinster. But WWI changes the Minkel household. Frightened by the Germans, Dora schemes to change their last name from the Jewish "Minkel" to a more American "Minton" even though the family has been living in New York since 1890. But Poppy refuses to change her name and here her rebellion begins. Both Poppy and her mother volunteer in the war effort thus seeing less and less of each other. She ends up getting a job selling neckties at Macy's and there she meets Gilbert Catchings. She marries Gilbert and they move to Paris, France in 1921. Poppy begins her life there with becoming a pilot and a shop owner. She has a daughter named Sapphire who she promptly hands off to her sister Honey to raise back in New York. She continues flying airplanes and that is how she meets Reggie Merrick; an English lad who has weak ties to the Queen of England. She finds herself pregnant with Reggie's baby and goes back to New York. She leaves her second daughter, Emerald, with Honey as well. Dumping Gilbert, she moves to Reggie's estate in England and marries him. Sapphire and Emerald move to England later. After Poppy's abrupt status as "widow", she and her daughters move back to New York, barely escaping the Germans of WWII. Poppy opens an art gallery in New York and dives headlong into the business of art and fashion including clothes trés chic and facelifts.
The Great Husband Hunt is a hastily told story of the entire life events of a woman that isn't at all likable. Poppy is incredibly insensitive to all around her from her family and Jewish heritage to her children to an entire population of people during war. She exhibits an obtuseness that makes the reader wonder if she will ever grow and redeem herself. Unfortunately, the reader is left disappointed and a little miffed to find he's wasted his time on a fluff novel that's given his life no weighty value.
www.lostincodex.com
After the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, Poppy's feminine relatives oppress Poppy even more in their own unique ways. Her mother Dora devises a headband to flatten Poppy's ears against her head. But at least Poppy has plenty of fun colors to choose from. She's also forced to rub a whitening cream on her neck. Anything to stifle the imperfections that would certainly lead to Poppy's future as a spinster. But WWI changes the Minkel household. Frightened by the Germans, Dora schemes to change their last name from the Jewish "Minkel" to a more American "Minton" even though the family has been living in New York since 1890. But Poppy refuses to change her name and here her rebellion begins. Both Poppy and her mother volunteer in the war effort thus seeing less and less of each other. She ends up getting a job selling neckties at Macy's and there she meets Gilbert Catchings. She marries Gilbert and they move to Paris, France in 1921. Poppy begins her life there with becoming a pilot and a shop owner. She has a daughter named Sapphire who she promptly hands off to her sister Honey to raise back in New York. She continues flying airplanes and that is how she meets Reggie Merrick; an English lad who has weak ties to the Queen of England. She finds herself pregnant with Reggie's baby and goes back to New York. She leaves her second daughter, Emerald, with Honey as well. Dumping Gilbert, she moves to Reggie's estate in England and marries him. Sapphire and Emerald move to England later. After Poppy's abrupt status as "widow", she and her daughters move back to New York, barely escaping the Germans of WWII. Poppy opens an art gallery in New York and dives headlong into the business of art and fashion including clothes trés chic and facelifts.
The Great Husband Hunt is a hastily told story of the entire life events of a woman that isn't at all likable. Poppy is incredibly insensitive to all around her from her family and Jewish heritage to her children to an entire population of people during war. She exhibits an obtuseness that makes the reader wonder if she will ever grow and redeem herself. Unfortunately, the reader is left disappointed and a little miffed to find he's wasted his time on a fluff novel that's given his life no weighty value.
www.lostincodex.com
April 18, 2008
This is a fictional autobiography of Poppy Minkel, the heiress to Minkel's Mighty Fine Mustard. Poppy depicts her world with a disarming bluntness and a good laugh e.g. "No one can be expected to look at difficult art without a glass in one's hand".
Poppy's "memoir" begins with losing her father on the Titanic, barrels through WWI, the 1920s, the 1930s, WWII, the 1960s and ends with her observations in the late 1970s. Poppy's life proceeds at a dizzying clip. In contrast is Murry, her younger step-brother, who wishes to quietly garden. Poppy's friendship with Murray, most beloved of her family members, teaches her a great lesson as they meet and remeet: "In life you have to look ahead and not behind."
Graham's protagonist is not conventional, if you expect an ordinary historical romance will get more than you bargain for.
Poppy's "memoir" begins with losing her father on the Titanic, barrels through WWI, the 1920s, the 1930s, WWII, the 1960s and ends with her observations in the late 1970s. Poppy's life proceeds at a dizzying clip. In contrast is Murry, her younger step-brother, who wishes to quietly garden. Poppy's friendship with Murray, most beloved of her family members, teaches her a great lesson as they meet and remeet: "In life you have to look ahead and not behind."
Graham's protagonist is not conventional, if you expect an ordinary historical romance will get more than you bargain for.
January 11, 2009
It dragged a little in the middle but picked up the pace at the end, and turned out to be a worthwhile read.
April 9, 2014
A fun romp. Perfect diversion for a long airplane ride or bout with the flu.
July 22, 2017
If there was ever a character I just wanted to haul off and slap, it's Poppy Minkle. Not much else to add except that cover art has nothing to do with the book.
July 16, 2022
When her father dies on the Titanic and her bereft mother is left with no one to care about her, Poppy Minkel is suddenly absolved of onerous beauty regimes and social instructions needed for the the pursuit of a husband—no requirement for a husband now. With this opening, Grant takes us on the life journey of a remarkable woman of her time—made all more remarkable because of Poppy’s naivety and slow awakening to her own prowess. The writing is witty and engaging. Written in first person, it’s enjoyable yet cringe-worthy to follow the arc of Poppy’s life as she learns about men, the pursuit of her own pleasure, and her general nativity yet joy of the world around her. My only complaint about the book is that I don’t thing the title conveys the point of Poppy’s story. Husband hunting was certainly the point of her life initially, but her story diverges so much from the first chapters.
January 9, 2021
The back cover synopsis calls this "a hilarious and moving story of one unstoppable woman's unforgettable ride through an every-changing century".
I'm not sure what book that synopsis is for - it certainly isn't this one.
The main character - Poppy Minkel is one of the most unlikeable characters featured as a main character that I have ever seen. She is loud, rude, boorish and self-obsessed. But - to be fair - she fits in with almost every other character in the book. There isn't one single character in this book that I liked, with the exception of young Harry her step-brother, and by the end of the book the author has destroyed him and his character beyond compare.
Do yourself a favor - don't waste your time with this one.
I'm not sure what book that synopsis is for - it certainly isn't this one.
The main character - Poppy Minkel is one of the most unlikeable characters featured as a main character that I have ever seen. She is loud, rude, boorish and self-obsessed. But - to be fair - she fits in with almost every other character in the book. There isn't one single character in this book that I liked, with the exception of young Harry her step-brother, and by the end of the book the author has destroyed him and his character beyond compare.
Do yourself a favor - don't waste your time with this one.
January 8, 2021
Not a book i would normally have come across, an elderly neighbour lent it me and it sat on my shelf for a few months. I Only made it my first read of the year because I thought I should give it her back. Now wishing I’d read it sooner. I loved it. The subtle humour made me smile, I did get annoyed with Poppy for her selfishness but she was a survivor who didn’t care what anyone thought. An enjoyable read and I will miss the characters.
January 6, 2022
I so rarely abandon a book, thinking there will be something to redeem it, but The Great Husband Hunt didn’t warrant pursuing. This was a disappointment as I have enjoyed several of Graham’s other novels. The book started off promising; funny, intriguing, and with enjoyable characters. By page 160, Poppy was a spoiled, clueless, rude protagonist and I was finished with her. Not recommended. Really 0 stars…
February 7, 2021
Honestly, I didn’t expect to love this book...and ended up finding the story of Poppy truly moving. She’s the hero of her own life, even if she doesn’t remain the hero of ours. A beautiful, epic read about family, inherited trauma, and choice.
April 30, 2025
Loved the author's voice but really didn't like how the MC's story progressed. It got worse and worse, and I really disliked her by the end. Talented author, just really didn't like how this one played out.
August 9, 2019
I didn't finish.
December 24, 2019
Funny, crazy, and moving. I enjoyed reading it!
June 2, 2011
Poppy Minkel comes of age in the last years of the Great War, her father having died aboard the Titanic. She is from the great Minkel Mustard family and partial heiress to a fantastic mustard fortune. And her mother and aunt would like to see nothing less than her married off safely. But Poppy has other plans. She longs to go on adventures and be a self-defined and independent woman like her spinster aunt. She joins the war effort and meets other independent women and begins a life filled with rebellion, fashion, self-indulgence and love, flitting from one whim to the next. The trouble is, will Poppy ever recognize what wonderful familial roots she already has before it’s too late?
This story of Poppy within the story of American history through the years is at once both hilarious and depressing. On the one side of the spectrum, Poppy is a vibrantly vivacious character – never stopping and never stopped by anything in her way. She simply does precisely what she wants, whether it’s learning to drive and fly or opening a boutique in Paris. She never quite grows up, or even recognizes that she has responsibilities. This is the other half – she never realizes the wonderful things she has. She alienates her own children to the point of infurating the reader, leaving her daughters to be raised by their aunt and grandmother. She uses and discards people without even realizing it. There were points in this novel I wanted to reach through the barrier of fiction and slap her in the face.
As for the writing, Graham has created a fantastic voice for Poppy. You can’t help but continue reading, despite the antics of Poppy and those she surrounds herself with. A subtly dark humor pervades every page and keeps you rigidly on the border between rollicking laughter and outraged horror. I’m not sure if I’m ready for another of Graham’s books, but I definitely want to read them at some point.
This story of Poppy within the story of American history through the years is at once both hilarious and depressing. On the one side of the spectrum, Poppy is a vibrantly vivacious character – never stopping and never stopped by anything in her way. She simply does precisely what she wants, whether it’s learning to drive and fly or opening a boutique in Paris. She never quite grows up, or even recognizes that she has responsibilities. This is the other half – she never realizes the wonderful things she has. She alienates her own children to the point of infurating the reader, leaving her daughters to be raised by their aunt and grandmother. She uses and discards people without even realizing it. There were points in this novel I wanted to reach through the barrier of fiction and slap her in the face.
As for the writing, Graham has created a fantastic voice for Poppy. You can’t help but continue reading, despite the antics of Poppy and those she surrounds herself with. A subtly dark humor pervades every page and keeps you rigidly on the border between rollicking laughter and outraged horror. I’m not sure if I’m ready for another of Graham’s books, but I definitely want to read them at some point.
March 1, 2013
This book started out great. The writing is excellent, and I really got a feel for the life and times our main character Poppy lived in. And in the beginning, I liked Poppy too! She was naive, awkward, rebellious, and determined to be as modern as possible. Instead of growing into an independent, modern woman, she lives the life of a spoiled, shallow, insensitive rich girl who spends her time partying, blowing off her family, having an affair, abandoning her children, and generally just being self-centered and unlikable. It was an absolute chore to get through this book, and I only read it through to the end because I thought for sure Poppy in her later years would gain some wisdom and become a decent person. Unfortunately I was disappointed. Her later years are mostly filled with her holding on to old grudges and getting face-lifts. What a disappointment.
September 22, 2010
I enjoyed this book because I found myself laughing out loud at the absurd twists and people throughout this book. Poppy was the poor little rich girl who definitely had a right to some issues. Her father drowns on the Titanic, Her mother and aunt berate and belittle her, and her sister is the family favorite. Laurie Graham puts a gloss over everything -- both good things and bad things. Poppy abandons her children, Poppy gets beaten by Gil, and it all gets the same light touch. Poppy becomes more likeable as time goes by, but she couldn't live a more fantasy life. Wonderful Murray and his haikus and his love for Poppy indicates to the reader that Poppy can be worthy of love. I was glad I stuck with it and finished it.
August 21, 2014
If I'd rated this book halfway through, I might have given it four stars - but I did feel a bit let down by the last few chapters.
Poppy isn't a particularly likeable person, yet the author manages to make us stick with her anyway. She grows up in a fairly loveless house where she's poorly educated and poorly informed. She doesn't seem too bright either! The result is that she stumbles through adult life with only a hazy understanding of the people and events around her - which can be quite comical. It becomes obvious, as the book progresses, that Poppy is emotionally stunted too - she doesn't seem to know what love or affection is.
The ending was happy in a way, but I had hoped it would resolve differently.
Poppy isn't a particularly likeable person, yet the author manages to make us stick with her anyway. She grows up in a fairly loveless house where she's poorly educated and poorly informed. She doesn't seem too bright either! The result is that she stumbles through adult life with only a hazy understanding of the people and events around her - which can be quite comical. It becomes obvious, as the book progresses, that Poppy is emotionally stunted too - she doesn't seem to know what love or affection is.
The ending was happy in a way, but I had hoped it would resolve differently.
April 30, 2015
Poppy Minkel butuska, naív kislányként indul, de később eléggé öntörvényű, önző világi nő lesz belőle. Ennyi a jellemfejlődés. Szórakoztató, egyszer olvasható, gyorsan felejthető regény. Az első szám egyes személyben elmesélt történet azért nagyon messze van Nick Hornbytól és Helen Fieldingtől, pedig az Independent velük ajánlotta, én is ezért csaptam le rá, amikor megláttam a könyvtárban (még szerencse, hogy nem vettem meg). De ehhez képest csalódás volt a mű, pedig jól indult, érdekesen. Talán még a mellékszereplők (anya, nagynéni, mostohatestvér), adtak némi színt a dolognak.
Részletek:
http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
Részletek:
http://olvasonaplo.net/olvasonaplo/20...
February 10, 2010
Not the rollicking ride I expected. A rather sardonic view of marriage and womanhood in the first half of the 20th century, with an emphasis on the earlier years. A very unflattering portrait of Poppy throughout--rich girl who goes through life discarding children, feeling she's a victim, throwing her money around, believing she's a modern woman. Well, she was an aviatrix, which seemed out of place. The writing was a bit stilted and too elementary. It never seemed to get very deep, but maybe that was the point--Poppy wasn't deep. Still, an enjoyable book.
June 11, 2011
To be upfront, I didn't finish this book. I grabbed it at the library because I couldn't get the one I wanted. Never a good formula for me.
This told the story of Poppy who came from privilege but had terrible family relationships. The first half of the story (all I could stomach) was set at the turn of the century and during her coming of age. In a nutshell she was ignorant and self serving in all she did. In her defense she had no examples to be any other way.
I just hate how an author can write a story with a protagonist so void of meaning and goodness yet the book gets rave reviews.
This told the story of Poppy who came from privilege but had terrible family relationships. The first half of the story (all I could stomach) was set at the turn of the century and during her coming of age. In a nutshell she was ignorant and self serving in all she did. In her defense she had no examples to be any other way.
I just hate how an author can write a story with a protagonist so void of meaning and goodness yet the book gets rave reviews.
May 8, 2009
This book has all the elements I love -- lots of historical bits weaved in, portraits of female life during the 1920's & 30's, great cities as backdrops, rich upperclass people and their quirky ways, and of course an eccentric & lovable main character.
Or at least she started out that way. The main character slowly ruined the whole book for me because although she started out lovable, she progressively got mean and selfish. It was disappointing.
Or at least she started out that way. The main character slowly ruined the whole book for me because although she started out lovable, she progressively got mean and selfish. It was disappointing.
January 21, 2010
The jacket blurb described this book as "wildly funny," which is quite an exaggeration. I found the main character, Poppy, disturbingly selfish, naive, and willfully ignorant. The story spans the 20th century, from the wreck of the Titantic to about the late eighties, but history is given only passing attention. The likable characters were given short shrift. I can't say I hated it, but Poppy's complete lack of remorse left a bad taste in my mouth.
June 5, 2011
Worst title and cover ever. I picked this up in the neighborhood free box, and it was a very light, enjoyable read. I guess I'm pretty forgiving, because I found the main character decently likable. So, she was selfish, but her kids were a bore, I understand where she was coming from. I liked the simple style of writing well enough; it went fast and is a refreshing read between heavier, more serious books.
August 12, 2012
The cover photo is so deceiving that I was confused when I started reading this book. The book starts with the sinking of the Titanic, but the cover looks more like the 40's. The story follows one woman throughout her life. It's at times tedious and at times quite good. It's somewhat predictable, and I didn't always like the author's voice. It was an OK read, nothing remarkable, but solid and interesting.
July 10, 2009
I really enjoyed this book until about halfway through. The author really hurt this story by turning the main character into someone who was so selfish. I gave the book four stars because aside from the main character the author did manage to create a great cast of characters, including Murray and his haiku writing.
February 9, 2010
It could have been much better than it was. I just didn't care for the main character, Poppy Minkel. That is, I liked her as a child, but I thought she turned into a selfish and unsympathetic adult. I couldn't believe that Poppy the child and Poppy the adult were the same person. I kept asking myself, "Who IS this?"
September 27, 2014
I was bored w/ this book. I also would loose track of characters and Poppy (main character) got on my nerves. This is probably one of the worst books I've ever read, if I would allow myself to quit reading a book once I've started it...this would be one of those books. I didn't even want to give it 1 star!!!!
May 23, 2015
I did not like this book as much as I DID like "The Future Homemakers of America." There was no endearing or redeeming quality about Poppy Minkel... as soon as she met Gilbert (a SIN that Gilbert Blythe has to share a name with him), the book went downhill. And fast. It's been taking up valuable space on my bookshelf for years. Wish I would have just donated it a long time ago.
February 10, 2020
HEADS UP!! ::::isn’t this the same book as “The Unfortunates”?::::::
Sure wish the publishers would warn us so we don’t purchase twice! Good thing I read the synopsis - I love Laurie Graham’s work and usually just buy anything she writes without checking too closely.
FYI - Other UK authors who have alternate titles for some of their novels published in USA are Marcia Willett and Roisin Meaney.
Sure wish the publishers would warn us so we don’t purchase twice! Good thing I read the synopsis - I love Laurie Graham’s work and usually just buy anything she writes without checking too closely.
FYI - Other UK authors who have alternate titles for some of their novels published in USA are Marcia Willett and Roisin Meaney.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews