Pity Party

by Daisy Buchanan

Katherine lives by the rules, ticks all the boxes and prepares for the worst, even while she hopes for the best.

Then the worst actually happens and, as she tries to navigate life as a young widow, it turns out she was not prepared at all.

Nothing scares Katherine more than stopping, but everyone insists she needs to take some time for herself. Head to a wellness retreat, they said. Enjoy some me-time, they said...

Except this retreat isn't the pity party she was hoping for. Instead of massages, she has erotic meditation, and instead of spa treatments she has scream therapy.

Katherine has never lost control in her life. In fact, she's fairly certain that if she starts screaming she might never stop.

But she's about to let go, and everyone had better stand back...

Hilarious, heartbreaking and honest, this is a story about learning how to stop playing it safe in a world that feels so dangerous - and showing up to the party, even when it feels impossible.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary, Literary Fiction, Romance, Mental Health, Ebooks, Audiobook

352 pages, Hardcover

First published July 11, 2024

Reviews

[Cara McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah this book was just such a gorgeous read, I adored all of the supporting characters (particularly Constance!) and I was gripped thrououghout. I especially enjoyed the chapters looking back at the past, as we slowly learnt more about Katherine and Ben's relationship.

It strikes a delicate balance between profound emotion and humour, offering a candid examination of love, loss, and the intricate web of grief. It held me captive from start to finish, seamlessly blending raw vulnerability with moments of levity. I am a bit grief stricken that it’s over

[Elle D’Arcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this book! It had everything, crying, laughing, twists, love love loved it!!

[Hanna El Shorbagy · Rating 2 out of 5]

ehhhh i didn’t like this much. i wasn’t attached enough to any character, there didn’t seem to be much purpose or meaning. I didn’t really feel like the protagonist was discovering herself or working in self improvement. there was no journey, just a beginning, lots of flashbacks, one reflective letter and then suddenly she’s a changed person?

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this. Katherine was a cool character and she met quite a few eccentric people along the way. I wanted to wrap Katherine in a big hug for the things she went through but then in equal measures wanted to yell at her for the decisions she made. The reason I was drew it straight away was the cover. I love purple and automatically get drawn to covers with purple in it. I would’ve liked dates at the top of each chapter as it was hard to keep track of where in the story we were and what had happened so far. I wasn’t keen on the ending. However I’m looking forward to reading more books from Daisy.

Thanks goes to net galley and the publishers for proving me with copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Georgia Esme · Rating 3 out of 5]

came hoping for murder, left contented with the lesbianism

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - 3.5? Er zat even een dipje in het midden van het boek, waardoor ik bijna stopte met lezen. Vond de hoofdpersoon soms echt te onsympathiek. Verder wel leuk geschreven.

[Lottie orme · Rating 4 out of 5]

wanted this book after a cute book seller in bridgnorth recommended it and wanted its light-hearted ness after reading the women.
it was a slow burner but it was worth it in the end. the story goes on to validate a different type of grief and it was very accepting but also hilarious. after 2 days reading it i recommended it to my mom.

[Shakira Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw this book in Waterstones, liked the cover, read the first page, and decided I was going to read it. For that reason, I really didn’t expect to enjoy this book as much as I did. But somehow it balanced unrealistic with wholly relatable. And it really took me by surprise when it made me tear up. An easy (Dolly Alderton adjacent) read. 4 stars.

[Mrs]

An odd one. Katherine has a successful career working to promote eco stuff, and after losing her husband, has a breakdown in a meeting and is sent on a retreat by her mother in law. It’s hard not to hear this in Daisy’s voice so despite being quite irritating, Katherine is very likeable, and you feel for her after all the terrible things she has been through, and root for her. Did not enjoy the retreat chapters.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit sceptical after reading some quite negative reviews, but this was actually a brilliant book! A well developed and complex character, and some surprisingly emotional moments throughout. At times the protagonist was very irritating, but that in itself perfectly underscored all of our normal imperfections, and felt acceptable after the multiple traumas experienced by the character. Overall, a surprisingly good book!

[Val Asker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third of the books that I bought at The Red Lion Books summer soirée last year, having met the author. And like the other two books it turned out to be a very good choice. I felt very satisfied when I’d finished it. At the beginning of the book Katherine is recently widowed and trying to come to terms with losing her husband Ben. She is a people pleaser, always trying to do the right thing, lacking confidence and always fearing the worst. Her mother-in-law Constance and her best friend Annabel talk her into attending a wellness retreat, much against her better judgement. Will her week at Cadwell Manor allow her to move on and find happiness?

I enjoyed this book for many reasons. Firstly I liked the way it was structured. The book starts with Ben’s funeral and ends when Katherine has left Cadwell Grange. Interspersed with the main narrative is the story of how Katherine and Ben met, became engaged, got married and set up home together. I liked the way the reader gradually finds out what the marriage is like at the same time as following Katherine through the retreat.

Secondly it is very well written in a witty style that was very amusing. It is very funny in parts, especially when Katherine is trying and failing to lead the perfect life. I was reminded of Bridget Jones and her diary! At the beginning of the book she dreams up a perfect morning regime of meditation, dressing immaculately and arriving early at work, but the reality is completely different as she falls asleep when meditating and ends up rushing into work wearing an unsuitable outfit.

I also both empathised and sympathised with Katherine. She was a believable character who had gone through a lot. I also really liked Constance who was so kind and well meaning, but also very funny. The other women at the retreat (there are five of them including Katherine) as well as Hema who runs the retreat and her dozy receptionist Sunny are all interesting characters who develop as the story progresses.

It was funny but also very sad in parts. I liked the setting of the retreat - I was reminded of the retreat in Nine Perfect Strangers - although it was definitely lacking in luxury! I was very satisfied with the ending. Reading Pity Party was time well spent.

[Eloise Stroud · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Katherine’s husband tragically dies, she knows that she should feel completely devastated. Yet she doesn't. Yes she is sad but she carries on going to work, keeping herself busy and living in a bit of a haze. After a disastrous meeting at work leads to forced time off and an intervention from her best friend and mother in law, Katherine is suddenly on a retreat to help her deal with everything that she is going through.

Daisy Buchanan has become an auto buy author for me. Witty, funny and heart-breaking at the same time, Pity Party is one for the contemporary fiction fans.

It took me a little while to warm to the FMC Katherine, I found her a little cold and unlikeable particular early on in the novel. As we discovered more about her past though, it was understandable why she was portrayed in this way and I ended up highly invested in her self development.

Without spoiling things, Katherine has been through a pretty tough time and she has been trying to carry on as normal for way too long, she is a people pleaser and with that puts herself last. Going to a retreat she is forced to look at herself, reflect on her past and realise that something needs to change.
Her wonderful mother in law Constance made me laugh so much, chaotically brilliant she adds some humour to the book and the relationship between her and Katherine was probably my favourite part of the whole thing.

Yet again another enjoyable read from Daisy Buchanan for me!




Trigger Warning *some of which may be considered spoilers
- Death of a spouse
- Miscarriage

[Rachael Bramwell-Poole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written—funny, heartbreaking, and relatable. The way the author captures emotion and grief made certain moments hit especially hard, and made me cry. The humor balances the heavier themes perfectly, making it a compelling and enjoyable read.

That said, the new romance toward the end felt a bit forced, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I’ve read similar books before—something in the style reminded me of “Really Good, Actually”. Still, this one is definitely worth picking up.

[Audrey Rooney · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book started off feeling a bit like an over-the-top rom-com, with situations that didn’t feel very believable. There was potential as we learned more about her husband and what they were going through, but it never really went deep enough. The wellness retreat angle could have been interesting too, especially in showing how vulnerable people can be exploited, but it wasn’t developed convincingly. Overall, not for me, though I can see others enjoying it more.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I was surprised how much I enjoyed this. Recently I have been disappointed with the books about this generation of 27 -35 year olds. so it was with trepidation that I pinked this one up.
Don't let the title mislead you. This book is about so much more than one person's self-pity.
I found it interesting, thought-provoking, sad, uplifting, life affirming, challenging and wonderful.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this was a 3 star read, but towards the end I liked it a lot more. The sentiment of grieving a relationship that was already gone was an interesting one and I liked the complex emotions it brought out in both the characters and in me. I found some of the characters (especially at the retreat) a little 2D but really enjoyed the flashback narrative style. Didn't realise until I finished that this is my second Daisy Buchanan book this year - definitely need to read some more.

[Tara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laughed, cried, rinse and repeat 💘

[Codie Wem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute lil holiday read! Strange to think of it in that way when it delves into some deep topics but through the humour and self deprecating anxiety driven monologue, it feels light.

[Ayesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet book, with a really nice ending about being vulnerable in love and life to get the best things out of both.

[Chloe Layton · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - nice easy read

[Aneets · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick read because I just wanted it over. Really disliked the main character and wanted to shake her the entire book. Completely unfunny. Don't recommend. 2 stars

[Katie Lawlor · Rating 2 out of 5]

*proof copy*

katherine is INSUFFERABLE. in every single chapter she says “i failed at __” or something about not being good enough/being unworthy of anything. this feels like a 16 year old’s mentality rather than that of a fully grown woman. i loved the characters around her who were so full of life and personality, but katherine just reminded me of a whiny child. i found it hard to pity her and just wanted to shake her!

it’s hard to call this a touching story about grief when her grief is barely touched upon and not explored very much, it just keeps coming back to katherine failing at being a wife/daughter-in-law/friend/employee/yogi etc. this was a disappointing read

[Rach · Rating 2 out of 5]

ending the book with a quote stolen directly from Notting Hill really was the worst

[L Powers (Bookish_Mum) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pity Party by Daisy Buchanan
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 11 July 2024

Katherine is the epitome of orderliness, following the guidelines, checking off every box, and bracing for the worst while quietly hoping for the best.

However, when the worst-case scenario materialises and she finds herself navigating life as a young widow, she realises her preparations were inadequate.

Nothing terrifies Katherine more than halting her relentless pace, but her loved ones insist she needs a break.

"Pity Party" strikes a delicate balance between profound emotion and humour, offering a candid examination of love, loss, and the intricate web of grief. It held me captive from start to finish, seamlessly blending raw vulnerability with moments of levity. I adored every page of it.

Katherine, our protagonist, is a truly endearing character—flawed, complex, and utterly lovable. I can't express enough how much I adored this book—it resonated with me on so many levels.

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group UK | Sphere, and the author, Daisy Buchanan, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review.

[Angela Watt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I regularly listen to Daisy's podcast - 'You're booked' and I've also read one of her previous novels so I was intrigued when I saw this latest book and the title grabbed my attention.

In Pity Party, we meet Katherine. She is a young widow whose husband dies in an accident. Katherine's adorable mother-in-law and best friend decide the best course of action is to send her on a retreat to help her deal with what on the surface looks like the grief she's experiencing following the recent changes in her life. But is Katherine ready to let out all the emotions she's holding onto and share them with the other retreat participants? What unravels is a book about loss, grief, guilt, love, motherhood, family and the importance of belonging and being brave enough to let go and discover who you are and what you truly desire.

On the surface, the story is not a complex one, but like a swan swimming, there's lots going on underneath.

Daisy is a contemporary writer who creates engaging flawed characters that the reader can connect with and where we recognise pieces of ourselves in their psychological make-up. Big issues and themes are handled with a light touch and humour. There were real laugh out loud moments in this book especially when Katherine embarks on some primal screaming during the retreat. As well as connecting with her, I loved the other characters in particular her mother-in-law, the retreat room mate from hell that we've all met in real life as well as the retreat leader.

This book certainly made me laugh, but it also has some poignant moments.

[KathVBtn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Daisy Buchanan's writing- she gets under the skin of her characters in such a skilful way you see them through so many different angles and different lenses and she makes them utterly human.

Pity Party opens with Katherine attending her husband's funeral - Ben has died in a tragic boating accident and she suddenly has to navigate life as a young widow. As the story unfolds, we find out more about their marriage and where it was heading, as well as Katherine's conflicted feelings about every aspect of her life, past present and future.

Her wealthy mother-in-law sends Katherine to an exclusive retreat for a week of massage, primal screaming and so much more. Katherine starts the week as a buttoned up, uptight woman who just wants to get through it all and get back to work, too scared to face any of her feelings head on. She can't stand her room-mate at the retreat but buries those feelings deep too.

As the week goes on, Katherine's barriers start to come down and she can look at her life from a fresh perspective, working out a little more about who she is and what she deserves out of life.

[Ashley Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, I must mention the audiobook narrator, Hannah Van Der Westhuysen, who brought such subtle but valuable changes to all of the characters. I’d love to listen to her again.

Katherine has recently lost her husband in a tragic boating accident, and due to her complex grief, she is on autopilot - beyond autopilot. When she essentially works herself to the bone, her mother-in-law and best friend step in and encourage her to seek time off at a wellness retreat during her mandatory work leave. The chapters alternate between her time married to Ben and her time post Ben in the present at the retreat, which I really liked. An honest and raw look at complex grief, and at how differently we all manifest our emotions. I also liked getting to know the other women at the wellness retreat, and getting to see how we are all more similar than we think in pain and self consciousness. Ultimately, I enjoyed this book and it really gave me pause when considering who we think we should be as opposed to who we are.

[andshe.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to reality where Katherine is as relatable as they come with her very own Pity Party. Hands up if you've been there.. where to you life is appearing a tad rubbish, it feels like nothing is going right but everything is going wrong and you kinda feel outta control.
🙌 Yes me!!

Daisy definitely has a way to turn what could completely be a tear jerker into something hilarious and full of wit. Not saying I didn't feel some emotion I did.. Katherine had a bit of a shi**y time really.

I loved the characters, Katherine was flawed, funny, endearing and generally a well built character. Constance was hilarious, what more could you want from a mother in law, supportive, bold, honest, and a bit damn chaotic 🤣

Overall a superb balance of happy and sad all in a well written and thought out storyline. Can't wait to read more by this author.

[Hannah Symonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Katherine’s life is mapped out, she thrives on being consistent in her life and not allowing anything or anyone to damage that. She is prepared for all eventualities. So when a tragedy happens, she is so shocked she had not even contemplated something like this happening. She does not know what to do in this situation. Katherine needs to get away and refocus and work out what she is going to do with her life but the retreat she is going to stay at is not exactly what she was hoping or expecting at all. It is a story of mixed emotions, there are parts when I was laughing but also sad moments. I liked Katherine from the off she reminded me a little of myself, how she deals with day to day life. It is a thought provoking read that is full of emotion and uplifting scenarios. A great read.

[Jo · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book really sort of bounced around for me. Overall, I found it to be slightly bland, predictable ‘chick lit’ in style, but then there some little nuggets of thoughtful and insightful self-reflection from the protagonist (Katherine). I feel like it could have been so much more but creative, commercially minded decisions ultimately steered away from anything too ‘real’ or too close to the bone.

Narrative arcs like the circumstances surrounding Ben’s death (suicide?) get touched upon but never developed, and the lives of the other women at the retreat never get explored in any real depth.

It kind of reads as though Buchanan was under contract to get something else out soon (to build on her momentum post-Insatiable) and this was the result.