Suddenly Single at Sixty

by Jo Peck

An uplifting, witty and hilarious memoir about the road from the shock and despair of a sudden marriage break-up to a fabulous new life.

Dumped by her husband of twenty-five years, Jo Peck-smart, successful and sixty-is totally floored. There's the complete bombshell of the news, the cliche of a younger woman-a much younger woman-there's the disappointment of cancelled retirement travel plans, and there's the foundation-rocking loss of her sense of identity-if she's no longer Rex's wife, who the hell is she? She's lost and angry and hurt and confused. But not for long! There's the comfort and support of excellent friends and newly forged connections with extended family, there's therapy. And there's internet dating.

This inspiring, witty and at times hilarious memoir tells the story of the road from shock and despair to an unexpected new life, of friendship, romance and racy sex-proof that being suddenly single at sixty is not the end, it's an opportunity for a fabulous new beginning

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Australia, Biography Memoir

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am always excited to read the adventures of protagonists to women who are closer to my age. These are real life gritty stories, and as we grow older and wiser, they seem to be told with a rare and complete up your bum, this is how it is vibe. I find this to be so refreshing, relatable and solid. A ‘real’ story, yes a memoir but it is more. Jo seems to be able to cut through the bulls!$t and just says it. My observation is we understand ourselves more, what we witness from others to be unacceptable is more astute, and our treatment of these people even more so.

I am continually surprised at the calibre of writing that I am encountering when reading about relationships ending at this stage of life. Having just read Loving My Lying, Dying, Cheating Husband which shows similarities, the ability to not only pick oneself up from a hard event, but to then translate this to the page with quality and readability is commendable.

The author tells her story of a tumultuous relationship, your typical push pull angsty and twisty from the get-go. This was his second marriage, and the way we see him smash it to bits after 25 years was awful. Clearly seeing this man as some kind of sociopath (perhaps I’m judging too harshly) but as the story unfurls, we see his actions from day dot, and the way Jo begins to realise this circumspectly, we rejoice with her as she accepts this man is a complete dud.

Her friends knew this was the case, controlling her in a quiet way which I think was not always obvious, uninterested in the deeper parts of Jo the person, the stories she told about his complete disinterest were very sad. Jo was the main bread winner, he had not surprisingly retired early while she kept working in a wonderful business she built from the ground up. What did he do here? He went for all he could get their final scene together as galling as always.

Jo is upfront, funny, and quite self-effacing, the dating stories humorous and realistic, and her quest to find a new partner equally as candid and real. This book is extremely relatable as I age; this relatability need not be for women who are cast aside by uncaring spouses, it relates to all parts of women’s self-esteem, relationship issues, ageing, and finding your feet. This was a refreshing read.

With many thanks to Text Publishing for my physical copy to read and review.

[Neens West · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love taking a peak into other people's lives and that is what made me spontaneously select this memoir from the shelf at Dymocks. Acknowledgments listed Lee Kofman as part of the editorial team, and it is published by TEXT, so it came with trustworthy credentials. That persuaded me to pay $36.99 for it.

I read it in a day and it was a great reading experience. The writing is pacy and Jo Peck is open and honest: from the pain of her marriage implosion, to how she navigates the fallout at a stage in life when everything is meant to be sorted. We get an insight into being on the apps at 60, and renegotiating your retirement plans when the rug is pulled from under you.

I particularly liked the Melbourne backdrop.

GenX / Boomers probably the target audience but it's always good to see how the other generations navigate life.

[Alison Ivey · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was an ok and quick holiday read. I didn't find it at all funny despite the reviews and I got a bit tired of all the introspection even though it was expected. It was a relief to get to the end.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 Stars⭐️
Suddenly Single at Sixty is a true story and a wonderful read. I felt for Jo, she was so close to retiring and looking forward to exciting travel plans with her husband Rex when he drops a bomb!

Jo Peck has shared her journey of suddenly becoming single after just having celebrated her 25th wedding anniversary, which was a complete shock to her. In hindsight the betrayal opened up an opportunity to build a better and happier life.

This memoir is sad, funny, uplifting and filled with very raw honesty. I loved the way Jo was relatable and upfront, she tells of her relationship with her husband and how she was manipulated for so long. There are some great travel and fashion moments and that sexy massage scene.. well what can I say! 🫢🙈

Good riddance Rex!

An inspiring book for women who find themselves having to start over at any age and/or a great gift for a friend going through a gut wrenching separation.

Publication Date 30 April 2024
Publisher Text Publishing

Thank you to the lovely people at Text Publishing for a copy of the book.

[Text Publishing]

The following reviews have been shared by Text Publishing - publisher of Suddenly Single at Sixty:

‘Sharp, sad and ultimately triumphant memoir…A familiar sort of story, but Peck writes with great candour and wit and there are some surprise developments along the way that make this journey well worth taking.’
Age/SMH

‘A hilariously uplifting memoir about what happens when your marriage suddenly ends.’
Herald Sun

‘In the world rife with ageism, Jo Peck’s defiant memoir shows that turning sixty has nothing to do with turning your back on sex, love, or any other passions. The vitality, wit and sheer exuberance of this emotionally honest and compelling book is infectious; it's a nourishing work.’
Lee Kofman

‘Fresh and funny—best-friend material.’
Hannie Rayson

‘You don’t need to be sixty or older to find support, humour and hope here...This is the sort of book you will not only enjoy, dumped or otherwise, but find yourself buying multiple copies for friends going through tough times.’
NetGalley review

‘There’s the bombshell of the news…The disappointment of cancelled retirement plans…And the foundation-rocking loss of [Jo Peck’s] sense of identity. And yet this is an uplifting, witty and hilarious memoir.’
Avenue Bookstore

‘It’s open, honest, only mildly filtered…And it’s a wonderful book to read. No, Jo isn’t perfect (thank Gods!), she gets anxious the same way Bridget Jones and me did in her twenties, her body is not in its twenties, but damn, this woman has some ovaries! I smiled. A lot. I felt for her. A lot. This memoir is a rare specimen that manages to be both interesting and well written.’
NetGalley review

‘Gut-wrenching and inspiring…[Jo Peck] clearly has a way with words.’
Bec Wilson, Prime Time

‘5 stars. If ever there was a manual for surviving a marriage breakup at 60, this is it…Peck provides a candid account of the hurt and betrayal that she worked through to find her final acceptance of a second chance at a good life, while remembering the good times, and consigning the bad times to history.’
Good Reading

‘Peck writes engagingly, and with a delightful humour. She delves into the nitty-gritty of relationships in a direct and authentic way. And most charmingly, she describes a mostly positive experience in online dating…Thought-provoking, raising questions around marriage, relationships, and female self-identity.’
GLAM Adelaide

‘Honest and endearing…Whether you relate to this personally or know someone going through a break-up, prepare to be inspired. Peck’s hopeful and heartfelt journey is a blueprint for resiliency and reinvention after separation—whatever your age.’
Weekend Australian

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Jo Peck and Net Galley for my ARC of this book, to be published on 30 April.

Jo Peck, at the age of sixty, was completely blindsided by her husband’s announcement that he was seeing someone else and wanted to end their marriage. As this wonderfully frank and free-flowing memoir progressed, however, I couldn’t help but think he had done her an enormous favour. I’ve seen a few friends over the years tied to men who establish the ground rules for a relationship by making sure their ‘moods’ set the tone of each day; that their default setting in response to all suggestions is ‘no’, and who have made gaslighting into an art. It is obvious from Jo’s writing that her friends could see him much more clearly than she did. That she wasn’t broken by him and is able to focus on memories of their good times bears witness to her resilience and strength of character.

Jo had a highly successful career in advertising with her business partner, Eliza, and she had several good friends. She also has a wonderful, self-deprecating sense of humour and, reading between the lines, it is obvious that she is very attractive. Outside of her marriage she was confident and appealing in her relationships with others.

Jo’s honest remembrances of her attempts at online dating are often funny and sometimes heart-wrenching. She is searingly honest and self-aware and at her raunchiest she could almost rival Erica Jong, although not really, but when you get to her massage sessions you will see what I mean: Jo is not afraid to reveal some of her most intimate secrets.

This memoir is intelligent and funny and a celebration of optimism and hope. Jo at sixty was knocked down by a nasty blow, but she picked herself up, dusted herself off and started all over again. And how! If I had a seal of approval I would stamp it on this book.

Published by Text Publishing

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don’t know why they publicise this as hilarious and funny. It’s neither. It’s real, heartfelt, honest and packs a punch.

[Sherry Mackay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just nah! Not terribly interesting or introspective. I did finish it but no…

[Seana Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Humourous and thought provoking account of the author being left high and dry by her husband at 60. How she rebuilt her life - for the better.

[Sonia Bellhouse]

I wouldn’t quite describe it in terms of the burb. I think being suddenly single and dumped is a fairly common experience no matter what our age. Of course, it was a shock and Jo was lucky enough to have supportive friends who rallied around as well as a fairly comfortable lifestyle and income. I found her online dating experiences relatively tame, having fished in the same swamp!

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an entertaining and honest memoir about what happens when you do find yourself single at 60 and not by becoming a widow! Jo Peck wrote this book with honesty and didn't hold back on her feelings at being replaced by a younger woman. Navigating friendships, work and life changes so much when you are suddenly on your own.
It was amusing to read about venturing into online dating and the pitfalls and situations that eventuated through that exercise.
I really enjoyed reading this memoir and Jo did an excellent job. 5 stars from me.
Thank you to Net Galley and Text publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review purposes.

[Naomi Shippen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title suggests, the memoir focuses on the end of Jo’s marriage, and having to adjust to single life at the age of sixty.

Jo has a wonderfully engaging writing style that had me turning the pages in record time. Her story is very raw at times and is told with great vulnerability and humour.

I love this trend of mature age women telling their stories and taking center stage at a time when they have been rendered invisible by mainstream society. Rather than the post-fertility years being considered the end of a woman’s life, this uplifting and life affirming memoir proves it can be just the beginning.

[Zina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read against the current back drop of domestic violence and homelessness I couldn’t help but think Ms Peck was very lucky to come out of her relationship with her business, friendships and housing options, even her sex life, in tact. I lost a business, home, friends and family but still have my husband of 40+ years so there are parallels I guess. Sometimes it felt like it smacked of middle class privilege! She is not the only one who has been left for a younger woman. She should be grateful to be done with Rex the Ex. I agree, the cover and title are frivolous and belong 'in the 60's'!

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. Nice to hear about later life being single but nothing moved me. As someone who lost my partner while many of my friends are married with kids thought it may be moving but nothing really stuck

[Jennifer C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average. Nigel Marsh retells the travails of unexpected change at 60 much better - and they’re both advertising writers. I was disappointed with this tale.

[Bjørn · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I m sixty-three years old and this morning I had the best sex of my life.”

Yes, I just spoiled the ending. I always try to write spoiler-free reviews, but how do you do that with a memoir? Almost made it for the release day – I’m one day late, story of my life. Suddenly Single at Sixty is a memoir of a, well, sixty-year-old woman whose husband, out of the blue, decided to swap her for a 26 years younger model. As the book progresses, Jo realises that their marriage hasn’t actually been all that great… and maybe Rex did her a favour.

She throws herself into the online dating world with joy and fervour I don’t think I could possibly exhibit (or feel) at 46. This is actually why I picked the book from NetGalley (I received a free review copy from NG, which did not influence my thoughts or review) – I thought, whoa, suddenly single at sixty is going to be ROUGH. After literal decades together, how do you shed the shared habits, tastes, conversations, non-conversations, friendships, favourite places…? I’ve ‘only’ been with my husband for 12 years (and he is NOT going anywhere, neither am I, but then, Jo thought the same thing) and I couldn’t imagine living without him. Jo couldn’t either. Until she tried. And tried. And gave no f*cks. (I think the number of f*cks, i.e. f-bombs in the book is one. I’m the vulgar, unpolished one here.) Sometimes briefly depressed, sometimes just unused to her new life, in a brave search for, well… a REAL new life.

I tend to hate memoirs, the reviews of which talk about ‘raw, unflinching, gut-wrenching’ etc. Suddenly Single at Sixty is none of those things. It’s open, honest, only mildly filtered… I mean, see the first sentence… and it’s a wonderful book to read. No, Jo isn’t perfect (thank Gods!), she gets anxious the same way Bridget Jones and me did in her twenties, her body is not in its twenties, but damn, this woman has some ovaries! I smiled. A lot. I felt for her. A lot. This memoir is a rare specimen that manages to be both interesting and well written.

In terms of criticisms… I don’t really have any. Suddenly Single at Sixty is just a very good book with re-read potential. (Hopefully not due to me finding myself suddenly single at sixty…) If you love memoirs, can deal with the idea of a sixty-three years old woman having The S-E-X (apparently the publisher had a problem with the massage scene… you’ll get there…) like some teenager with skincare straight from TikTok, and want to see a new life unveil at the time when it’s supposed to start settling into “and they lived indifferently forever after” – and you like unexpected drops of dry humour showing up at the most unexpected places – which I happen to like, all of what I just listed… I couldn’t recommend this book more.

Is Suddenly Single at Sixty a life-changing masterpiece? No. Er. I mean…not yet. Hopefully not. It’s uplifting and made me second-hand happy (just in case it turns out to be a life-changing masterpiece…) It wasn’t actually finished until three years after that first sentence, and… oh, enough spoilers. Just read it!

Score: 8.5/10 rounded down to 4/5 for Goodreads

My ratings:
5* = this book changed my life
4* = very good
3* = good
2* = I probably DNFed it, so I don't give 2* ratings
1* = actively hostile towards the reader

[Jennifer Larmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a no-holds barred memoir of an older Aussie woman who believes she has it all - a well-paid and fulfilling career, an exciting marriage to a familiar and just as thrill-seeking husband, a memory-filled past to look back on with a smile along with a promising future as that much-awaited retirement period looms - until the unthinkable happens … that same husband and loyal travel companion whose aspirations and dreams always seemed to match hers suddenly delivers the biggest bombshell - he’s in love with a woman nearly thirty years his junior and is chomping at the bit to try out those lush, greener pastures full-time.
The writing is poignant and funny, open and heartbreaking, and grabs you within the first few paragraphs as the author takes readers down that unfamiliar and scary path of divorce and suddenly being alone again with all those long-held dreams shattered to smithereens.
My only negative is for the strong language which peppers several descriptive portions, although I could skip past those as the reflections and situations she found herself facing were wholly believable, often heartbreaking and soon had me hooked.
Several portions reflected periods of my own life, and even though there were no children involved in Jo’s ‘sudden singleness’, I could easily relate to the shock of the breakup itself as my husband left me for ‘several other women’ in a southern state when our daughter was only seven months old - and sadly, never bothered contacting her again until I took her to see him several years later to ensure she had the opportunity of knowing her father in the flesh.
Thankfully, like Jo’s, my life turned out for the better and so in a lot of ways our stories have run on a par and I could easily relate to a lot of her emotional quandaries.
Fiction is normally my preferred genre, especially storylines set around historical events, so I don’t normally gravitate to memoirs or biographies, but this is one definitely worthy of the hours spent within its pages, if only to commiserate and then inwardly cheer during the final six or so pages.
I happily give her easy-to-read ‘paper-baby’ 4 stars out of five and wish her well in this new life she’s not only unexpectedly found, but is obviously relishing with a passion!

[Lee at ReadWriteWish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peck was 60 when, seemingly out of the blue, her husband of 25 years left her for another (of course, much younger) woman. As part of the healing process, Peck wrote this memoir of her life from then until approximately three years later.

Although a memoir, Peck includes some lovely descriptive passages featuring her travel destinations, food, clothes and art. The book has no chapters, something I’m not usually a fan of, but Peck’s style and writing flow so well, I can’t say I actually noticed after a while. There are sad and poignant moments, as well as funny ones (I’m pretty sure nearly every review will mention *that* massage) but she mixes it up so that her story never becomes boring or her theme’s repetitive.

One theme which is there is how much further we still all have to go when it comes to gender inequity. When Jo, an educated woman who ran a successful business for several years, can still be manipulated by a man for so long, it’s kind of depressing. As is the way the law obviously sided with her ex-husband during the divorce process.

I need to mention too that I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary for you to be ‘age appropriate’ to enjoy this book. There’s nothing that a younger reader wouldn’t understand and relate to at all. In fact, if some of us stop and review our choices a little earlier in life, it wouldn’t be a bad thing.

Peck mentions that one editor advised to change the book from a memoir to a work of fiction. She resisted but I think if she decides to head down the path of writing another (fictional) book, I’ll definitely be there.

4 and ½ out of 5

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book- it flowed well, and was a page turner - I finished it in a few days.

Although I’m not 60, it was easy to identify with Jo and I liked her sense of humour. It’s clear that Rex, the ex-husband is a giant stinking turd. Hopefully the book will help him to recognise this for himself!

Spoiler alert - part way through, I started thinking ‘please don’t be rescued by another man, please don’t be a cliche.’ Of course, she was … and actually, I didn’t mind that much.

I loved the fact that the author was a first- timer, in her sixties, and that she was empowered, self sufficient and confident. I loved that she owned her past decisions. She did a good job at drawing out the shades of grey that I think exist in every relationship.

One thing I didn’t like was the title, because I thought it was cheesy, and gave the impression of a women’s lowbrow type of book. I kind of covered it up in public ( and also even hid it from my husband) when I was reading.
.

This is my first ever Goodreads review- I came here to say buy the book! Let’s lift this author up - she deserves it!

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done Jo Peck. Initially I was not too sure about this book. I’m not the probable market for this. Having read it I would recommend it for anyone who is or has been ‘dumped’. Ms Peck writes a fabulously open and honest story of not only what it feels like but also some great shared wisdom of how to get through the aftermath. You don’t need to be sixty or older to find support, humour and hope here. Her foray into online dating is not only really amusing but also instructive. This is sort of book you will not only enjoy, dumped or otherwise and find yourself buying multiple copies for friends going through tough times. It recognises the power and importance of female friends for honesty and tough love and friendship more generally for love and care. Thanks to @netgalley and to @textpublishing for the opportunity to review an advance copy.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝚂𝚞𝚍𝚍𝚎𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚂𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚂𝚒𝚡𝚝𝚢 ~ 𝙹𝚘 𝙿𝚎𝚌𝚔

Picking up nonfiction brings big rewards sometimes!

What would you do if after 25 years of marriage and thirty years together your husband said he was in love with someone else and wanted a divorce?

This memoir felt like I was sitting and chatting to my best friend as she told me the story of her relationships demise. I loved Jo's honesty and vulnerability and admired her openness about her issues of abandonment but most of all her willingness to step into her new life on her terms.

I laughed, I cried and I kept thinking about how I was going to be telling all my friends to read this book. Let's face it there are no guarantees in life so let's be prepared my friends 😂

Now tell me Jo, how long is the wait list for that very special masseuse 😉 and can I claim it on my health insurance?

[Ruby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like to three books at once:

- one, to learn about the world;
- one, to enrich and develop my inner world; and
- one, just for indulgent, fluffy fun.

I placed this book in category three, expecting an uplifting and beachy read. In fact, it was really so much more than that. It was sweet, it was powerful, it centralised a sixty-year-old “unf***able” woman. Far from the scrap heap where society likes to assign older women, Jo was full of life. She went skiing. She had all kinds of adventures and misadventures on Tinder. She had great sex with more than one man. She lived her life, made a beautiful new home and found love again. The book was suffused with so much hope and humour. It might be a true balm for any woman who finds herself suddenly single. Give it to a friend who needs it.

[Miki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars. A memoir. This lady is dumped by her husband of 25 years. She had much too easy a time accepting this and finding someone new (after about four internet dates?) I didn't find it convincing or satisfying. I'm possibly being unfair but there it is.

[Anne E · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely surprise

I'm jealous of Jo. But her story, of heartbreak and despair, and resurrection was so graciously traversed I can't help but also admire her. She makes online dating seem so easy.... not sure I'm ready to try that again though !

[Terri M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stop & read this book NOW

My Australian friend told me about this book so I immediately went on Kindle to see if I could purchase. I read it in 48 hours. You’ll cry, laugh, giggle, and bump your fist high for Jo’s bravery. Well done!

[Mary D · Rating 4 out of 5]

High 3 stars - rounding up to 4 because it’s a good effort for a debut book. It’s an enjoyable easy read whereby the writer seems to manage quite well despite the despair of being dumped at 60. It does, however, gently touch on heavy topics providing a nice balance. I would recommend it.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Gayle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect holiday read while I’m laying by the pool. I’m happy she’s happy.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* lovely, easy & decadent read. It felt realistic and relatable.

[Colette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one day as it was so enjoyable. A gritty tale of betrayal and then finding a new and better way of being.