The Birthday Party

by Elvi Rhodes

Poppy's family is gathering to celebrate her eightieth birthday. Her children, grandchildren and even one great-grandchild are converging on her Sussex home. As she prepares to welcome them all, her mind goes back over her life - to her tough childhood in Yorkshire, to her mother, who scrimped and saved to bring her up decently, to her three husbands and to Alun, the great love of her life who was taken from her by the war. Yes, she has had a full life - a lot fuller than her family realises. As they toast their beloved matriarch, little do they know what an extraordinary and often shocking life she has led...

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published August 20, 2000

Reviews

[Kathie D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mel lp will continue with this author

[Maureen Vincent-Northam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this one and got to like Poppy a great deal. Poppy is about to celebrate her 80th birthday and her family descend on her from various parts of the country as well as a daughter and her lot from the US.

The chapters alternate between the present day and the past with the often comical, not to say difficult, goings-on involving family members that include one over-fussy daughter, another who's particularly up herself, and a baby-obsessed granddaughter. The gentle humour throughout was spot on.

As the birthday preparations get underway, we learn, through Poppy's own voice, about her past, her three marriages and a secret affair she'd had during one of them.

A smashing, gentle read that raised many a smile.

[AndreaH · Rating 2 out of 5]

The family of a woman about to become 80 turn up to help her celebrate. As Poppy looks at children's and grandchildren's issues, she sees them as reflections of her own upbringing, which was not as staid as the younger generation thinks. The books take us through two word wars, three husbands and a great love affair, two children and multiple grandkids. Fun and comfort like grandma's house, but not riveting.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book--an easy read and simple family story!!
I shall probably read some more by this author. The sort of book to take on holiday!!

[Nicola Terry]

Easy to read but nothing really happened in it, was a bit let down