The Unretirement by Penny Mirren

I had never heard of Penny Mirren, but when I saw the book was about a lady in her early 60s, and her retirement, I thought I would try it. I am certainly glad it did. It was well written, with wonderful characters, and a fun storyline. I would definitely look out for more of Penny Mirren’s books.

Maggie is in her early 60s and had her life mapped out – retirement and trips around the world with her husband – until the unthinkable happens and her beloved husband passes away. When her daughter, Hannah, gets divorced, she moves close to her mum to keep an eye on her mum – and so that her mum can help with the childcare of her small daughter. When Maggie and Hannah go on a rare night out to an Indian restaurant that was always a favourite, they find that that the owners have had to go back to India, and the restaurant is struggling. Maggie then comes out of retirement to help out in the restaurant, and Hannah find herself very invested too – particularly as the owner’s son who is running the restaurant in his parent’s absence gave Hannah her first, never forgotten, kiss when she was younger. Can they save the restaurant?

This is like a warm hug in a book, and I wanted to read ‘just one more chapter’ till I had finished the whole book. Everyone should be more Maggie, a really strong female character whose determination and talent knows no bounds. A great summer read.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6489602103