Mother Hens

"I think so. Again, this is laugh-out-loud funny. Just the level of intimacy and exposure… laughter is the only possible response to some of what happens and how it makes you feel. I think it’s really beautifully done. There are four or five beautiful set-pieces, and some great gags. It’s a very good-natured book. It’s the sort of book to take on holiday, or to give to someone in need of cheering up. So, a treat. “What we’ve learned over the years is that there is such a broad spectrum of funny” Yes, it’s different in tone and impact to the first books that we’ve talked about, and it’s hard to judge them against each other. And part of me wants to say, look, just read the whole shortlist. There will be a winner or winners, but all of them are so funny and complementary that the shortlist would keep you happy for quite a while."