1E

Were you surprised in the book at the beginning they kept going on about Vera's weight?

Poor Vera. Her weight, her dress...is there anything that Ann likes about our Vera? I wonder why she has chosen to portray Vera in this light?

I agree with Carol. I'm not sure why Ann has made Vera quite so unattractive. Vera could do the minimum personal hygiene as well. Comb your hair and buy some attractive plus size clothes I beg you, Vera.

She's been like this right from the first book.

We get the picture, Ann, no need to keep harping on about it!
Vera did try to take up exercise a few books back, but to be honest, I don't think she's at all interested in trying to make the best of herself in the looks department. She lives for her police work, and nothing more. I think she probably has very low self-esteem outside of her profession - thanks in a great deal to her father.

>5 Sergeirocks: - I definitely agree that her father was the one who beat up her self esteen. I cringe every time I go shopping and hear how some parents talk to their children.

She certainly didn't need 2 pieces of cake.

>7 EadieB: It depends on how small the first piece was... ;D

>8 Sergeirocks:
If small, then you need 3 pieces!

>5 Sergeirocks: >1 Andrew-theQM: Agree totally, this description is over the top and felt stronger again in this book. Does Ann really hate Vera this much!

It makes me cringe but mainly because the author presents being unattractive as such a negative characteristic. But then I find myself thinking that it is true to real life. There is definitely a lot of prejudice towards over weight people. I do have to say that I loved the line "Vera thought for a moment that she might have found a man if she'd scrubbed up a bit better, then decided that no man was worth the time it took to plaster stuff on your face in the morning, when you could have an extra cup of tea instead."