I gather there is a new genre called Hen Lit, for women over 45 or so who like intelligent, funny, clean – but possibly saucy or with mild romance – well told tales. The Crone Club exemplifies the genre. A bunch of schoolgirls meet up aged 60 or so for a reunion that brings out all the old friendships, emnities, teasing, bullying, and joking that went on in their schooldays in the 60s. I thought it was thoroughly enjoyable, and I couldn’t put it down!

I recognise these women. I don’t think the author was in my class, but I know people like them. Mainly the good ones, I would add, although more recently I’ve met the bullying pedant who thinks you couldn’t possibly accuse of her being anything less than perfect. The teenagers are great, the villains villainous. The banter, the bickering and the arguments are beautifully written, totally believable and the characterisation full of human frailties and senses of inedequacy and superiority and hope.

The story rattles along with plenty of twists and turns. I would read this book again any time I need a boost, or my dreams are flagging, or I feel the need to revitalise the challenges in my life. Read it if you are young and you think your grannie needs to get a life. Or if you are older and you want to rediscover the real you. Or if you are any age and want a good laugh!

There were some minor typos in the copy I downloaded in May 2012, mainly misplaced commas and a strangely capitalised Mumbled, but for once, the book is too good to lose any stars for less than perfection. I may even buy copies for friends for Christmas. ( )

A nice example of the new Boomer Lit genre, The Crone Club is about a group of school friends that reunite in their 60's. Some of these friends hadn't spoken in many years and finally meet up to see what has come of their hopes and dreams. Some of their lives turned out exactly as their school friends had predicted and some had not. However, strengthened with their friends courage and support, they each take on a challenge and a dream. The focus of relationships may be the friendship of Cass and Georgina who were abruptly torn apart. Cass has spent many years trying to solve the mystery of why and once she does, the two best friends move on to face those challenges. Throughout the book, all of the members of the Crone Club help to support each other in their unique ways.

Certainly an interesting book to read as one nears their school reunion. Stongly geared to female liberation and independence, we don't really see any friends that are lucky enough to have had a wonderful loving marriage and family life, perhaps they will appear at the next reunion. ( )