Sometimes a humorous read is just what is needed and Domestic Bliss and Other Disasters certainly fits the bill.

Sally Forth (yes that really is her name, albeit her unfortunate married one) is at a crossroads in her life. Fed up of her teaching job, she's taken a break but is now wondering what she should do to fill her time. Her grown up children are causing havoc, especially Dan who has moved back home bringing with him various friends and girlfriends who seem set to hang around Sally's home independently of Dan. Add to the mix her friend, Jen, who's embarking on internet dating and the woman next door who may or may not be planning to poison her husband and it's all rather chaotic.

From the beginning of this book I was chortling away to myself. Sally, via Jane Ions, has a very acerbic and wry tone which I found was right up my street. Never mind domestic bliss, this is domestic life gone wrong and yet it's all still such fun and so light-hearted. I could see this book as a sitcom on the TV. It's full of wacky situations, bizarre living conditions, curious people, and unusual and sometimes complicated relationships, but Sally regales us with nine months of her life with warmth and wit throughout.

Despite the obvious humour, Domestic Bliss and Other Disasters is an insightful look at the changes to a woman's life at that point when her children are grown but still haven't let go of the apron strings. I enjoyed the mixture of comedy and real life issues. ( )