cover image HOPING FOR HOPE

HOPING FOR HOPE

Lucy Clare, . . Dutton, $23.95 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-525-94637-3

First-time British novelist Clare attempts a "feel good" book for women approaching 50 who find their lives have lost some zip. Unfortunately, this British soap opera for the perimenopausal set elicits wonder at the author's ability to cobble together so many clichéd, over-the-top characters in need of a good self-help book. Lydia "Liddy" Claver has had a bad week. Fired from her adult education job teaching jewelry making, she also discovers that her husband, Martin, is having an affair with their friend Fay. Even worse, her gynecologist informs her that at age 49, Liddy is six months pregnant. Since Liddy and Martin haven't had sex in five years, the baby is undoubtedly the result of a brief affair she had with a 20-something student. Liddy, a "big" woman, had no idea she was pregnant and now it's too late to have an abortion. Before she has a chance to tell her family the news, Liddy delivers the child prematurely while visiting her beloved lesbian great-aunt Cleo in Cornwall. With baby Hope and the truth finally out, Martin stomps off angrily to Fay. First-born daughter Laura, predictably controlling, decides it's best for everyone if she raises Hope as her own daughter. Middle child Miranda, a bulimic workaholic, wants the baby to save her marriage to Richard, who wants children desperately, to her dismay. The youngest, gay son Alex, wants the baby so he can avoid making any career choice at all. Add to the mix a pushy, aristocratic mother-in-law and a dash of naughty sex, and there's something here for everyone in search of a light read, although gracefully aging women might hope for something less messy. (Mar. 4)