About the Author

Anna Maxted is a freelance writer and the author of the smash international bestsellers Getting Over It, Running in Heels, and Behaving Like Adults. She lives in London with her husband, author Phil Robinson, and their son.

Reviews

?I loved "Getting Over It! Its tone is so breezy and subversive, but with a heart of vulnerability. Helen is a fabulous character, and Maxted's handling of the emotional fallout of death is spot-on. Most important, "Getting Over It never loses its humor or its warmth -- a great achievement.? --Marian Keyes, author, "Watermelon and "Lucy Sullivan Is Getting Married?"Getting Over It is a charming and compelling debut.?--Suzanne Finnamore, author of "Otherwise Engaged"There is nothing cocklewarming, or tearjerking, about "Getting Over It. It is far too witty, and clever, for that. Its protagonist's bad habits, moral weaknesses and drunked lapses are its greatest asset. Like Bridget Jones, it refuses to gloss over life's ordinary squalor; unlike Bridget, however, its heroine's traumas are serious, giving it an edge which makes her predecessor's worries seem laughably small. It's compelling, humane, and worryingly funny, and better written than many more 'literary' novels. The difference between Maxted's novel and her would-be peers is honesty." --"Evening Standard?Hip, readable, often poignant and always funny...Had Maxted published this sharp, witty tale...before the Bridget Jones phenomenon, Fielding's novel might have been noted as a pale comparison....a laugh-out-loud debut novel.? ---"Publishers Weekly

Had Maxted published this sharp, witty tale of a British woman's love life and real life before the Bridget Jones phenomenon, Fielding's novel might have been noted as a pale comparison. Written in a hip, readable, often poignant and always funny style, protagonist Helen Bradshaw's story is set in modern-day London, where the 20-something editorial assistant comes to terms with her father's death and her own life. The plot spans one year, beginning with the day Helen learns of her father's fatal heart attack. Helen struggles with faithless boyfriend, Jasper; her self-centered but sexy landlord, Marcus; and her solipsistic "best friend," Michelle. Meanwhile, her demanding and unsupportive boss at GirlTime magazine cracks the whip. A complex part of Helen's healing process is repairing her relationship with her overbearing mother, Cecilia, who, though she mourns her husband inconsolably, eventually finds new direction in her life. Helen discovers real love in the patient and humorous veterinarian, Tom, and she learns enough about real friendship to hold onto her loyal, true buddies Lizzy, Luke and Tina, saving the latter's life in the process. As she stumbles from one crisis to another, Helen is always likable, even if the decisions she makes often make the reader want to give her a good shake. Although the narrative tackles many issues, from the loss of a parent to the horrors of domestic violence, Maxted's bouncy, upbeat tone never falters. Revealing a touch for comic timing and versatility, she paints scenes of hilarious pratfalls, biting sarcasm and heart-wrenching pathos. While comparison between this work and Fielding's is unavoidable, Maxted's laugh-out-loud debut novel will come out ahead. (June) Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.