Book Review: An Inside look at ‘Losing It’
Losing It is the debut novel from much loved comedienne Helen Lederer.
Meet Millie Tucker, a once rather successful woman who was well known for various TV and Radio appearances. In recent years however, Millie finds herself in debt, divorced and somewhat desperate. So when she gets a phone call from her boss Esther one day and is asked to front the campaign for a new diet pill, Millie hopes all her dreams will be answered.
But what actually ensues is a series of events, which leave Millie wondering whether this really is the much needed life boost she has been hoping for. This book is filled with hilarity (her trip to Papua New Guinea to visit her estranged daughter in particular made me laugh quite a lot) but it’s also filled with a lot of warmth and sincerity. Millie is such a loveable character and I’d defy anyone to not fall in love with her. Her thought processes are something I feel all women will be able to relate to, and in doing so it will make you feel less alone.
A quirky, witty novel, which will leave you feeling warm. I was fortunate enough to catch up with the wonderful woman herself.
What inspired you to sit down and write ‘Losing It’?
I had wanted to write a comedy novel for a long time – then suddenly I thought ‘right let’s do it’ – I wanted the ‘voice’ of Millie to be ‘real’ – and this felt the right time to go for it. I wanted to write something that would simply make people laugh.
The book deals with a lot of issues like debt, parental/sibling relationships etc. how difficult was the process of putting pen to paper?
Once you commit to a think I find you have to do it. Got up early in pyjamas and wrote like a mad woman till 10 at night until it was finished!
I really enjoyed the character of Millie and found her endearing, is there any of yourself within her and if so can you share how you found putting elements of yourself into the book?
I have a weird life – also I am very open (too open) and get into difficult situations quite easily – so the ideas were based on my own life and the negative internal thought processes that go on in my head all the time!
Is there a message you hope women will that away with them after reading the book?
I’d just want people to engage and have a laugh – that is my main hope. And then maybe to suggest that settling on what you are is better than aspiring to look and be something you are not.
Do you have plans to write any more novels and if so can we expect more of the same?
Yes please. I’m on the second one as we speak – same but different…
Losing It is out on February 12th and is published by Pan Macmillan. It is available for the Kindle from Amazon.co.uk (RRP £3.59)
