Reception
Reviewing the work for The Guardian , journalist Rachel Cooke described how although some of the pieces might feel dated many of them felt very truthful to the modern reader. [1] Cooke particularly praised the segment entitled 'Being A Second Wife' for its honesty about Cooper's "pathological jealousy" of her husband's first wife. [1] Further reviews were also positive, citing Cooper's range of anecdotes about marriage - from children to strip clubs. [4] Tanya Gold, reviewing the collection for the Daily Telegraph, described it as "sadder and darker than her novels" and praised Cooper's "riveting and spare" journalistic writing style. [5] Gold also reflected on how Cooper's reputation as a journalist had been subsumed by her later work as a novelist, and that it is easy to forget what a successful columnist she was to start with. [5]
Hilary Rose, reviewing the collection for The Times described it as "the sort of jolly romp that a COVID-weary nation needs". [6] Rose also discussed how the expectations of wives in the 1970s were different to the 2020s: Cooper was expected to leave her job and become a housewife, whether or not she wanted to or was any good at it. [6] Rose also praised Cooper's honest reflections on her own marriage: hiding bills, jealousy and the boredom of childcare. [6] This honesty was also praised by Mary Morris, writing for the Times Literary Supplement , as well as Cooper's appetite for reading and her ability to quote from a range of authors at will. [7] The book was included in The Observer's 2025 list of the best of Cooper's works. [8]
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