Rating 1.5 stars.

Rocky is menopausal and angry. Over the course of a week in Sandwich, we are privy to her every thought and emotion. Her two grown children, her son’s girlfriend, and her senior parents join her for their annual vacation. Rocky then recalls key trips in the past where she experienced her pregnancies and children, as well as interactions with her husband. I was annoyed by Rocky from the beginning. Her symptoms and some of her experiences as a mother were relatable. Yet I couldn’t muster compassion for her. Her flippancy and sarcasm irritated me. She was rude and disrespectful to her husband, not to mention dishonest. There isn’t much to celebrate here. And I really can’t celebrate a women’s freedom (without spoilers) when it so drastically steals life from others. 

I regret that I read this and feel tricked that I thought I was getting a menopause book and instead other agendas were pushed. I only continued reading because the recommendation was from a trusted source (she will not be going forward). The parts of the book where the character deals with motherhood, menopause, and aging parents had some outstanding moments and writing. The other parts are regretful and leave me with a sick feeling in my gut. 

I am sorry I read this book and apologize to anyone I recommended it to thinking it was telling a story of a woman sandwiched between adult children and aging parents. Please tread carefully and look for trigger warnings before reading, or just skip this one.