Anna Maxted is not one to shy away from difficult and emotionally traumatic issues. Here in Behaving Like Adults she tackles date rape having dealt with bereavement in her first book, Getting Over It, and with eating disorders in her second novel, Running In Heels. It sounds grim--"doomed chick lit"--but the joy of Anna Maxted's books (and they are joyful, despite everything) is the humour and sympathy of her writing.

The heroine of this story is Holly, who runs a dating agency. She split up with Nick, her childish boyfriend of five years, because "he didn't know how to make an effort in a relationship" (he lives on "hygiene's edge" not washing or talking enough, and being a generally lacklustre dating companion). She decides to throw a party to celebrate the success of her business and chooses rich and arrogant Stuart as her date for the evening. He brings Holly home, pushes her to the floor, and rapes her, and she doesn't tell anyone. As she says: "as long as I skated along the surface of my composure, I was fine. There was more underneath, I knew, but it was dark and cold and deathly and I refused to go there."

The rest of the novel deals with the repercussions of the rape, with Holly trying to carry on as normal, but being unable to. She is forced to redefine her life and her relationships, especially with Nick. Behaving Like Adults is well observed, moving, funny and intensely readable. --Eithne Farry

Difficult subject, 23 Aug 2008
On reading this book I found the rape and Holly's reaction to it very uncomfortable reading. At times the descriptions of how she felt made me feel the violation for her.
The rest of the story is sweet, although I guessed the plot early on, but made enjoyable reading. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down at times, even tried to read it at work but kept getting bleeped!
If you're feeling low yourself or are going through an emotional time, don't read this book as it will not help your mood. If you want an insight into what it is like to be raped however, I would recommend this as a starting point to put yourself into someone else shoes. Be warned though, at times this book is not light reading.

The Title Belies the Content, 26 Jan 2007
Holly Appleton believes in old fashioned love; the kind where girl meets boy and they all live happily ever after. She believes it so much that despite her own track record in the lurve department (a recent un-engagement to her fiance Nick), she sets up a dating agency and calls it Girl Meets Boy so that others might fulfill their romantic destiny.

Sounds a bit too airy-fairy? Well don't stop reading yet because Holly's problems start when she decides to give her newly "unaffianced" other half a kick up the new millennium by trying to shock him into moving out. She does this by agreeing to go on a date with one of the men who has applied to her agency. Not only is Stuart Marshall light years away from Holly's usual type (Nick, the ex-fiance), but he is also incredibly unpleasant. Stuart Marshall is oilier than the Exxon Valdise.... and he's not the sort of chap who takes no for an answer.

If you have never read any fiction on the rarely broached subject of date rape, then Anna Maxted's book is a good place to start. Date rape is something that happens to far too many women, and Holly's story is not an uncommon one.

I'm not going to give away the ending (and believe me, highlighting the subject matter does not even touch the surface of the story beneath it), suffice to say that Holly goes through the wringer, running the whole emotional gamut from denial to self hatred and finally to acceptance and re-building her confidence to deal with the rape and come to terms with it in her own mind (the scariest place of all).

I enjoy Anna Maxted's work generally and was surprised by the intensity of this story compared to her other novels. I had been looking forward to its publication and whilst I was not disappointed, it was not what I was expecting.

I bought Behaving Like Adults second hand from Amazon Marketplace (for a measly £1.50 - BARGAIN!), however, some people do not like to have their books sullied by the hands of others (I'm on a budget, so I can't afford to be fussy) - anyway, it's published by Random House, ISBN 0-09-943988-3 priced £6.99 and came out in June 2003.


Excellent - couldn't put it down, 06 Sep 2003
Had to write a note just to say how brilliant I found this book to be. Could not put it down and finished it within a day and a half. Had me talking out loud at the characters. Definitely worth a read.

The cover doesnt do this book justice, Anna., 19 Aug 2003
I dont often write reviews but I really had to comment on this book, short of writing directly to the author. I really loved the story and "couldnt put it down". It's a shame it has a bit of a frothy back cover, because the description really doesnt do it justice. It's theme is actually very serious so it is eloquent and thought provoking when it needs to be, yet enjoyable and light hearted too. I loved the character of Holly and really laughed at some of the "that's so true" things Anna Maxted made her come out with. A great book, Anna. Well done. I think it should be a movie made by Richard Curtis!

Dealing with a tricky subject, 15 Jul 2003
Another book from this Author dealing with a taboo subject. I am a man who doesn't mind admitting to reading books written for women.

This book should be compulsory reading for those men who consider rape as acceptable. In this book the emotions of a woman wronged are examined. I cannot agree with the other reviewer who found the treatment was trivialised in some way. I saw that as a strength because it highlighted the way in which some women consider such an attack. The way in which she came to understand that it was not her fault and the reaction of other people showed what a long and difficult journey this can be,

The light heartedness of the sub-plot helped to focus my thoughts on the suffering, the attempts to live a normal life.

If I have one criticism it was that the ending lacked the strength of the body of the story. Basically it was a cop-out. But having said that I'm not sure how it could have been done better.

All in all a good book dealing sensitively with a difficult and emotive subject.

Do you have to be crazy to get married? Anna Maxted's heroine Hannah in Being Committed certainly does--and she's in no hurry to change her mind. Why should she? She's got the perfect life (as she sees it); in particular, she has a very interesting job: she's a private investigator for the quaintly-named Hound Dog Investigations, involved in tricky but satisfyingly challenging cases. There's her supportive father (who more than makes up for her less appealing mother). And there's her long-term boyfriend Jason: her five-year relationship with him is another comforting factor in her status quo. Then Jason proposes--and, without hesitation, Hannah say no--why rock the boat? But the boat is definitely rocked for her when Jason decides, shortly after, to get engaged to another woman. Her father thinks she's let a good thing pass her by. And Hannah realises its time to coolly take stock of her life--and what she wants from it.

In both Getting Over It and Behaving Like Adults, Anna Maxted made her mark as a novelist of humour, humanity and insight; her skill with plotting is matched with a talent for realising the individual personalities of her characters with maximum vividness. That's very much the case in Being Committed, with Hannah the perfect heroine--even though the reader may want to shout at her at times. If Hound Dog Investigations is unlike any detective agency that ever existed on this planet, it's hardly a problem: every other detail in this delightful and funny novel rings absolutely true.--Barry Forshaw

Difficult subject, 23 Aug 2008
On reading this book I found the rape and Holly's reaction to it very uncomfortable reading. At times the descriptions of how she felt made me feel the violation for her.
The rest of the story is sweet, although I guessed the plot early on, but made enjoyable reading. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down at times, even tried to read it at work but kept getting bleeped!
If you're feeling low yourself or are going through an emotional time, don't read this book as it will not help your mood. If you want an insight into what it is like to be raped however, I would recommend this as a starting point to put yourself into someone else shoes. Be warned though, at times this book is not light reading.

The Title Belies the Content, 26 Jan 2007
Holly Appleton believes in old fashioned love; the kind where girl meets boy and they all live happily ever after. She believes it so much that despite her own track record in the lurve department (a recent un-engagement to her fiance Nick), she sets up a dating agency and calls it Girl Meets Boy so that others might fulfill their romantic destiny.

Sounds a bit too airy-fairy? Well don't stop reading yet because Holly's problems start when she decides to give her newly "unaffianced" other half a kick up the new millennium by trying to shock him into moving out. She does this by agreeing to go on a date with one of the men who has applied to her agency. Not only is Stuart Marshall light years away from Holly's usual type (Nick, the ex-fiance), but he is also incredibly unpleasant. Stuart Marshall is oilier than the Exxon Valdise.... and he's not the sort of chap who takes no for an answer.

If you have never read any fiction on the rarely broached subject of date rape, then Anna Maxted's book is a good place to start. Date rape is something that happens to far too many women, and Holly's story is not an uncommon one.

I'm not going to give away the ending (and believe me, highlighting the subject matter does not even touch the surface of the story beneath it), suffice to say that Holly goes through the wringer, running the whole emotional gamut from denial to self hatred and finally to acceptance and re-building her confidence to deal with the rape and come to terms with it in her own mind (the scariest place of all).

I enjoy Anna Maxted's work generally and was surprised by the intensity of this story compared to her other novels. I had been looking forward to its publication and whilst I was not disappointed, it was not what I was expecting.

I bought Behaving Like Adults second hand from Amazon Marketplace (for a measly £1.50 - BARGAIN!), however, some people do not like to have their books sullied by the hands of others (I'm on a budget, so I can't afford to be fussy) - anyway, it's published by Random House, ISBN 0-09-943988-3 priced £6.99 and came out in June 2003.


Excellent - couldn't put it down, 06 Sep 2003
Had to write a note just to say how brilliant I found this book to be. Could not put it down and finished it within a day and a half. Had me talking out loud at the characters. Definitely worth a read.

The cover doesnt do this book justice, Anna., 19 Aug 2003
I dont often write reviews but I really had to comment on this book, short of writing directly to the author. I really loved the story and "couldnt put it down". It's a shame it has a bit of a frothy back cover, because the description really doesnt do it justice. It's theme is actually very serious so it is eloquent and thought provoking when it needs to be, yet enjoyable and light hearted too. I loved the character of Holly and really laughed at some of the "that's so true" things Anna Maxted made her come out with. A great book, Anna. Well done. I think it should be a movie made by Richard Curtis!

Dealing with a tricky subject, 15 Jul 2003
Another book from this Author dealing with a taboo subject. I am a man who doesn't mind admitting to reading books written for women.

This book should be compulsory reading for those men who consider rape as acceptable. In this book the emotions of a woman wronged are examined. I cannot agree with the other reviewer who found the treatment was trivialised in some way. I saw that as a strength because it highlighted the way in which some women consider such an attack. The way in which she came to understand that it was not her fault and the reaction of other people showed what a long and difficult journey this can be,

The light heartedness of the sub-plot helped to focus my thoughts on the suffering, the attempts to live a normal life.

If I have one criticism it was that the ending lacked the strength of the body of the story. Basically it was a cop-out. But having said that I'm not sure how it could have been done better.

All in all a good book dealing sensitively with a difficult and emotive subject.

better than 'behaving like adults', 07 Sep 2008
Read this book after reading 'behaving like adults' by Anna, and have to say this is much better! I found behaving like adults a bit to dark and unsettling to be honest, but this is brilliant! At times I couldn't wait to read what happened! I very nearly skipped to the end, but didn't want to ruin it.
Some of the storyline is obvious right from the beginning, but other bits are complete twists and keep surprising you!
Overall this is a good read which will keep you up late into the night to find out what happens! Enjoy!

A long read..., 30 Jul 2007
I picked up this book for a second time recently after having tried once before to drum up interest. This time around I did finish it, but what a long read! The main character is opinionated and not very likeable. Half the time you can't wait until someone will finally tell her a thing or two about life and relationships. For the first few chapters the author can't seem to stick to the plot and keeps going off on narratory paths that have little to do with what is going on. Then she has a hard time coming back to the point. It gets a bit better after a while but then at the end you have to plough through pages of psycho-babble, in dialogues. Real people don't live most of their lives in one mind-set and then after a bit of new information willingly throw it all over board and then explain the new version of opinion like soap stars with a short script. There are plenty of books of the genre that are more entertaining, sorry.

Rather Disappointing, 03 Aug 2005
Having enjoyed all of Anna Maxted's previous novels, it was with great anticipation that I began to read Being Committed. From the first few chapters I was disappointed. I found the main female character difficult to connect to. I felt she was unlikable and she didn't learn from any of the trials being set before her. Unlike Maxted's previous main characters, I didn't feel empathy for her, or understanding for what she was going through. I couldn't help but think, "What an idiot!" as she went through similar situations over and over. I still very much enjoy Anna Maxted's books, but just wasn't as fond of this one.

Misunderstood, 01 Feb 2005
I would like to reply Meredith commnents regarding Anna Maxted's novels. Although I haven't read her latest I have all her previous books and have read and re-read them many times. I fail to understand how Meredith believes that berevement, eating disorders and rape make Maxted's novels "drivel". Her first novel came out during the time when I myself suffered a close family death and her handling of the subject was both sensitive and truthful and helped me though this difficult period. I think that she's fabulous.

FANTASTIC - HIGHLY ENJOYABLE, 12 Sep 2004
Wow - I have never read any of Anna's previous books, but received this one as a gift. I loved it! I had trouble putting it down - which if you knew me, would appreciate how good it must be, as I am not much of a reader. The twists and turns of her life, struck a cord, and I am sure that everybody could associate parts with their own life. Anna's humour is sarcastic and droll - which makes for an even better read. I am going out to get her other books immediately, and, having read all your other reviews, am going to give Miriam Keyes a go to.

I would highly recommend this book, and would suit any age from late teens to mid 30's.

Difficult subject, 23 Aug 2008
On reading this book I found the rape and Holly's reaction to it very uncomfortable reading. At times the descriptions of how she felt made me feel the violation for her.
The rest of the story is sweet, although I guessed the plot early on, but made enjoyable reading. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down at times, even tried to read it at work but kept getting bleeped!
If you're feeling low yourself or are going through an emotional time, don't read this book as it will not help your mood. If you want an insight into what it is like to be raped however, I would recommend this as a starting point to put yourself into someone else shoes. Be warned though, at times this book is not light reading.

The Title Belies the Content, 26 Jan 2007
Holly Appleton believes in old fashioned love; the kind where girl meets boy and they all live happily ever after. She believes it so much that despite her own track record in the lurve department (a recent un-engagement to her fiance Nick), she sets up a dating agency and calls it Girl Meets Boy so that others might fulfill their romantic destiny.

Sounds a bit too airy-fairy? Well don't stop reading yet because Holly's problems start when she decides to give her newly "unaffianced" other half a kick up the new millennium by trying to shock him into moving out. She does this by agreeing to go on a date with one of the men who has applied to her agency. Not only is Stuart Marshall light years away from Holly's usual type (Nick, the ex-fiance), but he is also incredibly unpleasant. Stuart Marshall is oilier than the Exxon Valdise.... and he's not the sort of chap who takes no for an answer.

If you have never read any fiction on the rarely broached subject of date rape, then Anna Maxted's book is a good place to start. Date rape is something that happens to far too many women, and Holly's story is not an uncommon one.

I'm not going to give away the ending (and believe me, highlighting the subject matter does not even touch the surface of the story beneath it), suffice to say that Holly goes through the wringer, running the whole emotional gamut from denial to self hatred and finally to acceptance and re-building her confidence to deal with the rape and come to terms with it in her own mind (the scariest place of all).

I enjoy Anna Maxted's work generally and was surprised by the intensity of this story compared to her other novels. I had been looking forward to its publication and whilst I was not disappointed, it was not what I was expecting.

I bought Behaving Like Adults second hand from Amazon Marketplace (for a measly £1.50 - BARGAIN!), however, some people do not like to have their books sullied by the hands of others (I'm on a budget, so I can't afford to be fussy) - anyway, it's published by Random House, ISBN 0-09-943988-3 priced £6.99 and came out in June 2003.


Excellent - couldn't put it down, 06 Sep 2003
Had to write a note just to say how brilliant I found this book to be. Could not put it down and finished it within a day and a half. Had me talking out loud at the characters. Definitely worth a read.

The cover doesnt do this book justice, Anna., 19 Aug 2003
I dont often write reviews but I really had to comment on this book, short of writing directly to the author. I really loved the story and "couldnt put it down". It's a shame it has a bit of a frothy back cover, because the description really doesnt do it justice. It's theme is actually very serious so it is eloquent and thought provoking when it needs to be, yet enjoyable and light hearted too. I loved the character of Holly and really laughed at some of the "that's so true" things Anna Maxted made her come out with. A great book, Anna. Well done. I think it should be a movie made by Richard Curtis!

Dealing with a tricky subject, 15 Jul 2003
Another book from this Author dealing with a taboo subject. I am a man who doesn't mind admitting to reading books written for women.

This book should be compulsory reading for those men who consider rape as acceptable. In this book the emotions of a woman wronged are examined. I cannot agree with the other reviewer who found the treatment was trivialised in some way. I saw that as a strength because it highlighted the way in which some women consider such an attack. The way in which she came to understand that it was not her fault and the reaction of other people showed what a long and difficult journey this can be,

The light heartedness of the sub-plot helped to focus my thoughts on the suffering, the attempts to live a normal life.

If I have one criticism it was that the ending lacked the strength of the body of the story. Basically it was a cop-out. But having said that I'm not sure how it could have been done better.

All in all a good book dealing sensitively with a difficult and emotive subject.

better than 'behaving like adults', 07 Sep 2008
Read this book after reading 'behaving like adults' by Anna, and have to say this is much better! I found behaving like adults a bit to dark and unsettling to be honest, but this is brilliant! At times I couldn't wait to read what happened! I very nearly skipped to the end, but didn't want to ruin it.
Some of the storyline is obvious right from the beginning, but other bits are complete twists and keep surprising you!
Overall this is a good read which will keep you up late into the night to find out what happens! Enjoy!

A long read..., 30 Jul 2007
I picked up this book for a second time recently after having tried once before to drum up interest. This time around I did finish it, but what a long read! The main character is opinionated and not very likeable. Half the time you can't wait until someone will finally tell her a thing or two about life and relationships. For the first few chapters the author can't seem to stick to the plot and keeps going off on narratory paths that have little to do with what is going on. Then she has a hard time coming back to the point. It gets a bit better after a while but then at the end you have to plough through pages of psycho-babble, in dialogues. Real people don't live most of their lives in one mind-set and then after a bit of new information willingly throw it all over board and then explain the new version of opinion like soap stars with a short script. There are plenty of books of the genre that are more entertaining, sorry.

Rather Disappointing, 03 Aug 2005
Having enjoyed all of Anna Maxted's previous novels, it was with great anticipation that I began to read Being Committed. From the first few chapters I was disappointed. I found the main female character difficult to connect to. I felt she was unlikable and she didn't learn from any of the trials being set before her. Unlike Maxted's previous main characters, I didn't feel empathy for her, or understanding for what she was going through. I couldn't help but think, "What an idiot!" as she went through similar situations over and over. I still very much enjoy Anna Maxted's books, but just wasn't as fond of this one.

Misunderstood, 01 Feb 2005
I would like to reply Meredith commnents regarding Anna Maxted's novels. Although I haven't read her latest I have all her previous books and have read and re-read them many times. I fail to understand how Meredith believes that berevement, eating disorders and rape make Maxted's novels "drivel". Her first novel came out during the time when I myself suffered a close family death and her handling of the subject was both sensitive and truthful and helped me though this difficult period. I think that she's fabulous.

FANTASTIC - HIGHLY ENJOYABLE, 12 Sep 2004
Wow - I have never read any of Anna's previous books, but received this one as a gift. I loved it! I had trouble putting it down - which if you knew me, would appreciate how good it must be, as I am not much of a reader. The twists and turns of her life, struck a cord, and I am sure that everybody could associate parts with their own life. Anna's humour is sarcastic and droll - which makes for an even better read. I am going out to get her other books immediately, and, having read all your other reviews, am going to give Miriam Keyes a go to.

I would highly recommend this book, and would suit any age from late teens to mid 30's.

A cosy read, 24 Dec 2007
I have acquired a few by this author, through charity shop buys and swopping. I thought it best to start with her first novel and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it would be throw-away chick lit. It wasn't.

I read the blurb expecting your Bridget Jones type of character and Helen Bradshaw was nothing of the sort. There are parts of the novel were you do have to suspend reality (but isn't that the joy of chick-lit?) but Helen goes through some traumatic events - most of which are identified on the blurb.

I enjoyed every aspect of this novel, reading about her job, her family, her boyfriends and her friends. I felt comforted and cosy, just what you want when you want to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine and some choccies!

When I first picked up the book I was worried about how Anna Maxted would fill all those pages with something readable. I was wrong. I sincerely look forward to reading all the others on my shelves, although I hope they don't become formulaic.


EXCELLENT, 09 Sep 2003
Loved the book. Couldnt put it down but didnt want it to end either!!!

Fab, 02 May 2003
I have now read both Anna Maxted's first novels, and am looking forward to reading her third.
I picked up "getting over it" by chance, thinking I'd give a new author a try and I’m so very pleased that I did.

Because I enjoyed this book so much, I now look out for novels by new authors because there is so much talent on the "new author" shelf.
Anna Maxted's novels are great reads and I would definitely say she is one of my favourite female authors!

you have to read it!, 17 Feb 2002
I love chick lit, but lately I was a little bit disappointed because all started to look the same. I was even getting worried! But I bought this one and I promise you won't do a thing until you finish it! It's warm, sad, funny, and so, so real. It could be anyone you know. Read it, it's worth every bit of it!

One of my all-time favourite books, 13 Feb 2002
Incredibly true to life, funny, sad - I think it's almost impossible to read this book and not recognise yourself or someone you know.
The characters are so beautifully flawed and real - even Helen's cat!
The best debut I've ever read. Bravo Ms. Maxted!

Difficult subject, 23 Aug 2008
On reading this book I found the rape and Holly's reaction to it very uncomfortable reading. At times the descriptions of how she felt made me feel the violation for her.
The rest of the story is sweet, although I guessed the plot early on, but made enjoyable reading. I enjoyed this book and didn't want to put it down at times, even tried to read it at work but kept getting bleeped!
If you're feeling low yourself or are going through an emotional time, don't read this book as it will not help your mood. If you want an insight into what it is like to be raped however, I would recommend this as a starting point to put yourself into someone else shoes. Be warned though, at times this book is not light reading.

The Title Belies the Content, 26 Jan 2007
Holly Appleton believes in old fashioned love; the kind where girl meets boy and they all live happily ever after. She believes it so much that despite her own track record in the lurve department (a recent un-engagement to her fiance Nick), she sets up a dating agency and calls it Girl Meets Boy so that others might fulfill their romantic destiny.

Sounds a bit too airy-fairy? Well don't stop reading yet because Holly's problems start when she decides to give her newly "unaffianced" other half a kick up the new millennium by trying to shock him into moving out. She does this by agreeing to go on a date with one of the men who has applied to her agency. Not only is Stuart Marshall light years away from Holly's usual type (Nick, the ex-fiance), but he is also incredibly unpleasant. Stuart Marshall is oilier than the Exxon Valdise.... and he's not the sort of chap who takes no for an answer.

If you have never read any fiction on the rarely broached subject of date rape, then Anna Maxted's book is a good place to start. Date rape is something that happens to far too many women, and Holly's story is not an uncommon one.

I'm not going to give away the ending (and believe me, highlighting the subject matter does not even touch the surface of the story beneath it), suffice to say that Holly goes through the wringer, running the whole emotional gamut from denial to self hatred and finally to acceptance and re-building her confidence to deal with the rape and come to terms with it in her own mind (the scariest place of all).

I enjoy Anna Maxted's work generally and was surprised by the intensity of this story compared to her other novels. I had been looking forward to its publication and whilst I was not disappointed, it was not what I was expecting.

I bought Behaving Like Adults second hand from Amazon Marketplace (for a measly £1.50 - BARGAIN!), however, some people do not like to have their books sullied by the hands of others (I'm on a budget, so I can't afford to be fussy) - anyway, it's published by Random House, ISBN 0-09-943988-3 priced £6.99 and came out in June 2003.


Excellent - couldn't put it down, 06 Sep 2003
Had to write a note just to say how brilliant I found this book to be. Could not put it down and finished it within a day and a half. Had me talking out loud at the characters. Definitely worth a read.

The cover doesnt do this book justice, Anna., 19 Aug 2003
I dont often write reviews but I really had to comment on this book, short of writing directly to the author. I really loved the story and "couldnt put it down". It's a shame it has a bit of a frothy back cover, because the description really doesnt do it justice. It's theme is actually very serious so it is eloquent and thought provoking when it needs to be, yet enjoyable and light hearted too. I loved the character of Holly and really laughed at some of the "that's so true" things Anna Maxted made her come out with. A great book, Anna. Well done. I think it should be a movie made by Richard Curtis!

Dealing with a tricky subject, 15 Jul 2003
Another book from this Author dealing with a taboo subject. I am a man who doesn't mind admitting to reading books written for women.

This book should be compulsory reading for those men who consider rape as acceptable. In this book the emotions of a woman wronged are examined. I cannot agree with the other reviewer who found the treatment was trivialised in some way. I saw that as a strength because it highlighted the way in which some women consider such an attack. The way in which she came to understand that it was not her fault and the reaction of other people showed what a long and difficult journey this can be,

The light heartedness of the sub-plot helped to focus my thoughts on the suffering, the attempts to live a normal life.

If I have one criticism it was that the ending lacked the strength of the body of the story. Basically it was a cop-out. But having said that I'm not sure how it could have been done better.

All in all a good book dealing sensitively with a difficult and emotive subject.

better than 'behaving like adults', 07 Sep 2008
Read this book after reading 'behaving like adults' by Anna, and have to say this is much better! I found behaving like adults a bit to dark and unsettling to be honest, but this is brilliant! At times I couldn't wait to read what happened! I very nearly skipped to the end, but didn't want to ruin it.
Some of the storyline is obvious right from the beginning, but other bits are complete twists and keep surprising you!
Overall this is a good read which will keep you up late into the night to find out what happens! Enjoy!

A long read..., 30 Jul 2007
I picked up this book for a second time recently after having tried once before to drum up interest. This time around I did finish it, but what a long read! The main character is opinionated and not very likeable. Half the time you can't wait until someone will finally tell her a thing or two about life and relationships. For the first few chapters the author can't seem to stick to the plot and keeps going off on narratory paths that have little to do with what is going on. Then she has a hard time coming back to the point. It gets a bit better after a while but then at the end you have to plough through pages of psycho-babble, in dialogues. Real people don't live most of their lives in one mind-set and then after a bit of new information willingly throw it all over board and then explain the new version of opinion like soap stars with a short script. There are plenty of books of the genre that are more entertaining, sorry.

Rather Disappointing, 03 Aug 2005
Having enjoyed all of Anna Maxted's previous novels, it was with great anticipation that I began to read Being Committed. From the first few chapters I was disappointed. I found the main female character difficult to connect to. I felt she was unlikable and she didn't learn from any of the trials being set before her. Unlike Maxted's previous main characters, I didn't feel empathy for her, or understanding for what she was going through. I couldn't help but think, "What an idiot!" as she went through similar situations over and over. I still very much enjoy Anna Maxted's books, but just wasn't as fond of this one.

Misunderstood, 01 Feb 2005
I would like to reply Meredith commnents regarding Anna Maxted's novels. Although I haven't read her latest I have all her previous books and have read and re-read them many times. I fail to understand how Meredith believes that berevement, eating disorders and rape make Maxted's novels "drivel". Her first novel came out during the time when I myself suffered a close family death and her handling of the subject was both sensitive and truthful and helped me though this difficult period. I think that she's fabulous.

FANTASTIC - HIGHLY ENJOYABLE, 12 Sep 2004
Wow - I have never read any of Anna's previous books, but received this one as a gift. I loved it! I had trouble putting it down - which if you knew me, would appreciate how good it must be, as I am not much of a reader. The twists and turns of her life, struck a cord, and I am sure that everybody could associate parts with their own life. Anna's humour is sarcastic and droll - which makes for an even better read. I am going out to get her other books immediately, and, having read all your other reviews, am going to give Miriam Keyes a go to.

I would highly recommend this book, and would suit any age from late teens to mid 30's.

A cosy read, 24 Dec 2007
I have acquired a few by this author, through charity shop buys and swopping. I thought it best to start with her first novel and I was pleasantly surprised. I thought it would be throw-away chick lit. It wasn't.

I read the blurb expecting your Bridget Jones type of character and Helen Bradshaw was nothing of the sort. There are parts of the novel were you do have to suspend reality (but isn't that the joy of chick-lit?) but Helen goes through some traumatic events - most of which are identified on the blurb.

I enjoyed every aspect of this novel, reading about her job, her family, her boyfriends and her friends. I felt comforted and cosy, just what you want when you want to curl up on the sofa with a glass of wine and some choccies!

When I first picked up the book I was worried about how Anna Maxted would fill all those pages with something readable. I was wrong. I sincerely look forward to reading all the others on my shelves, although I hope they don't become formulaic.


EXCELLENT, 09 Sep 2003
Loved the book. Couldnt put it down but didnt want it to end either!!!

Fab, 02 May 2003
I have now read both Anna Maxted's first novels, and am looking forward to reading her third.
I picked up "getting over it" by chance, thinking I'd give a new author a try and I’m so very pleased that I did.

Because I enjoyed this book so much, I now look out for novels by new authors because there is so much talent on the "new author" shelf.
Anna Maxted's novels are great reads and I would definitely say she is one of my favourite female authors!

you have to read it!, 17 Feb 2002
I love chick lit, but lately I was a little bit disappointed because all started to look the same. I was even getting worried! But I bought this one and I promise you won't do a thing until you finish it! It's warm, sad, funny, and so, so real. It could be anyone you know. Read it, it's worth every bit of it!

One of my all-time favourite books, 13 Feb 2002
Incredibly true to life, funny, sad - I think it's almost impossible to read this book and not recognise yourself or someone you know.
The characters are so beautifully flawed and real - even Helen's cat!
The best debut I've ever read. Bravo Ms. Maxted!

Good holiday reading, 08 Apr 2008
I thought this book was laugh out loud in a lot of places, and the friend I lent it to next chuckled away too.

The negatives of this novel for me was that at times I found the main character a bit annoying and wanted to shake her and tell her to wake up and stop being stupid.

I was also slightly disappointed with the way the book ended, it seemed quite abrupt.

However overall I certainly enjoyed it - it was perfect easy read for by the pool on holiday. I will be checking out some other Anna Maxted books off the back of this one.

Surpasses the "chick lit" label easily, 14 Jun 2006
Not your average chick lit book - this has some serious impact. It takes on serious issues such as bulimia, self-harm, and self-hatred, but does so with an informal and gentle, amusing narrative that makes it more personal for the reader, and more affecting. The writing is great, the story - while long - draws you in, and it's very hard to put down. I read it first five years ago and have been re-reading it every now and then ever since. Love it.

stopped reading it, 01 May 2005
I stopped reading this book from the first thirty pages. I couldn't stand how it was sooooo negative and was barely funny. Bridget Jones's diary was much better. take it any day over this.

Another Amazing Hit!!, 27 Mar 2003
I love Anna Maxted's work. She's such a talented and gifted storyteller. "Getting Over It" (her first work) is one of my favs and I have been eagerly anticipating her next novel. I was not disappointed. The levels and characters in this book are wonderful. She tells a story with such intelligence, care and thoughtfulness. I really enjoy her pace and character development. The story goes deeper than the usual "modern romance" and makes you work harder. You will completely enjoy this book - and feel satisfied with a job well done. I highly recommend it.

disappointing, 30 Jul 2002
Unoriginal, too many cliches (gay friend, dysfunctional relationship with mother), too long, too many problems for one character. Some great turns of phrases which had me chuckling aloud (Maxted can certainly write) but on the whole this book is factory-farmed chick lit.