The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year

By: Sue Townsend

Narrated by: Caroline Quentin

The day her children leave home, Eva climbs into bed and stays there. She's had enough - of her kids' carelessness, her husband's thoughtlessness and of the world's general indifference. Brian can't believe his wife is doing this. Who is going to make dinner? But Eva won't budge; and soon she realises to her horror that everyone has been taking her for granted - including herself.

©2012 Lily Broadway Productions Ltd (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"Hilarious and totally Townsend. There were parts where I laughed until I cried." (Daily Mail)

"Laugh-out-loud...a teeming world of characters whose foibles and misunderstandings provide glorious amusement. Something deeper and darker than comedy." (Sunday Times)

"Full of colour and glows with life." (Independent)

disappointing end

I liked this except there were too many questions left at the end about the other characters. I didn't especially like the ending, but I suppose it fit the story. I found the two most likeable characters were Stanley and Alexander. I think I would have edited the book to be tighter with fewer characters.

Sad, relatable, and funny.

I really wish I had the financial cushion to remain in bed for a year, even if people think I am crazy. Meh. Water under the bridge. I felt sorry for Eva, although the way in which she conducted herself throughout most of the book was hilarious! "I'm not crazy! I just need a break!" AMEN, sister! But no one would believe her. I think so many of us are right there with her, myself included. The demands of life and family in this day and time are overwhelming for a lot of people, myself included. When I think about what I have to do in the week ahead, I sigh and get a sickening feeling. Although I always get through it, I almost never get everything done that needed to be or that I had planned. That hasn't happened in at least a year. I do not have much zest for life but living alone for four years has a way of doing that to a person, although I've been alone in my mind for much longer. I think that's where Eva is and was throughout her infidelity-filled marriage. I was married once myself and like Eva, I too was alone even then. We didn't have much in common, failed to understand each other, and frankly, neither of us cared enough about the other to even try. That is where Eva and Brian were, I think, especially since Eva was willing to move in his mistress without a second thought, as long as she could have their room. This is another reminder of how money can't buy happiness, the ideal family can be miserable, and getting some on the side is the rule and not the exception these days, only to learn that side piece(s) are far from perfect themselves. What are we really trying to find?

Great book

I think this book is very clever, deep, powerful and relatable about getting to an age where you could quite easily go to bed for a year (or walk out the door and not come back). I loved that it sent a message to her husband and children that, no, she wasn’t going to give in and fix their problems, because her going to bed for a year was an inconvenience to them and others around.

I really enjoyed this book and I would love to hear about Eva’s next chapter in her life.

I love Caroline Quentin narrating this book; she gets every character spot on!

Narration was terrific and went well with the satirical story

What a wonderful commentary about the world we live in. Looking from the outside in!

A thoroughly enjoyable read

As a fan of Sue Townsend from the days of Adrian Mole, I was very excited to see a new title available. It certainly didn't let me down! This book was brilliantly simple, extremely funny and very well narrated. I couldn't recommend this book any more, especially to those women who can identify with needing a year in bed!