An edgy, astute, robustly dynamic tale, taking snapshots of a life and allowing them to parade provocatively in front of you. Andrea is nearly 40, she doesn't have children, or a partner, she continuously battles expectations and other peoples judgement. Andrea opens windows into her world, with time not running concurrently, we slide backwards and forwards in an almost chaotic but incredibly powerful way. At first I wasn't sure what to make of Andrea, she can be abrasive and fatalistic, yet as I got to know her, any initial concerns about her, altered to being concerned for her, to caring about her. Jami Attenberg somehow encouraged hidden voices and thoughts skulking in a sealed shut wardrobe in my own mind to open the door and let themselves be heard. Her writing is incredible powerful, there is a beguiling sense of freedom and candour skimming the pages. Prodding, slashing, hammering at your awareness, ‘All Grown Up’ is a mesmerising tale, it’s short yet contains a lifetime of living. ~ Liz Robinson
Click here to read a letter from Jami Attenberg about this book.
'Hilarious, courageous and mesmerising' Maria Semple'Think BBC's Fleabag set in Brooklyn' Stylist 'I'm alone. I'm a drinker. I'm a former artist. I'm a shrieker in bed. I'm the captain of the sinking ship that is my flesh.'Andrea is a single, childless 39-year-old woman who tries to navigate family, sexuality, friendships and a career she never wanted, but battles with thoughts and desires that few people would want to face up to. Gut-wrenchingly honest and shimmering with rage and intimacy, All Grown Up questions what it means to be a 21st century woman: - What if I don't want to hold your baby?- Can I date you without ever hearing about your divorce?- What can I demand of my mother now that I am an adult?- Is therapy pointless?- At what point does drinking a lot become a drinking problem?- Why does everyone keep asking me why I am not married? Powerfully intelligent and wickedly funny, All Grown Up delves into the psyche of a flawed but mesmerising character. Readers will recognise themselves in Jami Attenberg's truthful account of womanhood, though they might not always want to admit it.
