SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE.

SECRET DIARY OF A DEMENTED HOUSEWIFE by NIAMH GREENE.

SOURCE: Ex-library stock.

When Susie's maiden aunt gives her a housekeeping journal, she expects Susie to use it for jotting down nutritious recipes and planning household budgets. But Susie has more important things on her mind ...

... Like how to keep sane while trying to control a four-year-old diva who thinks she's Judy Garland, as well as a thrill-seeking toddler with a death wish. Not to mention managing a demanding husband who expects a home-cooked meal at least once a fortnight and inconsiderate parents who seem to think luxury spa breaks are more important than spending time with their grandchildren. On top of that, there's the small matter of the Lone Father at the children's play group who is clearly smitten and Susie's passing interest in Posh'n'Becks, Wayne and Colleen, Brad'n'Jen'n'Angelina ...

Susie's journal chronicles a hectic year in the life of a stay at home mother, whose one ambition is to possess an outfit that is free of snot stains.
..... Amazon Product Description (The Inner front cover that I would normally quote is a diary entry that contains spoilers).

FIRST SENTENCE {5 September}: Have decided that summer is seriously overrated (unless you own a top-notch villa in the South of France and have a Swedish au pair on red alert 24/7). 

MEMORABLE MOMENT {Page 154}: Spent next ten minutes trying to ignore direct implications that I was a fat green ogre with dusting issues and searching frantically for my evening bag, Joe tapping his fingers on the hall table and his mother pretending to help by looking under the sofa (really hunting for evidence that I don't vacuum under there either).

MY THOUGHTS: Funny(ish) but not nearly as funny as it might have been. As much of the humour lies in the fact that many readers, whether they be a thirty something 'demented housewife' and mother of two themselves or simply know one, will probably relate to at least some of the goings on.

Full of stereotypical characters - the workaholic father, the over-bearing mother in law, the 'hippy' mother, the sexy barbie doll like secretary, the career girl VBF (Very Best Friend) and her MOM (Man of the Moment). But it isn't even the authors somewhat lazy portrayal of these characters nor even the disservice done to stay-at-home mothers (portrayed here as somewhat slovenly, tv watching, biscuit munching, celeb obsessed individuals) that I found totally irksome so much as the pretentious, rude, and sexual portrayal of four year old pre-schooler  'I want to wear a bikini top and hot pants and look sexy' Katie.

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