Clara Dunphy wants Christmas to be perfect, but her family and friends consistently fudge it up in India Knight's impending holiday treat, which has already been named "A Book of the Year" in the U.K. by the Guardian and the Independent. Knight is no stranger to publishing--she's a columnist for London's Sunday Times, as well as a novelist. Her heroines are often flawed women seeking the perfect job, perfect husband or, in the case of Clara, the perfect Christmas.
Comfort & Joy traces three Christmases in the life of Clara Dunphy--a divorced and remarried mother of three whose family is nuttier than a box of cashews. Through arguments, love and drunkenness, Clara strives to relive the holiday glories of her own childhood, which is easier attempted than accomplished.
Knight uses long, conversational sentences with comic kick. The narration is hilarious from line one; be prepared to giggle. Although awkward hilarity often ensues, meaningful observations on marriage, divorce and child-rearing are offered as well, as Clara struggles to remain friends with ex-husbands and allies with pathetic, self-centered gal pals.
Throughout the chaos, Clara ponders the meaning of Christmas. Is it really about where you are and the traditions you hold or is it about who you're with? And is family really about blood relation or is it about love? Find out in this quick read that's bound to get you in the holiday spirit... martini in hand or not. -- Sara Dobie, blogger at Wordpress