Cactus - by Sarah Haywood (Paperback)

About the Book

"For Susan Green, messy emotions don't fit into the equation of her perfectly ordered life. She has a flat that is ideal for one, a job that suits her passion for logic and an 'interpersonal arrangement' that provides cultural and other, more intimate, benefits. But suddenly confronted with the loss of her mother and the news that she is about to become a mother herself, Susan's greatest fear is realized. She is losing control. When she learns that her mother's will inexplicably favors her indolent brother, Edward, Susan's already dismantled world is sent flying into a tailspin. As Susan's due date draws near and her family problems become increasingly difficult to ignore, Susan finds help and self-discovery in the most unlikely of places."--Back cover.

Book Synopsis

A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK

New York Times Bestseller

"Fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine will love The Cactus." --Red magazine

In this charming and poignant debut, one woman's unconventional journey to finding love means learning to embrace the unexpected.

For Susan Green, messy emotions don't fit into the equation of her perfectly ordered life. She has a flat that is ideal for one, a job that suits her passion for logic, and an "interpersonal arrangement" that provides cultural and other, more intimate, benefits. But suddenly confronted with the loss of her mother and the news that she is about to become a mother herself, Susan's greatest fear is realized. She is losing control.

Enter Rob, the dubious but well-meaning friend of her indolent brother. As Susan's due date draws near and her dismantled world falls further into a tailspin, Susan finds an unlikely ally in Rob. She might have a chance at finding real love and learning to love herself, if only she can figure out how to let go.

Review Quotes

Original, engaging and totally believable. -Graeme Simsion, author of The Rosie Project and with Anne Buist, Two Steps Forward

Fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine will love The Cactus. -Red magazine

A heartfelt and charming story of one woman's transition from a solitary, orderly existence to a messy life full of love. -Booklist

Heartfelt and funny, this will delight fans of The Rosie Project. -Book Riot

If, like me, you never stopped to think what a child born of The Rosie Project's Don Tillman and Bridget Jones might be like, there's one way to find out. Read Sarah Haywood's The Cactus. -Julia Claiborne Johnson, author of Be Frank with Me

Equal parts intelligent, funny and devastating, Haywood breathes life into an unlikely heroine in a bold, emotionally-charged debut. -Phaedra Patrick, author of The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

Haywood concocts a delightful collection of characters to lead Susan out of her emotionally cloistered life.... A warm, witty portrait of a woman finally creating the family she deserves. -Kirkus Reviews

Hilarious and endearing... The novel is consistently enjoyable, anchored by the splendid character of Susan. -Publishers Weekly