Mad About You is another solid novel from Mhairi McFarlane – not my favourite but still fantastic. I do think that this novel really hasn’t been marketed in the best way. The cover and blurb suggest a story that’s very light hearted and kind of like The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary, but it’s more about the end of relationships, gaslighting, the issues of social media ‘facts’ and a bit of revenge. This isn’t really a romantic comedy, but it does have some light moments.

Harriet is a photographer, specialising in weddings despite having no desire to get married herself. So when her boyfriend surprises her with a ring at a family event, it’s more a shocked, polite yes reply than from the heart. But then Harriet tells Jon that she can’t marry him and they break up, sending her into a house share in her thirties. Cal is nice, but she also knows him as a runaway groom which means he has Problems. Jon causes his own issues, but a bigger problem occurs when Harriet sees her former abusive partner Scott at a wedding. Harriet’s worried that his new fiancé is hiding the abuse and tries to help her, which leads to trial by Facebook. Add in some friends who aren’t being supportive and work issues, and Harriet’s in trouble. Then Harriet and friends plan some revenge…

The story is more about the solidarity of some friendships (and those that flake on you when the going gets tough). It also explores tough questions in relationships such as should you stay when it’s clearly not forever and how to help those experiencing gaslighting and mental abuse. As the story continues, we see Harriet gradually getting stronger and more comfortable with herself, despite some big hiccups and awkward times along the time. The novel explores how it’s okay not to be perfectly put together and to ask for help. The themes can get a bit heavy, but they are always balanced with some light relief from an amusing character or a witty scene. Sure, some of the characters are annoying (Jon, the mummy’s boy ex who clearly has no clue how to function alone) and some are downright evil (Scott, possibly one of the creepiest gaslighters in fiction). The ending is a bit over the top, but it gives the reader some light relief and the opportunity to see justice served in dramatic fashion.

The story is not about the romance either, although it is included. Don’t go looking for this to be all sweet and light, because it’s not that kind of novel. Even the title is kind of misleading – it’s nothing to do with the romance, more about Harriet’s exes. They are mad, just in very different ways. This novel contains sensitive themes that are handled really well. Just be aware that the cute cover hides a serious read.

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I am usually not much of a chicklit reader. I love straight up romance, but the you go girl personal growth stuff just does not usually do it for me. Mhairi McFarlane has been a consistent exception to this rule and this book continues the trend. I loved Harriet, and all the people around her (I even liked John, whom I was clearly not intended to like.) If you have ever had a serious relationship with a Class A gaslighter, this is for you. ( )

Harriet has told her boyfriend that she doesn't want to get married. She hasn't told him that she wants to break up, but when he forces the issue by proposing at his parents' anniversary dinner, things go as badly as expected. Harriet rents a room sight unseen and attempts to move on with her life, but her ex-boyfriend's subsequent behavior, running into another ex at an event she was working at, and getting to know her landlord are forcing her into coming to terms with her past and maybe even taking dramatic action.

This novel is Chick Lit, in that it's a breezily-written story about a young woman and there is a romance, but really this is a novel about domestic abuse and how its effects can be felt long after the abuser is gone. And, for all the heavy subject matter, this isn't a heavy read. Harriet has friends with full lives of their own and her own progress is made while also dealing with all the odd situations a wedding photographer can be put in and Harriet herself is a fiercely optimistic character who is as much fun to spend time with as any of McFarlane's other heroines.

Chick Lit doesn't exactly get much respect as a genre and while it is true (as it is for any genre) that most of what is published is badly written, there are a lot of good books being published in that genre. McFarlane remains one of the best authors writing Chick Lit and it's fun watching her work become more substantial even as she manages to keep the tone light and engaging. ( )

The only real problem with this book is that Harriet's absolutely horrible exes are much more interesting characters than the oh-so-perfect twerp she ends up with. It would be nice if he felt real. Nice, yes, good to live with, yes, of course, but not really real. ( )

Ella S. recommended

Harriet Hatley is a wedding photographer in Leeds, in a stable relationship with her boyfriend Jon, to whom she has made it clear she has no intention of getting married. When Jon proposes anyway, in front of his family, she breaks up with him, and rents a room from a stranger - who turns out to be a groom who left his bride at the altar at a wedding Harriet had been hired for. Neither is excited about the new arrangement, but eventually Harriet learns Cal's side of the story, and shares her own history with him.

When Harriet learns her abusive ex-boyfriend Scott is getting married, she takes a risk and warns his fiancee, Marianne, and the blowback is serious - but ultimately, provides a chance for Harriet to meet Scott's other exes and band together in spectacular fashion.

Not exactly a romance, but wonderfully enjoyable. Trigger warning for those in (or out of) emotionally abusive/manipulative relationships.

Quotes

The only upside to spending so long in an emotional limbo was the value she could now place on her certainty. (42)

If he forgot to consider Harriet's feelings, was it a world away from not caring what they were? (51)

It was ironic that in tearing into Harriet for going, Jon had only confirmed to Harriet that it was the right decision. (78)

He was the man who endlessly asked what she wanted yet somehow never thought about what she wanted. (87)

Why didn't being wholly innocent feel more powerful? (135)

She hated him so much it was practically cardio. (179)

Anything was possible, in the off-world colonies that were the private lives of others. (215)

When narcissists can no longer control you, they try to control what others think of you. (256)

"We've lost all respect for the fact there's things we don't know." (Harriet to Lorna, 259)

If there was a special place in hell reserved for women who didn't help other women, perhaps there were special rewards for those who did. (379) ( )