Life, Death and Vanilla Slices cover art

Life, Death and Vanilla Slices

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Life, Death and Vanilla Slices

By: Jenny Eclair
Narrated by: Jenny Eclair
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About this listen

Jean Collins had two daughters. But she only loved one of them. She knew it was wrong, but she just couldn't help herself. Jess was a little sweetheart, everyone said so. Anne was awkward and serious and not much fun, to be frank.

But now the years have passed. Jess is missing - run off long ago, no one knows where or why. So when Jean is left in a coma after a road accident, it's Anne who travels back up north to sit at her mother's bedside. And she wonders - why did Jean dash out into the road without looking? What distracted her? And why was she carrying a box of vanilla slices, the cream cakes she only ever bought for extra special occasions? Meanwhile there are secrets waiting for Anne and Jean, back at the old family home. Secrets that were buried a long time ago...

©2013 Jenny Eclair (P)2013 Hachette Digital Fiction Women's Fiction Funny Feel-Good Heartfelt Inspiring Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Witty

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Critic reviews

"Of course it's funny, but it's also dark, honest and totally compulsive reading" (Jenny Colgan)
"Very dark and very funny. I had it glued to my face until I'd finished it" (Jo Brand)
All stars
Most relevant  
Well written, humourous and engaging. Jenny narrating the novel adds to its brilliance. I would definitely recommend. Enjoy !!!!

Brilliant

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Way better than expected. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jenny read this, very amusing, defo worth a listen to

Recommended for a smile

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loved it very inspiring book. looking forward to reading her next one. very nice audio

loved it. Very enjoyable read. .true life. good

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I was a bit concerned at the start that I wasn't going to be able to like or feel any sympathy for the main character. However this turned into a really good read. Thought provoking and moving without being overly sentimental. Did make me think a lot about my own family, especially my mum and my maternal grandmother.

keep an open mind at the start

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Very good, this was compulsive listening. The characterisation was excellent. It is a melancholy book in many ways so do not expect laughs.

A very well dramatised reading of her own book

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Bloody brilliant, yet again Jenny has written a wonderful book, I couldn’t stop listening with it twists and turns , thanks Jenny for another great book

Life,Death and vanilla slices

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JE is a mistress of her art. A great story teller and narrator. She can only keep on improving.

Superb storytelling

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What made the experience of listening to Life, Death and Vanilla Slices the most enjoyable?

I really like it when the author reads their own book. Jenny Eclair read it brilliantly. The storyline was very enjoyable...made mr laugh out loud and tears in my eyes at other times

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ann in some ways as she always tended to do the right thing

Which character – as performed by Jenny Eclair – was your favourite?

Jess was hilarious in some of her interactions with Ann

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listen when I run so it is great to look forward to the next installments

Any additional comments?

Fully recommend this book

I loved this book

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Enjoyed this book immensely. Jenny manages to explore the mother/daughter complex relationship without being either obvious or sickly. The audio version is fantastically performed. You will laugh and weep and never forget this book. Jenny please keep writing.

A fantastic heartbreaking funny and poignant book

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My second Jenny Eclair book. Not a massive fan of her comedy, but as with all great pathos, parts of this book made me cry and laugh out loud. Beautifully narrated by Jenny herself, a most enjoyable read.

Love a vanilla slice....love an Eclair

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