Mumsnet Talk

I am thrilled to announce that March's writer is the stupendous Esther Freud, who started out as an actor (specifically, as an alien in Doctor Who: Attack of the Cybermen) and then went on to write Hideous Kinky, and followed it up with seven more books, including The Wild and The Sea House. In her latest novel, LUCKY BREAK, Esther explores the theatrical world with piercing insight (and a lot of insider knowledge, given her own training and her marriage to David Morrissey).

The story starts with a gauche, anxious group of students at their first day at Drama Arts. Nell, who is no red-carpet queen, feels destined to a lifetime of character parts. Charlie, however, believes success is only her due. Dan has to overcome private fears and the demands of a family to reach his ambition. All of them are made interesting and likeable - no mean feat, given the luvvieness and often ludicrous behaviour of thespy types - by Freud's observant and sympathetic writing. And it is often very funny too. As the Observer put it, 'it is to Freud's immense credit that she has made a profession threaded through by fakery appear so indelibly and excruciatingly real.'

Read more about the book at our book of the month page, plus you can see what the Telegraph says here

The generous folks at Bloomsbury have 100 copies of the book to give away to Mumsnetters. To claim yours, please go to the book of the month page and fill in your details.

We'll post on the thread when all the copies have been sent out but if you're not lucky enough to bag one of those, you can always get your paperback or Kindle version here

Esther Freud will be joining us to talk about LUCKY BREAK, acting, writing and all her novels, on Tuesday 27 March, 9-10pm. So whatever you want to ask and whichever of her books you've read, do come and join us.

Look forward to seeing you all then, and keep posting your thoughts and any advance questions on this thread...

Just thought I'd add that everyone should feel free to discuss the book and post questions/thoughts/opinions at any point over the month. And then when Esther comes on, she'll answer the stack of questions and take any fresh ones that come up that evening.

And feel free to chat to her about Hideous Kinky, or whichever book you'd like to talk about.

I'm enjoying the insights, whilst also biting my fists thinking how completely rubbish and hopeless I would be as an actor. I would either be speechless with derision (at the Stanivlasky Method) or speechless with fright (at having to be watched). I can't even manage Christmas charades without my heart thumping. I wouldn't last one day.

Freddiesmother

Hmm doesn't seem to be published in paperback until 29 march?! Am I missing something?

Thanks for flagging. Bloomsbury are on the case and we'll report back on Monday, when hopefully it will be sorted and the p/b available on Amazon. The Kindle version is available now.

Hello, we've heard back from Bloomsbury and Freddiesmother, you're right, the paperback isn't out until 29 March .

BUT, Mumsnetters can get the trade paperback (RRP £11.99) online for £5.99 (free P&P) using this link.

The ebook version is available on Amazon for £5.49.

As I type, there are 3 FREE copies of the 100 giveaway copies left. Quick!! Visit our book of the month page.

And please come back and post your thoughts once you've read Lucky Break. We're looking forward to hearing what you all think.

thanks