Why Mummy’s Sloshed by Gill Sims

Published by Harper Collins, 2020

The fifth in this very popular series and, from the title, I thought this newly released book would make a great Christmas present to be opened after a few too many festive sherries.
Ellen lives a chaotic, alcohol-fuelled life with her two teenaged children (her “precious moppets”), whilst her soon-to-be ex husband has a calm, child-free, eco-focussed existence with his new partner, Marissa. Various friends pop in and out of the story to add drama.

To be fair, I’m not the most likely audience, as I’m not a parent and I don’t drink, so it’s not really surprising that, after reading it, I reached several conclusions:

* judging by this book, the well known expression should be reworded “give me the parent, I’ll give you the child”;

* if the references to alcohol were removed, the book would be 50 pages shorter;

* if the profanities were removed, the book would be 100 pages shorter; and

* if the toilet references were also removed, it would be a short story.

That said, judging by reviews online, thousands of other readers loved it describing it as ‘hilarious’ and ‘tender’, so maybe it’s just me.

To end on a positive note, some parents might feel reassured that, by comparison, they’re doing a pretty good job coping with their children, their jobs and their lives.