Plenty of Cooper’s novels feature sexism which would outrage young readers today and make their older counterparts, like me, balk when considered through a 2023 prism. Jilly Cooper’s books are normally a great romp, with characters who are human, flawed, yet very engaging. Her women might be unwashed and on a deadline, worrying about competing in professional sport while menstruating, farting with rage, peeing in sinks, navigating the agony of unrequited love, failing to get pregnant and, even, attempting suicide. It will be published on 9th November 2023 accompanied by a "major marketing campaign focusing on booksellers and driving sales right up to Christmas and beyond", Transworld said. I already feel that I've said more than I can really be bothered to say which actually sums up how I felt about this book.

She reminds us that beneath the surface people, famous or otherwise, are often hiding an emotional or physical pain that is not always visible or understood.Seven long years after her last book – its subject was flat racing – this one, if the gossip is to be believed, was further held up by sensitivity readers and a publisher who wanted “more sex”.

We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Jilly is now well into her 80’s and has adapted her books to ensure they are relevant without compromising her signature style. As an owner, while grateful she included the breed in her book, I am trying to forgive her for referring to a German Shepherd as an Alsatian but finding it difficult. But she does note that “many years later”, Southgate was kind enough to send her a signed England shirt, together with a note congratulating her on having finally finished writing her book. Last year it was announced one of Jilly Cooper’s best-known novels, Rivals (Transworld), would be adapted for a Disney+ TV series, as reported by the Guardian.

There was a lot of fun and inuendo around the WAGs, a few cliche’s that made me smile like the power srtuggle among them and the affectations of trying to be posh. You can change your choices at any time by visiting Cookie preferences, as described in the Cookie notice.