What do I write for a review........reading this book was like watching a bad film, I kept asking myself why am I bothering? I had chosen Affliction as a book for my reading challenge and it had also been passed on to me by a friend, with a note included saying "...see what you think of this!" Well I can honestly say that I have never ever read anything like it! Fay Weldon has written a book that could easily be turned into a stage play, with it's few characters and all the action centred around a couple of locations. When I started, I wanted to read a chapter before putting the book down, but no chapters! I hated each and every character and can't think of one saving grace for any of them. I hated them with such a passion that had they stepped out of the pages I'd have happily slapped, whipped and tarred and feathered the lot of them. Is this then, Fay Weldon's pure genius as an author? Perhaps it is and perhaps I should be singing her praise for a brilliantly written, acutely observed piece of fiction. But I shall leave that to those out there in the book buying world who have enjoyed reading it. I will stick to my personal opinion and toss the book out for collection by the Lifeline Van, and they can recycle it onto their .50c table! I gave it Two Stars only because I reserve a one star rating for books I do not finish. ( )

Annette and Spicer have been together for ten years and seem to be the perfect couple. Expecting their first child, one morning Spicer fails to kiss Annette goodbye which starts the chain of events leading to the meltdown of their marriage. Annette discovers that Spicer is seeing a psychotherapist - Dr Rhea - and he starts behaving psychologically abusive towards Annette, leaving her bewildered and doubting herself. The array of psychiatrists, fortune-tellers and hypnotherapists make an interesting mix. An interesting read with some twists. ( )