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Jane is a 30 year old woman that has been living in Manchester all her life. She works at a florists and is sometimes not so happy with her boss. Well, these things happen in life all the time! Jane also has some very good friends there. Some of them are already married with children, one of them just got proposed and is about to get married and others are single like her or have a relationship.

At this age she realizes that at some point she needs to get her life moving. She should find someone to love and maybe get married. Only that these things are not by order! She cannot really push it, until she finds someone.

The book is structured in a journal-like narration. The reader gets her thoughts and emotions in paper, however these are not overanalyzed as someone may expected. It is more from a man’s point of view, simple and practical. There is no fairy tail or romantic touch, however there is someone over whom Jane seems to fall.

That girl’s life gets pretty crazy though. After work drinks that last till late night on a working day. Crazy girlfriends on a trip. Some pretty easy babysitting hours. ( )

Jane of Manchester by J.G. Dow is a rambling, diary-like look at the life of Jane, who works in a florist's shop, has good friends and supportive parents. While all may seem fine on the surface, Jane is somewhat at odds with her spot in life; while everyone around her is either getting married, already married with kids, or has a great plan of action, Jane is living a rather simple and uninspired existence. This disquietude tugs at her in a small way throughout the story, while nothing is inherently wrong, things are the same old, same old, day after day. The first person narrative fits this story well, it captures the character of Jane astutely, and weaves the story around her everyday activities. The backdrop of Manchester and the culture of the Brits is enjoyable and sensitively rendered. The author, Dow, also gives the story a somber touch by fully describing the alcohol infused lifestyle that many young woman engage in, which may be enlightening for some. There are a few funny moments in the book that thankfully allow it to rise above the mundane and ordinary as well. All in all, an entertaining, light, novel. ( )