I picked up The Life Impossible by Matt Haig from the table in Waterstones; a quick way of choosing a ‘buy one get one half price’ book, but they are usually great reads. I have often read many of these books on offer. That’s not to say I don’t browse the shelves too, but I often don’t have the luxury of the time to do so, usually with a husband to meet!
The title hints of an ‘impossible’ element and the blurb hints of ‘magic’, but that does not prepare you for this delightful book.
Elements of conservation and preservation, activists fighting the worst of the world’s capitalists might have put me off had I known but …
I was swept along by the author’s ability to write a moving and at times gripping story, pertinent for the world today and yet enough escapism to be an excellent read.
A recent very convincing email arrived in my inbox:
Julia writes
“Hello Diana Jackson,
At The Glasgow Book Club, we often find ourselves talking about stories that linger long after the last page, the ones that mix emotion, history, and the unexpected in ways that keep readers thinking.
Missing, Past and Present became part of that conversation. Your portrayal of Dorothy’s journey haunted by loss, seeking answers, and guided by echoes of the past felt immersive and deeply human. The mystery and the ghostly presence didn’t just entertain; they invited reflection on resilience, memory, and the traces of history in our own lives.
We’d love to invite you to a relaxed virtual author spotlight with our readers a space for an honest conversation about your story, your inspiration, and the ideas behind this series.
If you’re open to it, I’d be happy to share more details.“
The positives
This email struck a chord with me because it really sounded as if the author had read MISSING Past and Present. At a point in the novel the location actually is in Glasgow, and those chapters always make me smile (as do the ever friendly Glaswegians!)
I liked the thought of a virtual author spotlight rather than racing over the Forth Bridge and along the motorway to Glasgow.
The alarm bells
There doesn’t actually appear to be a Glasgow Bookclub.
The Meetup website is one I’ve received from emails in the USA as well as the UK and have little on them.
There are messages on Reddit and Facebook warning of similar scams from the Glasgow Bookclub.
Conclusion
Sadly another scam. The only thing I can say is that, momentarily, it lifted my spirits, before sense prevailed.
If, however, you are a member of a Book Group in Glasgow and you would be interested in me having a chat on Zoom, I would be delighted to hear from you through my contact page on this blog.
I’ve just received another email from The Glasgow Bookclub:
“Hi Diana,
I’m David Hartley, and I run the Glasgow Book Club, a small group of readers who engage with books that spark honest reflection and meaningful conversation.
I recently came across The Other Woman Was His Mother, and reading the premise made a strong impression on me. The way you explore emotional enmeshment, control, and the hidden dynamics within relationships feels both powerful and confronting. It’s the kind of subject our readers would approach with curiosity, especially the personal insight and clarity you bring to it.
We would love to invite you to a short Google Meet spotlight session. It’s a relaxed, reader-led conversation where you can share your perspective and experiences, completely free, and you answer only what you feel comfortable with.
If this feels like something you’d be open to, I’d be happy to share more details and arrange a time that works best for you.
Warm regards,
David Hartley“
I have never written a book called The Other Woman Was his Mother!!!!!
I wish there was a way to filter out emails written using AI. It would stop my inbox getting clogged up.
It actually took me three times to read Cloud Cuckoo Land (having loved books by Anthony Doerr) The first time I read a few chapters and couldn’t cope with changes of century each chapter, including a futuristic theme.
I left it for a few months, not wanting to give up on it, and then read through each era, skipping the chapters in between and then beginning again for the next theme. It was extremely clever the way the author weaved each, from ancient mythology to the current day and then … I’m afraid I could not face science fiction too this time either.
A few months later I began again, in the same way as last time, reading Zeno’s gripping story in the public library in 2020, then Anthony’s ….. and finally Konstance in Mission Year 65.
Wow! What an amazingly crafted and well written book. I’m glad I had the patience to stick it out. I’m afraid I met it at a time when I needed a good relaxing read, rather than a challenge, but I’m glad I have finally read it from cover to cover, even if not in the order intended!
Diana Jackson 