We had a lively discussion about this novel, written during the George W Bush presidency and based obliquely on his wife Laura Bush. 

We had mixed views on how this blend of combining fact with fiction worked, as the book was neither one or the other. This can give rise to very real confusion in this time of fake news, propaganda and misinformation. The book was not a biography, but many of the events in it were taken directly from the life of Laura Bush through the 1950s, 1960s into the 1970s and her life with GWB.

Another interesting point of discussion arose around the cultural, social behaviours and aspirations, from the 1950s up to today, of 'white' American women, of a certain type, class and socio-economic background. Looking at the current rhetoric of those women who support Trump, and the GOP, we questioned how much has actually changed? 

We also felt strongly that the protagonist, Alice, relinquished not only her family and career but also much of herself to become the 'good little wife' of a man - Charlie Blackwell - destined to become POTUS. Standing by him throughout his period of alcoholism, finding his faith in God and withstanding his manipulative mother, Priscilla, the matriarch of the Blackwell family.

Our discussion covered family love and loyalties, female friendships, adolescent love and heartbreak, abortion, lesbianism, fidelity, bereavement, guilt and money!

An engaging and enjoyable debate.