Weldon on top form! Chalcot Crescent is set in a world eerily similar to our own, which provides Weldon with an opportunity to do what she does best: biting social commentary. Frances, our protagonist, has led a wonderfully selfish life, which only makes her more interesting - no wishy-washy hand-wringing here. The supporting characters are equally well-drawn, from drop-out charmer Amos to self-deluding feminist Polly, though my favourite has to be Fay, Weldon herself, appearing as Frances' sister. In Chalcot Crescent, we find England a few years from now, in the grip of a true Nanny State, in the aftermath of a financial crisis. The government is unelected, rationing is back, and subversive elements are plotting discord. Against this background, Frances tells us the story of her life and loves (of which there are many), and introduces us to the people who make up her family (which is definitely not nuclear). A wonderful book for all Weldon fans, as well as for anyone who wants to be given a sneak peek at what could be waiting around the corner.Waterstone's Cardholder

Reminiscent of Animal Farm and Brave New World, Chalcot Crescent was a slightly disturbing read for me. Set in 2013 and narrated by Frances, an eighty-year old, this novel portrayswhat might occur in the family and politically in the future. Contemporary events are referred to throughout and the cautionary tale envisaged is undeniably convincing.A theme throughout is that history is doomed to repeat itself - the more things change, the more they stay the same. Frances having lived through a lot of events of which her grandchildren are ignorant witness to this.I have not read much by Fay Weldon and her style here is readable, although the characters were at times so inter-connected I did get a little disorientated as to who was related to whom and how. I did get a little impatient with Frances' passivity in not expressing herself verbally to her family members, but as she was a writer, this was perhaps understandable. I found this a thought-provoking read, but not preachy.Waterstone's Cardholder

Although I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the reminiscences of the one time national treasure, Francis, I did rather feel that there was a lack of pace and I kept wanting to move the action on somewhat.However, I was totally fascinated by the numerous characters, although the future for us all in the short term, if Francis is to be believed, looks rather bleak but considering the current climate and economy could be totally feasible.The characters in the book really come alive and are very believable.I think it was an act of genius to use Chalcot Crescent in Primrose Hill, which is indeed a very upmarket street in a very select area and should the residents there read Fay Weldon's book I am sure they will be extremely apprehensive that their prospects over the next few years appear to be on a downward spiral and they could well be sitting on the stairs with the Bailiffs ing on the door eating National Meat Loaf!To summarise although the pace was lacking it was a terrific read and I would thoroughly recommend it - definitely food for thought!Pauline Temple.

'...people are quite capable of replaying history without reference to what happened in the past' says Frances. This summarises the theme of the unreliable narrator through the book, and the problems Frances has differentiating the fiction she enjoys writing from the truth happening around her. Set in the future in 2013, when the country is heavily policed by the National Unity Government and the extended family keeps on growing, Frances views the actions of her family and the new government, and considers the events of her past and the changes that have taken place. But how true is what she says? I found this was an interesting portrayal of a vision of the future, and the characters and events held my interest. It was also an interesting idea to write the novel from the point of view of the writer's unborn sister, had she experienced the life of an 80 year old. I would certainly like to read more of Fay Weldon's books, having read this novel.

Having heard of but never read a Fay Weldon book, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. The way that we live now and in the past reverberates in this novel through the family and in particular the main character of Frances.It is set in the very near future and paints a dim view of how our lives could be considering our current economic climate.It is a funny, clever and most entertaining read. I would like to know what is in the National Meatloaf though. Waterstone's Cardholder