Metafiction at its best - Rated 
This is an amazing text, both a work of art and a mighty fine read. From the beginning I was completely hooked. The fragmentation in the narrative is masterfully worked so that the rather curious voice of Norma and indeed Roy, comes through with real clarity. The plot is much more surprising than I anticipated as I reckoned I'd cracked the story very early on but was intrigued by the nuances of the story itself and was not prepared for the end of the novel. I would love to learn more about the process of writing this novel which stirred my imagination to such a point that at numerous points in the story I said to myself ' I wish I'd thought of doing this!'
A real must for anyone interested in the creative writing process and just about the most interesting book I've read in ages
Perfect read and also a great bookclub choice! - Rated
This book is an excellent read on so many different levels. It is a very original story with a plot that moves at a cracking pace. I totally disagree with one amazon reviewer who said the book lacked plot! I really don't get that. Don't be worried that because it is a graphic novel it will be hard to read - it isn't. Not only is it easy to read, but the graphics really give the novel it's own voice, the characters come to life. You can see them, hear them, laugh with (or at) them and empathise with them. Visually, it is a joy to look at. I chose this book for our bookclub - our ages range from 30's to 70's - and everyone enjoyed it; there was loads to discuss not only about the book, but the subjects within society that the book raises. Break out of the norm and try something new: you'll be glad you did!
Quirky and fun! - Rated 
I was intrigued by the idea of this novel - it took the author 5 years to put together using clippings from newspapers and magazines of the 1960's and it really works, not just because of the way it's put together but because Rawle is actually a good writer and has developed an interesting and engaging story. The layout and design of the book make it fun to read. The main character, Norma Fontaine is the perfect image of a 1960's woman. Her dialogue, clothing and mannerisms are all perfectly described and Rawle has fitted the pieces of the puzzle together so that the narrative flows without being stilted or restrictive. The only thing that stopped me from giving this 4 or 5 stars was the lack of an adequate plot. Rawle could have gone further - he does not lack the talent, however, style wins over substance this time.
SECRET WOMEN'S BUSINESS - Rated
This is less of a read and more of a thrilling performance piece. The use of collage means that not only are you enthralled aesthetically but the writing with genre elements and real suspense are truly riveting. Add fantastically black humour (laugh out loud) and startling reveals with unexpected twists and turns and you have a genuine classic.
Enough said - Girls, read this book.
Woman's World - A Novel - Rated
The first and most important thing to say about this extraordinary book is that it is a cracking good read. A novel to read in one sitting. Both a work of art and a real page turner. Don't be scared off by its unconventional appearance. Or the rave press reviews bandying about words such as 'genius and madness', 'barmy and brilliant' and 'possibly metafiction's first best seller'. Although all these things are true this is only part of the package. Once you become familiar with the format of the presentation - and it really takes no time - you gallop through the story simply because you are desperate to know what happens next. Graham Rawle has taken words and phrases from 1960s woman's magazines and cut and pasted them in the original form to create something visually unique. As a means of communication however it can, at first glance, appear somewhat daunting. Don't be daunted. The story more than stands up on its own - this is no smoke and mirror device to distract from any shortcomings in the plot. The story he tells is not only enhanced by his means of communication but pretty soon you realise that it is the only way that this story could possibly be told. And indeed much of the humour comes from the reality of the phrases which have been taken directly from his vast collection of 1960s women's magazines. The story itself grips from the start. The story of a sad and strange family - how sad and strange only becomes apparent as the story unfolds. But often laugh out loud funny. The main characters held me from the start - I cared for them. I despaired of them. I rooted for them and wanted to shake them. Often on the same page. I would say buy this book. And it has the advantage of looking like the sort of book that could be the next Booker Prize winner. So if you want to read something that looks a bit arty and impressive on the tube but just has you hooked from the start - this is the book for you... Fantastic!
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