THE CACTUS by Sarah Haywood

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

3.5 stars

I was a little disappointed by The Cactus and cannot really understand the comparisons with Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine and Don Tillman from The Rosie Project.  In fact, I think the comparisons are way off for the simple reason that Eleanor and Don were both likable from the start as well as funny. That our protagonist is someone I would not want to get to know made it difficult for me to get through the book. Think of a person who is like a cactus.  Need I say more?

Susan is 45 and pregnant. She has just lost her mother and dislikes her brother. She likes to live a highly organized life and be in control. But she’s having a baby and won’t be able to be completely in charge anymore. 

I like to know exactly what’s going to be happening and precisely when it will happen. That way you can guard yourself against unwelcome surprises and ensure that everything proceeds satisfactorily. 

I’ve single-handedly created the ideal life for myself in London. I have a home that is adequate to my current needs, a job that is appropriate to my skills and easy access to cultural stimulation. Except for my working hours, I have control over every aspect of my existence.

The Cactus is a story of transformation.  Susan prefers her own company and believes that others will let you down in the end. 

I could have suggested that he walk the fifteen paces from his own desk to mine, but I don’t like to encourage that sort of thing.

Recent events had proved what I’d known all along; other people couldn’t be trusted.

Susan also believes that she doesn’t need a husband or a man for any reason, including raising her child. She can do it all herself.

I’ve never, ever had any desire to share my life with anyone. I enjoy my own company, I value my independence, I like doing things my way. I don’t want some great lumbering man messing up my house and getting under my feet.

I find, though, that men invariably expect more than I’m prepared to give. Some want

romantic love, a meeting of minds, a sharing of thoughts and feelings; others want veneration, deference, subservience. I’m not cut out for any of that kind of nonsense...

Through the course of The Cactus, Susan’s world grows, her life becomes fuller and she becomes better able to handle uncertainty. Eventually she does become more likable when the reader gets to know her better.

I’m not ruling anything in or anything out; I’m going to wait and see. The world seems bigger, louder and more colorful than it did a few weeks ago, a few days ago. At the moment, I’m not entirely sure who I am in relation to it. But that’s fine.

The writing is witty and clever with laugh out loud moments sprinkled throughout the story.

I remember you saying families were like prisons but without the hope of a release date.

Dealing with members of the opposite sex isn’t that dissimilar from training a dog; you need to be firm and persistent.

If it wasn’t for the fact that I have colleagues, office life would be bearable.