Review
Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr
Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving amongst
the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on,
Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when
his characters reach that most dreaded of moments-- the big three-o. Matt
Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has
answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager:
"What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get
a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the
lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine
suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up
amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in
crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and
parents in Birmingham. As his thirtieth birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny
Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a
friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as
he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love
triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and
refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a
situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and
loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning
Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that
won't disappoint his growing army of fans. --Jerry Brotton
Synopsis
Matt is looking forward to turning 30, his whole life is finally sorted.
But on his birthday his girlfriend makes a shocking confession, and unable
to cope, Matt moves back with his parents. Back with the friends he hasn't
seen for 10 years, he realizes life isn't as simple as it used to be.
