Three of Cole's novels have been adapted for the stage by the Theatre Royal, Stratford East, London: Two Women in 2010; The Graft in 2011, and Cole's first novel, Dangerous Lady in 2012. [11] Other interests [ edit ] As is quite usual with Martina Cole novels, we find out the ending, or near ending, in the prologue and the rest of the novel takes us from an early point, through a desparately hard life to the point where we meet the prologue again. She married for the first time aged 16, but the marriage only lasted a year. She had her first child at the age of 18. [3] Her parents both died when she was in her early 20s. [1] The cover of this book describes it as a cross between Eastenders and the Sopranos. It kind of is like a 10-hour long episode of Eastenders, just darker and more violent without some comedy gingers for light relief.

The Jump, Two Women, Faceless, The Good Life Life on the Inside: The Jump, Two Women, Faceless, The Good Life

It's true that the novel is a little too long in places but with tgid spanning three decades and the inclusion of additional references from Thatcher's government to New Labour under Gordon Brown it really helps highlight the passage of time. With believable characters and a strong storyline this novel treated sexual, physical and mental abuse with realistic brutality and yet the characters kept their dignity and respect throughout. Two Women” is a modern masterpiece, a powerful novel that can be read on its own. This novel is written by Martina Cole. She is a true storyteller, and Two Women is her best book. It’s an epic tale of family, secrets, loss, marriage, betrayal, friendships, laughter, and regrets. Two Women is a heartfelt novel written with compassion and hope, reconciling the past to pave a road to happiness and second chances.

Cole is one of the worst writers I've read in a while. The only style she has to speak of is a tendency to repeat herself and treat the reader like an idiot. Yes, Ms. Cole, I can remember what happened two chapters ago, thank you; there's no need to keep reminding me. She has no idea what characterisation or character development are. Her characters don't learn or grow; they're the same from start to finish. Susan Dalston, the prologue tells us, has murdered her husband, is in prison and is being transferred between prisons pending an appeal against her sentence. This is an appeal that she doesn't intend to go through with, it's just a means of getting closer to her family for a few weeks to make visits easier.

Two Women by Martina Cole | Waterstones Two Women by Martina Cole | Waterstones

After reading for this for the second time the moral of the story is don't mix business and family it doesn't work.Susan interrupted her acidly "One hundred and fifty two times with a claw hammer? Yes, I did, I counted the blows, it gave me something to focus on."