Telegram: My Animal Life: Reviews

'Born in 1948, a self-confessed moraliser, Gee writes bravely and incisively about children's needs and parental duty yet neither preaches nor whines. She's also utterly compelling on the rollercoaster of writing life, from early success - Gee was one of Granta's original Best Young Novelists in 1982 - to rock-bottom rejection. Often joyous; infinitely wise; passionate and poised, this is a book you'll want to sit in silence with and hug to yourself - then start again.'
Daily Mail

'Maggie Gee's account of her life as a writer cuts to the bone as she relives triumphs, rejections, despair and renewal. It's a wonderful book, for its boldness and vigour, and for its piercing honesty. '
Claire Tomalin

'Maggie Gee writes with such courage and wit. This is a vivid portrait of a woman finding her way through the maze of class ridden post war England, the 60's, feminism and how to be a mother and a writer.'
Diana Melly

'My Animal Life is full of riches. It's the fascinating story of Maggie Gee's life from childhood through to middle age. She writes with uncompromising honesty about the triumphs and vicissitudes of her personal and literary life and offers balanced and wise insights into family and friendship, motherhood and marriage, class and race. Highly recommended for all aspiring writers.'
Bernardine Evaristo

'Gee's deft accomplishment in this absorbing memoir is to plot her life in relation to several explanatory systems.'
Guardian