The Cactus by Sarah Haywood
Susan Green is the cactus, she’s prickly, obtuse, and entirely herself whether you like it or not. If you don’t understand her or her ways… well that’s simply your problem. She has crafted the perfect life for herself, “perfect” being entirely defined by her of course. Her life is turned irrevocably upside down when she is told her mother has died and she’s pregnant. Faced with her mother’s will that favours her seemingly incapable brother, she embarks on a mission to prove that her brother schemed his way as beneficiary but as her due date draws ever closer, she discovers life is much more complicated than she ever thought and to get through it she might just have to shed some of her spikes.
Truth be told, The Cactus was not at all popular with Brunch Book Club. Our discussion proved difficult to get going as several members shelved it before finishing. However, when we got into it, many made comparisons to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, a book that seems universally beloved. Considering the similarities between the two protagonists, it’s surprising that we had such an aversion to Haywood’s character. Where Eleanor charmed, Susan seemed to grate; while Eleanor’s upbringing explained her spiky behaviour, Susan’s only irritated. Put simply, Eleanor was more likeable.
That said, not everyone disliked the book and those that enjoyed it, loved it. No doubt fans of the book will be delighted to know that it is soon to be brought to life by Netflix with Reese Witherspoon taking on the lead role. Maybe those who couldn’t finish the book might find themselves charmed to the end by Witherspoon’s Susan.
