"I read my daughter's diaries the other day. You may find that despicable, but let me share with you. You think truly dreadful things only happen in other countries, other cultures, far away: but they also happen in your own back yard, and to the nicest people." Sappho was so happy when she married Gavin. She was in love and it seemed that at last everything was falling into place. But she hadn't considered his daughter, Isobel. She is a delightful, charming girl who spends her school holidays caring for the elderly and is the apple of Gavin's eye. Now cast in the role of Wicked Stepmother, Sappho tries all she can to befriend Isobel and find her place in the new family. It's not easy, but no one had promised it would be. Sappho perseveres. But she has a history, and the history works against her. When it becomes clear that, contrary to popular belief, it is Isobel who steals Gavin's love and attention, and Sappho who must fight for his affection, Sappho is at a loss. How can she win her husband back? With warmth, wit and her unique insights into the workings of the female mind, Fay Weldon has written a brilliant, unsettling new novel about family life today.

In a world where societal norms dictate relationships, "Whispers of Desire: A Love Forbidden" follows the tumultuous journey of Adrian, a young man navigating the complexities of love and loyalty. After his father marries Maya, a vibrant woman almost the same age as Adrian, their lives intertwine in ways that challenge both family dynamics and personal desires. Set against the backdrop of family expectations and societal judgments, Adrian finds himself irresistibly drawn to Maya. Their connection grows deeper with every shared glance and quiet moment, igniting a forbidden passion that neither can ignore. As secrets unfold and tensions rise, Adrian grapples with his feelings for Maya while navigating the fallout of their burgeoning relationship. This gripping tale explores themes of love, betrayal, and the courage to pursue one’s heart, ultimately questioning the boundaries of love and the price of desire. Will Adrian choose the safety of familial bonds or risk everything for a love that feels so right yet is deemed so wrong? "Whispers of Desire" is a poignant exploration of the heart's whispers against the roar of societal expectations.

Ancient Stepmothers is the first full-length study of the stepmother in Graeco-Roman antiquity. Several perspectives are covered: literary, historical and sociological, the last-mentioned making use of comparative material from modern studies of stepfamilies. The portrayal of the stepmother in myth and literature is thoroughly explored. The historical background in Athens and Rome is examined with a view to determining the relationship between fiction and real life. The book makes an important contribution to the study of both literary history and family relationships: in particular, it sheds light on attitudes to women, the portrayal of the stepmother being an outstanding illustration of misogynistic prejudice. It will also interest sociologists wishing to place studies of the contemporary stepfamily in a wider historical context: for this reason, all Greek and Latin is translated into English.

There are numerous twentieth century writers in English who are not technically native speakers of the language, and whose relation to it is ambivalent, problematic or even hostile: by a simple kinship analogy one may often speak of the 'stepmother tongue'. Whilst fully aware of the current debates in postcolonial theory, John Skinner is also conscious of its sometimes unhelpful complexities and contradictions. The focus of this study is thus firmly on the fictional practice of the writers discussed. He offers the reader an insight into the diversity and rewards of contemporary anglophone fiction, whilst analysing some eighty individual texts. A uniquely comprehensive guide, the book will be welcomed by students and teachers of postcolonial literature.

The Old Hundred has been in the Crighton family for generations. Sir James lives there peacefully with his cultivated wife, Veronica, and Olive, their daughter. The arrival of Angela Malone, a nurse employed to look after first Veronica and then Sir James, sets in motion a chain of events that will change Olive's life for ever. As Angela becomes an indispensable member of the household, Olive's independence is eroded and she finds herserlf under threat and eventually in peril.