Voices from the launch of The Double Happiness Company
‘A brilliant novel. I couldn’t put it down. A remarkable insight into the relationships between women and the novel captures perfectly some of the underlying reasons for conflicts between mothers and daughters. Anne Aylor creates an extraordinary “monster mother” and slowly reveals her true nature. The novel is a warning to all women about how easy it is to trust the wrong women in your life. For men, it will be a revelation about how women’s lives can be dominated by their image of their bodies. But in the end it is a great novel about love.‘ Dorothy Byrne, Head of News & Current Affairs, Channel 4 TV and who spoke at the launch
‘Anne’s writing demonstrates her powers of observation. Dialogue throughout is pitch perfect, and gives Anne some of her pithy chapter headings: “Weirdnik in a tutu”, “Fatso goes Nutzoid”. A keen eye selected the well-chosen period detail: Tangee lipstick, beaded curtains, black-bottom pie, the Frontier coffee shop full of stuffed animals, a velvet picture of Jackie O. All in all, this book is a delight. Read, and enjoy.’ Annemarie Neary, writer, ZenAzzurian and a Bridport prizewinner in 2009
‘I cannot thank you enough, Anne, for last night. What a privilege it was for me to be offered the stage to give a testament of my experience of you. You have no idea how honoured I feel to be associated with someone like you, whose vision, creative power, focus, dedication and graciousness I have drunk like water from a rare wellspring.’ Eugene Skeef, South African percussionist, composer, poet & cultural activist
‘Amazing night last night – just wanted to say WOW. Congratulations and big thanks for having such a great party!‘ Elise Valmorbida of Word Design (left)
‘It was a truly wonderful launch. The readings whetted my appetite for the book, which I began on the way home. I’m hooked! The story can’t fail to draw people in. I thought the venue was fantastic – that marvellous balcony which meant we could all see and hear the speakers. And the music was a lovely touch – again very rare. And delicious food, and, you Anne, looking so glamourous, with your great whoosh of magnificent burnished hair. I wish you and the book every possible success. Black Swan, move out of the way – you’re going to be surpassed!‘ Wendy Perriam, author of 16 novels (most recently Broken Places) & 7 short story collections
‘I am so so soooo happy to have been at the event with your and your dear friends. A beautiful experience! I thank you and the universe for letting us meet. Muchas gracias por tu libro, Anne. Y por tus palabras, un abrazo, un beso.’ Bel Bellvehi Negre of the Bel and Sammy Duet, Figueres, Spain
‘A brilliant book launch. The readings were great, the speeches were great. It felt like BareBone Books had existed for ages, it was such a confident event. It was really good to see your work come to fruition and be celebrated.’ Andrea Michell, Bravura Films
‘Congratulations on a fantastic launch last night!‘ Claire Richman, Senior Account Manager, Midas PR
‘Looked like a very successful night, even to a bibliophobe like me! Best wishes to Anne for the book. Judging by the queue to get it signed yesterday, it’s a winner.’ Robin Beste
‘I wanted to thank you both for including me in this very special event. I felt very honoured to be part of it.’ Nikki Redmond, actor
Sammy Arderiu, Bel Vellvehi Negre, Eugene Skeef
Keirion Carroll, Kim Martelle, Anne Aylor
