REVIEW: Older by Pamela Redmond

Older by Pamela Redmond is the fabulous sequel to Younger, wherein Liza, having left her younger man and isolated herself for 2 years, is ready to rejoin civilisation, see her granddaughter get born and carve out a new reality for herself as she approaches her half century milestone.

Liza’s self-imposed isolation was provided to give her perspective, time to figure out who she really is, what really matters and indeed, what is real for her. And so when she finds herself back on the mainland, with a TV show proposal, a trip to LA, an Ex lover who she still loves and a whole bunch of other questions that she tries to find answers to along the journey, it’s no surprise that she’s still trying to work it all out. Questions like, does youth end at 39? Or maybe even earlier – 29? Quite subtly, Redmond highlights that it is clear that traditionally it has been men that have undergone the dreaded mid-life crisis, wherein the social narrative suggests they reach their 40s, question their broader purpose, buy a sports car and shag their secretary – or something like that. Often this is done to achieve a sense that youth, however waning, still exists and indeed, potency and virility, attracting a mate is still a tangible thing.

There has never really been a time in history where women have had the time, space, money, comfort to actually consider what it is they want. Women are basically thrown on the scrap heap at 40; turned into old Nan, or wise aunts or some other wise old role that is a keeper of knowledge and the heart of all families. And so it makes sense that trying to carve an identity and figuring out who you are nearing 50 is something Liza really hasn’t nailed, like perhaps every other woman.

Older is a delightful read; great dialogue, well drawn characters, punchy momentum and some key action kernels that drive the narrative towards a very satisfying and romantic ending. Certainly the existential crisis that Liza is simultaneously experiencing and learning from has something that everyone, young or old can take something away from, including the broader questions of reality and what is real, the ability to trust instinct and question what is true, and ones overarching comfort in who they are, whilst still becoming who they will continue to become.

In many ways, Redmond has successfully created another rite of passage book – one that will be forever relevant in our youth obsessed culture. Undoubtedly, all Happily Ever After Fans will find Older a thoroughly enjoyable read with some big philosophical undertones that are worth pondering irrespective of what stage of life you are in.

Book Info:

Publication: 8th September 2020 | Gallery Books |

In the hotly anticipated sequel to the beloved Younger—now a hit TV series from the creator of Sex and the City starring Sutton Foster and Hilary Duff—Liza Miller is torn between two cities and two hearts when her bestselling novel is picked up by a major television network.

New York or Los Angeles? Romance or commitment? Younger…or Older?

Torn between New York and Los Angeles, a familiar love and a risky one, an established career and a shot at stardom, Liza must decide if it’s too late to go to the ball…and if she even wants to. From the author of the beloved Younger, this is an endearing, hilarious, and relatable tale of second chances and new beginnings that proves: the best thing about getting Older is that you finally get to be yourself.