THE BLACK DRESS : BY THE AUTHOR OF THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

Pru is on her own. But then, so are plenty of other people. And while the loneliness can be overwhelming, surely shell find a party somewhere?Moggach is at the height of her powers Sunday TimesPrus husband has walked out, leaving her alone to contemplate her future. Shes missing not so much him, but the life they once had - picnicking on the beach with small children, laughing together, nestling up like spoons in the cutlery drawer as they sleep. Now theres just a dip on one side of the bed and no-one to fill it. In a daze, Pru goes off to a friends funeral. Usual old hymns, words of praise and a eulogy but...it doesnt sound like the friend Pru knew. And it isnt. Shes gone to the wrong service. Everyone was very welcoming, it was - oddly - a laugh, and more excitement than shes had for ages. So she buys a little black dress in a charity shop and thinks, now Im all set, why not go to another? I mean, people dont want to make a scene at a funeral, do they? No-one will challenge her - and what harm can it do?Full of warmth and humour, as well as blistering truths Daily Mirror