Asking For Trouble, by Elizabeth Young, is a bon-bon of a book (or, according to the British snack foods the characters devour , perhaps a “chocolate finger” or a “Jaffa Cake” of a book). This isn’t meant to be a put down; it’s an easy, feel-good, entertaining read.
Published in 2001, Asking For Trouble was Young's debut novel. She has written several novels since then, but Asking For Trouble still sells well in paperback.
It’s what the film The Wedding Date should have been. It’s the same plot; there’s even a version of Asking For Trouble with the title The Wedding Date and a cover showing Debra Messing and Dermot Mulroney (the stars of the film). But the novel is very different, and much better.
Predictable But Fun Plot
Sophy Metcalfe is a thirty-year-old London single (yes, there’s a bit of Bridget Jones in her). She’s sarcastic but competent, independent but longing for romance. Her gorgeous and emotionally fragile younger sister, Belinda, is getting married to a rich man.
There’s one problem with attending the wedding – Sophy’s been lying to her family about dating “Dominic”, a made-up boyfriend. Desperate to please her Mum (who has a constant battle of “who’s family is better” with a frenemy/neighbor), Sophy reluctantly hires an escort to accompany her to the wedding.
But she hadn’t expected to have any real feelings for Josh. Does he like her too – or is it all just business?
The Twists, The Turns, The Drama
Despite the predictability of the main plot, Asking For Trouble does contain some surprises. The novel doesn’t just take place at the wedding; it ventures further to explore Belinda’s marriage and Sophy’s further encounters with Josh.
Without giving away any of the plot turns, there are several times that the novel goes into an unexpected direction – but still makes sense.
The Characters
Sophy is an entertaining narrator. The novel really benefits from having her tell the story; the book wouldn’t be as good if the novel was in third-person.
Sophy’s parents are familiar fixtures in British literature. Both are loving; her Mum is overprotective and desperate for her daughters to be in relationships, her Dad is more laid-back. They are still interesting to read, and refrain from being over-the-top – they seem like real people.
Josh is mysterious – the reader, like Sophy, doesn’t quite know what to make of him. One wants to know more, and luckily, the wanting pays off.
Rounding out the “cast” are Sophy’s roommates and friends, each with distinct personalities.
The Writing
The novel is a quick read, but a satisfying length. Once the book starts, it’s hard to put down. Young writes Sophy as a compelling, interesting character. It’s also fun to read the bevy of British slang used in the novel. Phrases such as “wobbly bits”, “skint” and “prat” are just more fun than American words (though what exactly is a “wine gum”? Something edible, apparently -- gum? candy?)
Asking For Trouble: A Novel
Elizabeth Young
Avon A (First Edition), 408 pages
September 2001
Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0380818976
For dramatic UK fiction, read the review of The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox.
