Review: Bundle Of Joy?

I read this book as soon as I got my hands on it, since I really like Ariella Papa’s writing style and previous books. This book might look like a mommy lit type of novel, but it’s really more of a “singleton’s best friend gets pregnant” book, and so much more.

The main heroine Voula is a character that really stands out from the norm. She had a turbulent and somewhat tragic childhood; she has a stubborn Greak mother who believes Voula should be living at home until she is married; she likes to be alone and has only had 2 1/2 boyfriends (technically) in her life so far. She lives with a beautiful Italian man with a large libido and has a freelance writing career that is satisfying, but just paying the bills.

Voula isn’t sure if she wants kids one day, but suddenly it seems like everyone around her is getting pregnant: her best friend Jamie, for one. Suddenly the close friend Voula has known since childhood is one of them. At the same time, Voula’s long-estranged sister shows up again, toting two kids and a husband. Still further, Voula must find a third roommate, but at the same time is wondering if she should find her own place somewhere. The problem is, how can she afford it? Everyone has heard of the difficulties involved with finding a place to live in Manhattan. Is it really that difficult? Join Voula on her house-hunting adventures and see for yourself!

This book explores a litany of interesting topics: the ups and downs having a newly pregnant best friend; the friend’s joy and struggles of pregnancy, childbirth and child-rearing; the uncertain yet exciting new relationship that Voula finds; her struggle to open up to others yet learn to be true to herself. And of course her frustrating yet irresistable hunt for a place to live.

I absolutely LOVED this novel. Ariella Papa, whose previous two books (“On the Verge” and “Up and Out”) I also loved, has outdone herself this time around. Voula is an outstanding main heroine, and she is dealing with realistic and difficult situations. The overall story line kept me reading straight through until the end. Very highly recommended.

5 stars
reviewed by Rian

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