Product Description

Unlike most people Matt Beckford is actually looking forward to turning thirty. After struggling through most of his twenties he thinks his career, finances and love life are finally sorted. But when he splits up with his girlfriend, he realises that life has different plans for him. Unable to cope with his future falling apart Matt temporarily moves back to his parents.

During his enforced exodus only his old school mates can keep him sane. Friends he hasn't seen since he was nineteen. Back together after a decade apart. But things will never be the same for any of them because when you’re turning thirty nothing’s as simple as it used to be.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #71069 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 2
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving among the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments--the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his 30th birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. (This review refers to the hardcover edition of this title.) --Jerry Brotton

Amazon.co.uk Review
Mike Gayle's previous novels My Legendary Girlfriend and Mr Commitment have already wittily chronicled living and loving amongst the twentysomethings at the end of the 20th century. As time marches on, Gayle's latest novel Turning Thirty deals with what happens when his characters reach that most dreaded of moments-- the big three-o. Matt Beckford is reaching that time of life. At the age of 29 he thinks he has answered those two crucial questions you ask yourself as a teenager: "What am I going to do with my life?" and "Will I ever get a girlfriend?" Living as a computer expert in New York with the lovely Elaine, Matt thinks he's cracked life. But then both he and Elaine suddenly realise that their relationship isn't working. They split up amicably, realising that "biology is telling us there's no point in crying over spilt milk", and Matt heads back to his friends and parents in Birmingham. As his thirtieth birthday looms, Matt meets Ginny Pascoe, an old flame, or more accurately "a girl who was also a friend who I sometimes snogged", and things get more complicated as he realises that he's falling for Ginny--again. The transatlantic love triangle that develops between Matt, Ginny and Elaine is funny and refreshing, and lacks the usual angst you would expect from such a situation. As Matt enjoys the nostalgia of going out with old friends and loves, he also realises he needs to sort out his life, as 30 beckons. Turning Thirty is another sharp, funny and astute offering from Gayle, that won't disappoint his growing army of fans. --Jerry Brotton

She
‘Delightfully observant nostalgia … will strike a chord with both sexes'

Customer Reviews

it's me
I have read this book twice, before and after turning 30. On the first reading i found it funny, heart warming and one of the few books i could not put down until i had finished.
Once i had tunred thiry and re-read it i realised it was about me. Mike Gayle has a fantastic way of writing every-man characters, I have read every one of his novels and seen bits of myself in them all.
This and my legendary girlfriend are in my top ten all time favourite books, and would (and have) recommend them to anyone. Buy it, read it and you will see yourself in there somewhere..

Another brilliant novel by Mike Gayle
If you have enjoyed reading either of Mike Gayle's previous novels - the fantastic My Legendary Girlfriend, and the thoroughly enjoyable Mr Commitment - then you'll definitely enjoy Turning Thirty. Most of the tale takes place during the three months before Matt Beckford's 30th birthday. The book has quite a few laugh-out-loud moments, especially when Matt has to deal with his parents 'concern', and his ex-girlfriends regular emails. Those of you who have had the experience of living with your parents when in your late twenties and early thirties will find this novel even funnier. All in all, a really enjoyable read - a book that I had to finnish all in one day. If you want to enjoy some good clean fun, then this is one for you.

Possibly the worst book I've ever read
Having just turned thirty myself, I thought I would enjoy this book and be able to identify with the main character. The summary on the back sounded promising. The initial chapter was entertaining, I think I actually laughed. Off to a good start. Then it just got silly. There was nothing I, nor I'm sure the majority of those in this country turning thirty, could identify with. The main character is in a fantasy job - currently living in New York and offered a transfer to Australia when he breaks up with his girlfriend. The characterisation was non-existent. I didn't care what happened to Matt Beckford (what a stupid name!). And there was very little plot. I really don't want to read about someone sitting around watching "ER" - I can do that myself! I was so bored! I had to force myself to finish the book. The ending was very unsatisfactory - the story just petered out. It was as if he ran out of ideas (athough actually I think that happened at the end of chapter 1). Not recommended.