Review: Romantic comedy with a social conscience
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 03 3, 2014
Lingerie for Felons is a funny, engaging romantic comedy with a social conscience by Australian author, Ros Baxter.Lola’s parents have always told her she can make a difference and she is determined to do just that, whether she is wearing a red lacy thong or superman emblazoned undies. She can’t let the blazing chemistry she shares with Australian hottie, fund manager Wayne, who thinks Doctors Without Borders is a porno and Joni Mitchell sounds like a harp seal being battered to death, distract her and Lola is confident that breaking up with him is the right thing to do. But letting go is more difficult than she ever imagined.I liked Lola a lot, she delights in bucking the stereotype of math geek, is passionate about important issues and loyal to her family and friends. But with her heart and her mind in constant conflict with one another she is never quite sure about exactly what she wants or needs. This is particularly evident in her relationships with Wayne and Clark, who both offer her very different things. Lola is an ‘all or nothing’ kind of girl and fiercely independent, unsure how to compromise without sacrifice.It is fair to say though that Lola always means well, her ’causes’ often lead her into trouble (wearing unsuitable underwear), having never quite thought things through. She winds up in some odd situations, including jail three times, though luckily always with the support of her quirky, opinionated family.The time shifts of the narrative are a little disorientating to begin with though eventually I settled into the rhythm. The prose is spiked with witty banter, the dialogue natural and the story is well paced.Combining romance, humour, drama and politico-social commentary, Lingerie for Felons is an enjoyable read with hugely appealing characters and a happy ending that will leave you smiling.