Read an extract | Background to the book | Buy on Amazon

The Birds, the Bees, and other secrets is my latest novel, and was published on the 1st August 2008 by Macmillan New Writing.

It is the early Sixties, and thirteen-year old Cassandra Fitzpatrick is growing up in a household full of waifs and strays and general misfits. Despite her unorthodox home life, however, she is generally content – until something happens to her that turns her life upside-down. Cass’ unhappiness deepens when she wins a scholarship to boarding school and is torn away from all she knows and loves – especially her adored, if wildly unconventional, mother. In time, Cass begins to settle down, but accustomed though she is to her mother’s eccentricities, even she is not prepared for the announcement Mrs Fitzpatrick is about to make.Years later, as her beloved mother lies dying from cancer, the adult Cass is reassessing the experiences, good and bad, that have made her who she is. “The Bird, the Bees and Other Secrets” is the story of how one woman comes to terms with her extraordinary past and eventually finds happiness. It is a novel about the brevity of childhood and the responsibilities of adults, and a reminder that love can be found in the most unexpected places.

Reviews:

WordPress

“Beautifully written…in places extremely amusing, but in others so very sad…I loved the book”

The Bookbag

“Frances Garrood is a magnificent writer…this book is a pleasure to read”

BCF Book Reviews

“…a delightful book, combining some emotional issues with humorous comments and moments…kept me turning the pages”