Three of Us

I've just finished this book, and as a first time mother to be in her 30's (like Joanna) , and an Ex-Rhodesian now living in the U.S. (like Peter), I found it a very interesting read. I enjoy Peter's writing a lot - this book was very different from his usual style. I was mildly uncomfortable that both Peter and Joanna seem to be very critical of everyone they meet or know - I'd feel like I was under a microscope if I had to meet them in real life. They also seem miserable a lot of the time, no matter where they go. To read their criticisms of people and places was amusing in the beginning, because I also have a dry sense of humor, but by the time I'd finished the book I was left with a sense of unease - these two don't seem very happy with each other or their life choices. Also too much 'name dropping' - that irritated me - I don't care what Puff Daddy does with his free time. I am looking forward to reading Peter's new book though, if it's as good as Mukiwa I won't be dissapointed.

Great to read this humourous account of pregnancy. The honest male perspective is refreshing. An easy, gentle pregrancy diary-like story, which leaves the reader wishing Joanna, Peter and their precious son, Thomas, well.

Joanna and Peter are far from the 'smug marrieds' Helen Fielding talks about but they are just as engaging and enjoyable as Bridget Jones. Their writing makes you feel like one of their best friends. They share their daily observations on pregnancy and impending parenthood with honesty and wit.Read it and then share with all your friends!

The authors have managed to capture the bizarre nuances of daily life in New York while overlaying this with the difficulties and emotions attached to a first pregnancy. As resident aliens, my wife and I have recently been dealing with the similar issues associated with the upcoming birth of our first child.This light hearted look at the processes required to give birth in the New York also provided us with forwarning of the costs, bureaucracy and personalities that are inevitably encountered along the way.

I still haven't finished "The Three of Us" but felt compelled to write my opinion as soon as possible. In fact I'm taking my time to read it because I really don't want it to end. I am also British and, like Peter and Joanna (or used to) live here in the West Village with my British husband. My delight is to read that two fellow Brits frequent the same supermarkets, bars, shops and even use the same health club as I. The fact that they are having a baby is thrilling to me as I have been fretting over starting a family myself and feel better knowing that they have gone through this transition with humor, patience and great tales of their day to day events that occur in this mad crazy city. On completion of this book I fully intend to purchase Peter Godwin's "Mukiwa, A White Boy in Africa". It's just a pity that they don't live in the Village anymore as I would of loved to have ran into the three of them.