Check out our latest magazine... Read Online

BOOK REVIEW: The Cows, by Dawn O’Porter

Although this book is ostensibly light reading about three women in their thirties, it’s really about the power of social media and the devastating effect one brief clip on YouTube can have on someone’s life.

Tara is a single mother, working in the media, who does one stupid thing that is videoed by a stranger on a train. Cam is a popular blogger, confident on a computer but far less so in real life.

She is one of the very few people who stands up for Tara online. Stella is a twin whose sister has died. She was the unpopular one, and has medical issues that making having a baby rather urgent. Unfortunately there’s no prospective father in view, and she resorts to fakery to get one.

Eventually all three women’s lives interlink, but there is a shock ending that I didn’t see coming at all. None of the characters are perfect, and sympathising with them is hard at times – but isn’t that real life?

The beginning of the book is a little confusing as the viewpoints of the different people change rapidly, but once you’ve got the hang of the characters it’s easier to read. I read it on holiday, which is probably the best way!

The Cows is published by Harper Collins

More from Downtime

  • What to Watch in July 2024

    Your monthly guide to all the best new films & TV shows coming in July 2024...

  • Kids Zone: Ice Block Treasure Hunt!

    Keep the kids cool in the heat and unleash their inner explorer with an ice block treasure hunt! Sara Whatley shows you how

  • What to Watch in June 2024

    Your guide to all the best new films coming this month, as well as all of the new and returning TV shows to look out for in June...

  • A Gourmet Escape on the Eurostar: London to Amsterdam with Culinary Delights in Almere

    Bill Murray samples the culinary delights of Amsterdam and the nearby resort town of Almere

  • If You Ask Me: Train Announcements Have Gone Off the Rails

    Rail companies are guilty of many things – including crimes against the English Language, says Flo Whitaker

  • If You Ask Me... Never Argue with an Idiot

    This month, Flo Whitaker recalls some words of advice from her father: “Don’t pick an argument with an idiot – you’ll never win. They’re a highly-experienced expert because they’ve been an idiot their entire life”

  • Kids Zone: Mosaic Art

    Get creative with this month’s fun and sustainable activity – mosaic art. Sara Whatley explains what to do

  • What to Watch in April 2024

    Our monthly guide to all the best film and television coming your way in April...

  • If You Ask Me: The Jobsworth and the Frog

    There is a malaise creeping through society whereby authorities and businesses use absurd interpretations of regulations as excuses not to provide services or assistance, writes Flo Whitaker

  • What to Watch in March 2024

    From science-fiction epics to supernatural horrors and family adventures, here's our guide to the best new films and TV shows arriving in March...

  • If You Ask Me... Politicians need a Translator

    With elections, resignations and government enquiries aplenty, 2024 is already proving to be a busy year. In these confusing times, Flo Whitaker offers her interpretation of the most frequently-occurring narratives and themes…

  • Dark Skies Festival 2024: Where & When to Gaze at the Stars

    Embrace the darkness with our guide to all the stargazing opportunities coming to Sussex over the next week…

  • Be Well, Move Happy: Walking & Silence

    In our new series on wellness and movement, Sara Whatley will be diving into two complementary health topics each month. She kicks off with silence and walking

  • Special Interest Holidays: Try Something Different

    A chance to take a break, relax and recharge is one of life’s great pleasures, this month Lisa de Silva looks at combining interests with time out

  • If You Ask Me... Who needs Television anyway?

    The first thing people say when they visit Flo Whitaker’s home is “Where’s the TV?” Unimpressed by television from an early age, Flo still reckons the radio has the best pictures

  • 5 Ways to Cultivate Mindfulness

    In the bustling world of 24/7 technology and constant demands on our time, mindfulness is more relevant and necessary than ever. For many, the daily hustle and bustle can become overwhelming. Mindfulness, the art of being present and fully engaged in the moment, offers a respite, enabling us to find calm amidst the chaos.

  • Love Local Community Campaign

    Sussex Living is proud to be launching a campaign to support our High Streets, bring prosperity to businesses and help grow a thriving community.Because if we don’t use them, we will lose them.

  • Summer Activity Ideas To Entertain You and the Kids

    Summer in Sussex offers long, sunny days perfect for making memories with the kids.

  • Summer School - Part 2

    In the second part of our series on summer holiday learning opportunities, Hanna Prince looks at how to keep kids engaged with practical, creative and hands-on activities. Learning needn’t end when the holidays begin. The focus on maths and literacy in schools means that children don’t always get the opportunity to explore other topics – and summer is the perfect time to give their natural interests free reign. Whether you’re nurturing a budding artist, a sports fanatic or the next Bear Grylls, here’s how to broaden their horizons and weave extra-curricular education into your summer routine.

  • The Ultimate Act of Love: Providing for Your Family's Future with a Will

    Making a will is one of the most important things you can do, regardless of your age or financial situation. Unfortunately, many of us put it off, whether it’s because of the morbid topic of our own mortality or because we just don’t know where to start.