Fifteen short stories to celebrate the menopause – that neglected and mysterious life event that society wants women to dread.  Sara Maitland went hunting for the hidden middle aged women of history, fairy story and mythology – Helen of Troy, the most beautiful woman in Greece, was over 50 when she ran away with Paris – and inventing new ones of her own. From Eve when her “curse” is lifted to a sad modern divorcee who luckily discovers a freedom loving mermaid in her toilet, here are 15 women breaking silence and discovering laughter, sex, friendship, risk and freedom.

“Her reach is breathtaking, her prose as liquid and potent as a witch’s brew” Publishers Weekly