Rhys Celebrates Pub Day of MRS. ENDICOTT'S SPLENDID ADVENTURE.

 RHYS BOWEN: Hello friends. Please raise a glass with me to drink a toast to Mrs. Endicott! She is a woman who has been ignored and unappreciated for all of her married life. She has lived HIS life. And when she is cast aside in favor of a younger woman she does not go quietly. Instead she escapes with two other women whom society has ignored, in her husband's Bentley to the south of France and finds a whole new and exciting life there.

I hope this book will be encouragement to all middle-aged women who think that life has passed them by. You are never too old for adventures, new challenges, a new life.  My daughter's close friend went to medical school at 55. My own daughter became a psycho-therapist after she turned 50. 

But this story has me thinking about invisible women. After a certain age women become invisible. That's why Miss Marple is such a good sleuth. She sits doing her knitting, observing everything, overhearing everything and nobody knows she is there!

It can be bloody annoying at times. I have certainly experienced it myself. I was waiting in line at a car rental counter. A man in front of me and one behind me. The first man was being served. Another employee came on and said to the man behind me, "Can I help you, sir?"

I (being me) spoke up, "Is a woman not allowed to rent a car in this state? I wasn't aware of such a rule."

She said hastily, 'I'm sorry madam. I thought you were with that gentleman."

That's always it. They think you should only be out in the presence of a male protector. How archaic. When I'm on book tour I have to eat in hotels a lot. So either I can order room service and get cold meals and a limited menu or I can face the restaurant. When I appear they aask, "Are you waiting for somebody?" And when I say no, a table for one, they escort me to a table in a far corner, behind the potted palm and usually close to the loo. I have learned to counter this. As we cross the dining room I say,"I'd prefer to sit near the window, thank you" and take a prime location. I then ask for the wine list and order an expensive wine that I know they can't pronounce. "I'd like the Schattsheimer-Gewurztrauminer, please."

They then know that they can't ignore me.  

And when it's not being ignored it's being patronized. They call you dear with a silly smile on their faces. "What medications are you taking, dear?" at the doctor's office, as if I've suddenly become simple in the head.  I had one young medical person suggest I give up typing and take up another hobby if it was affecting my neck and shoulders.

"Would you give up typing if you sold a million copies?" I asked sweetly. Small victories.

And so the fight goes on. For my three women in the book they do establish themselves in a place where they become a respected part of the community. When they are given the chance they blossom. For the rest of us the struggle continues.

I know this is resonating with a lot of our Reddies. Have you had to endure similar patronizing put downs? What do you do about it? A signed copy of the new book to my favorite comment!

And for friends in the Bay Area, I'll be hosting a launch party at Book Passage in Corte Madera on Saturday August 9, at 4 pm. See you there!