Clover Hendry's Day Off

Content warnings: homophobia, animal cruelty, dysfunctional family, sexual harassment

Clover Hendry has done everything expected of her -- until today.

Let's be honest... I picked up this book because of the bunny on the cover, even though he's looking a little haughty and giving some major side-eye. But I don't recommend you read this book for the rabbit because he only shows up about halfway through the novel. But you should definitely read this novel for Clover.

Clover Hendry has so many irrational fears it's hard to list them all, but she has lived her life beholden to her fears and others' expectations... Until today. She takes potentially-expired medication for a headache and then suffers a minor head injury.

Clover's inhibitions are gone -- she's saying what's on her mind, walking out of her job because meetings are a waste of time, and doing things Clover Hendry would never do. Be prepared to laugh with (at?) Clover as her antics escalate throughout the day, becoming increasingly more wacky.

The grown-up Ferris Bueller entertains as she sticks it to the people who try to ruin her day, but as the novel progresses Clover begins to take a turn into a darker, meaner version of herself. Then all of a sudden, it's not fun anymore. She uses her lack of inhibitions to seek revenge in very public ways, and the reader may stop identifying with Clover when things start getting real.

Outside of the plot, Clover isn't a very good bunny mom so don't emulate her if you want a pet rabbit. Actually, don't emulate her at all if you value your job, your friends, and your freedom. It's funny at first, but you'll be glad you're not Clover by the end.

Recommended for readers who like character-driven novels. There's more than enough plot when you consider that this novel takes place within 24 hours, but Clover's progression and her relationships are the core of the book.

Beth Morrey is a British TV producer and novelist.

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

Length: 336 pages

Release Date: January 30, 2024

Representation: gay side character

I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.