This was a great first attempt by journalist Leah McLaren. I wanted to read it way back when she published an article about buying her farmhouse so she could write her first novel, but then forgot about it only to recently discover it at my local library. Maybe I was expecting a lot because I enjoy her columns. I find they are witty and introspective, however, this did not translate to a piece of work over 300 words.

Ironically enough, there were some continuity problems with the novel. For example, the importance of olfactory glands was emphasized more in the beginning and the end. (Thinking about it now, maybe it was a reflection of the importance of pheromones in mate selection and it was only important when she was meeting a man for the first time.) Whether it was only important when she met someone, or just a forgotten character trait in the middle of the novel, it seemed too eccentric for the character.

It is as though the whole book was written as short anecdotes and then pieced together with some filler. The book followed a rise and fall pattern of excitement and interesting character developments which again added to the discontinuity.

The fact is, this was the first book by Leah McLaren and I think that overall the fresh air did some good cause it was a very good first attempt at writing over 300 words at once.

The Continuity Girl is most enjoyable: the characters literally leap from the page; the dialogue fresh and the author's voice is audibly ironic. Witty, detailed, and postmodern, this charming tale of a charming Canadian woman will stay with you long after you finish it.

Leah McLaren offers us a humourous tale complete with quirky characters. Meredith is borderline OCD and intent on getting pregnant. When her mother sends her tickets to England, she jumps at the chance to visit a land where no one knows her in order to snag a "sperm donor". McLaren takes this subject, which is becoming a real issue for many women, and gives us a lighthearted tale filled with engaging characters and hilarious situations, yet still gives us an idea of the struggle many single 30-something women have gone through to become mothers. It's a fun read and certainly an enjoyable first novel!

They say never judge a book by it's cover but this one caught my attention. When I read that Leah McLaren is Canadian, well you have to support our Canadian girls! Loved the storyline and how cool would it be to be a continuity girl? So humourous, especially the sperm bandit crusade. Funny, sharp writing, I could hear Meredith's maternal clock ticking. Fans of Brit lit will enjoy this book. It made me want to flee to London. Excellent book, I look forward to reading McLaren's next release.