Review: Self Contained, by Emma John

Raw and hilarious memoir of a life-long single from award-winning author
and journalist, Emma John.

Emma is in her 40s; she is neither married, nor partnered, with child or planning to be. Self-Contained captures what it is to be single in your forties, from sharing a twin room with someone you’ve never met on a group holiday (because the couples have all the doubles with ensuite) to coming to the realisation that maybe your singleness isn’t a temporary arrangement, that maybe you aren’t pre-married at all, and in fact you are self-contained.

It explores the unpartnered life as never before, joyfully celebrating individuality in a world built for two. This is the book to confront the commonly held assumption that life is less full and less-fulfilled if lived singly.

‘I wrote this book because I don’t want to be haunted by the word “spinster” any more!’

My Review

Thanks to the author, publisher and Anne for sending me a copy of this book and organising the blog tour.

Emma John is single and hasn’t had a relationship in a while. In this book she writes about her journey to becoming comfortable with her singleness and independence.

Having been single all my life too, and having known from early age that I didn’t want marriage or children, I can’t really relate to the feelings of angst Emma John details feeling as she moves into her forties. Totally get the ‘children, with the exception of those related to me, are grotty’ feelings though. I’m 38 in a few weeks, never been over-fussed at the idea of marriage. I don’t get why everyone wants to be married or paired off, it all seems so…Dull…Predictable…Socially-expected life.

Emma John on the other hand considered herself pre-married, and seeking a boyfriend, and that she hadn’t achieved anything in life (despite all her achievements) because she was single. This book teases through her life and her current state of mind. I found it quite interesting and bawled my eyes out over the last couple of chapters. I’m glad she’s found peace with singleness. It shouldn’t be an issue, and yet we’re all still expected to marry and have kids.

I found her tales of family life, adventures with her friends and travelling alone, her emotional struggles and outlook on life fascinating, emotionally charged and gripping to read. I really enjoyed it.

Author Bio