In this charming and poignant debut, one woman's unconventional journey to finding love means learning to embrace the unexpected.

For Susan Green, messy emotions don't fit into the equation of her perfectly ordered life. She has a flat that is ideal for one, a job that suits her passion for logic, and an "interpersonal arrangement" that provides cultural and other, more intimate, benefits. But suddenly confronted with the loss of her mother and the news that she is about to become a mother herself, Susan's greatest fear is realized. She is losing control.

Enter Rob, the dubious but well-meaning friend of her indolent brother. As Susan's due date draws near and her dismantled world falls further into a tailspin, Susan finds an unlikely ally in Rob. She might have a chance at finding real love and learning to love herself, if only she can figure out how to let go.

Susan Green could give Eleanor Oliphant a run for her money, her bleak view of the world was hilarious and highly enjoyable to read. The front cover states, 'It's never to late to bloom,' which perfectly sums up Susan's story. At the age of 45, and considering herself entirely practical and stable, the last thing she expects is to find herself about to have a child of her own. Susan's gradual loss of a few of her spikes, just a few mind you, was such fun to read.

There is an excellent mix in the book of comedy and tragedy, with some hard hitting moments along the way, particularly if you have been faced with some of the issues examined. I loved the little twist at the end, with the clues carefully laid out for you in each chapter. I always enjoy finding a contemporary that's fun to read without the need to coat it's pages in fluff, and this one absolutely didn't disappoint.

I really enjoyed Susan's character, her bleak out look, although draining at times, often mirrored the kind of thoughts we all have, but never say out loud. I absolutely know we wouldn't particularly get on if we were to meet each other, but that didn't stop me enjoying her story. For me the highlight's of the story were Rob and Kate, who were both a joy in their own different ways.

If you like stories with a prickly edge, this is definitely one for you.

The Cactus by Sarah Haywood is a novel similar in spirit to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine with a prickly main character.

I really enjoyed the main character in this book, and it was almost a shame when she mellowed at the end. The twist was interesting, although it was possible to see it coming, and the twist-within-a-twist was also signposted, unfortunately. However, I did enjoy reading it.

Susan Green, a prickly, independent woman, is left reeling following the sudden death of her mother and the revelation of an unexpected pregnancy. As a single woman in her forties who is quite happy with her situation, thank you very much, she is faced with her biggest fear: losing control of her life.

The Cactus is an incredibly witty novel following a unique protagonist. I really fell in love with Susan: a strong, independent woman with little emotional intelligence as she struggles to connect with the people in her life. She is utterly hilarious with a very British sense of humour - very dry and cutting in her remarks - and I found myself more than once chuckling to myself with her inner monologue as she goes through her day-to-day life. It is a wonderful debut.

I think this is a great read at this time of year as the weather has started to turn because you will be completely drawn in by chapter two. This novel is all about self-growth, as we watch Susan cope with tremendous loss and change in her life. I loved the themes explored in this novel, as Susan gradually breaks down her long-held belief in the importance of not having to rely on others. I thought it was incredibly interesting and thought-provoking how this was connected with notions of feminism. While this was often broached in the line of comedic effect, Haywood also examines how individualism is not essential for female emancipation.

The supporting characters in The Cactus are all well drawn, and read like normal people you would meet. The romance is understated but moving. All in all, I am very glad I picked this one up and I eagerly anticipate whatever Haywood next has in store.

It's been compared to The Rosie Project, and I see why. Sarah is a character who grows on you, as certain people in her life grow on her.
Easy to read but with enough substance to not make it fluffy, I will recommend this to our customers. Minor peeve, I hope it's just the proof, but Brits just don't say 'mom'. Ever.

A very easy read with quirky and endearing characters. I'm a very slow reader as my preferred method of devouring books is via Audible. However I finished this one within 2 sessions. All the players had redeeming qualities and although there was some antagonistic behaviour, it was mostly mild. An enjoyable book that I happily recommend

Susan is 45, she has a flat for 1, a ‘relationship’ arrangement that suits her just fine and a job that suits her skills. Susan doesn’t have close friends and avoids her brother Edward, but when the sudden loss of her mother brings her back home her carefully organised life starts to unravel and it’s not just the loss of her mother, there is a far more interesting development in Susan’s life that well and truly puts a spanner in the works.

Sarah Haywood has created such a wonderful character in Susan – she is as prickly as the title suggests, and yet you can’t help but be drawn in to her world and by the end of the book you uncover that this cactus really can bloom. I thoroughly enjoyed the insight into Susan’s mind and nature and was torn between whether I loved her or hated her, loving the reactions of those around her who encouraged her to step out of herself and let people in.

A truly heart-warming little story!

i love quirky books at the moment ; Eleanor Oliphant, Needlemouse etc and Cactus was in the same vein. Quirky and great story line. Loved it so much and would highly recommend.

I couldn't put it down. A wonderfully written central character with some great observations on family relationships. It reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine in a few ways. I loved it!

Feels derivative or second-rate to the ubiquitous Eleanor Oliphant, but an enjoyable read nonetheless

The Cactus was a well-written book with interesting characters and a brilliant plot. I loved Sarah Haywood's portrayal of Susan Green with her quirks and idiosyncrasies and her eventual softening. This was an amusing, fun and at times, emotional début. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from John Murray Press via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

A really great read with characters one can easily identify with. The 'goody two shoes' sister, the 'waster' son in a battle over the last will and testament of their mother...who, it turns out, isn't the mother of both of them. Their deceased alcoholic father also plays a role along with the aunt and her twin daughters. Investigations into whether the will was made under duress uncover many family secrets that are both realistic and amusing. Written from the viewpoint of the 'goody two shoes' sister, this is a super book that highlights how wrong we can be about the people we love or do not love. Thoroughly enjoyable.

An enjoyable read, funny at times and showing the changing face of dating and relationships in modern day Britain.

The Cactus is a quirky romantic drama about a middle-aged woman whose life is turned upside down when her mother dies. Susan finds herself pregnant by her on off lover whilst coping with a legal battle involving her estranged younger brother, Readers of the Rosie Project will enjoy this novel.

I read this book expecting to find a character akin to Don Tillman (The Rosie Project) . Susan is prickly, set in her ways and altogether not the easiest to get to know at first. However as the story progresses, we become to understand how she functions. On the outside, as prickly as the cacti that she nurtures, but on the inside has a soft centre, struggling with previous relationships with her brother and parents, and her long standing partner. Thoroughly enjoyable read though, and quite deep.

I loved this book! As an avid reader of psychological thrillers, I was surprised when the blurb for this book caught my eye. Once I started reading it however, I was hooked! It really reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant is Completely fine by Gail Honeyman, which I read recently and really enjoyed. Both novels have a wholly engaging, unique and loveable main character, as well as a host of wonderful secondary characters, who you find yourself rooting for throughout. An uplifting read which left me feeling happy and warm. Would recommend!

This book is great

Susan (not Suze) is content, even though she doesn't really get people! She is like her favourite cacti
This life is overturned when her mother dies, preferring her brother to her in the will. As the story unfolds we glimpse clues as to why Susan is as she is.
But it is the dawning of Susan as a human being that is the best part of this book. She finds her place and it is great.

Really enjoyed this funny and heartwarming book and loved the characters especially Susan who has no filter and says it as it is!

I was approved on netgalley for this along time ago, and i kind of forgot about it, it was only recently i saw it doing the rounds with people really rating it and i decided to give it ago, after all i really enjoyed the Rosie Project ( i am yet to finish the series now!)



So, we meet Susan Green - she is stuck in her ways apprently or as she prefers is organised and likes her routines. She is quite happy going about her day to day life in her way. However, life has other plans when she not only loses her mother, she also discovers she is about to become one herself.



Alongside trying to handle a funeral and deal with her brother who she literally cannot deal with makes for a change in her life, one she is not expecting. With secrets hidden and challenges to face we see as Susan begins to bloom.



Honestly this book was really enjoyable, it was a real tale of coming of age almost at a later age. I felt it was a bit like there was nothing extraordinary going on, not over the tap drama, ridiculous fights - it was more everyday issues that are faced by so many.



I have been trying to explain it to people and its hard because im like - its a book about life really, women is independent, works hard, gets pregnant, deals with it but its so much more than that as well. Its about strength, feminism and relationships. It was funny and sweet, it was just such a likeable read. I felt so invested in Susans life and was rooting for her as she battled to deal with all the challenges thrown at her.



I needed a break from heavy reading and this was just that, it was engaging in a way i carried my kindle everywhere to get reading done but not enough that i felt emotionally drained after i finished. I really would love to know how Susan is getting on now!