Vivian works as a hostess at a private members' club in London while auditioning for acting roles. Not that she's displaying much get-up-and-go to make it as an actress. As her boss Roger points at, at the rate she's going, her breakthrough role will be in the Driving Miss Daisy sequel. When gossip columnist Clint comes to blows with fresh-out-of-rehab actor Maximilian Fry at the club, Viv accidentally gets in the way. This leads to the movie star's management team offering her an apology as well as a proposal that may well ruin her future chances with Australian DJ Luke. Mind you, what has she got to lose? The only thing under control in Viv's life is her strict approach to food. She obsesses that if she eats, her weight will blow out again. Written with a droll tone, this story takes readers not only into the world of celebrity, but also introduces them to the serious issues of body image and eating disorders. As promised in the title, the heroine did manage to alienate me - I couldn't relate to Vivian at all - in fact her persona comes across even frostier than her skinny soul sister Posh Spice. I was also anticipating a lighter read (no pun intended!), with a bit more humour and a light-hearted tone and a lot less angst. But for those looking for a book that broaches weight issues in a darker fashion and explores how past hurts can inflict lasting damage, this may well appeal.
