I have previously read her autobiography, Dear Fatty as well as her first fictional novel, A Tiny Bit Marvellous, both of which I loved and gave 5 stars without question. This book follows Silvia Shute, who is currently in a coma in hospital after falling three floors from her balcony. In this sense, I thought the book offered something more interesting and different to the kind of narrative I would usually read. These characters range from Silvia's family members, her friend, her cleaner to her nurse, Winnie, who really felt like the lynch-pin for the whole story. After having read "A tiny bit marvellous" - Dawn French's debut fictional novel - I had high hopes for Oh Dear Silvia, but I was also slightly apprehensive.

I have heard people say that this depiction of a Jamaican woman was stereotypical but I personally disagree because I liked that you read it through her voice. Although her character initially provides a balance against the others who actually know Silvia by the end her role is crucial, not just for Silvia but for many of her visitors too.Though this is written by a comedienne, it does have quite a lot of serious issues brought up which added sincerity and seriousness to the writing, which I appreciated. It would absolutely not have been hard for an editor or a proof-reader to draw up a timeline to ensure basic consistency across the storylines rather than really gaping and unbelievable plot holes. The concept is original, the structure is flawless, the characters are all fully realised, the dialogue is very human and real, the plot twists are genuinely shocking, the funny sections are really funny and the sad bits had me weeping openly in my car on the way to and from work. I was also impressed with the depth of each character - the character building through the chats to Silvia in the suite was very well done.

The book is written from six perspectives; ex-husband Ed, sister Jo, nurse Winnie, housekeeper Tia, friend Cat and daughter Cassie. They must be Dawn French fans and so am I, but her books are bestsellers because of her name, not her writing talent. The use of a silent central character was an inspired choice, as all action revolves around her and the choices that have led to this point are revealed piece by piece throughout the novel. The early chapters can be fairly dull, but the novel gradually picks up speed and I read the second half in one bleary-eyed, sniffly sitting. The eponymous Silvia is lying in hospital in a coma after having fallen off her balcony, landing three floors below.They all seemed unreal to me, including Silvia, who although in a coma, was the largest presence in the book. I actually liked Cassie's character and had immediate sympathy for her but my problem with her character was the timeline. As the story unfolds, we learn that each of these people has a different view of who Silvia Shute is and what she means to them differs vastly. I was disappointed unfortunately, and actually came away from the book feeling annoyed with the characters and quite discouraged and depressed somehow. Penguin (Australia), whose “Australian” book is peppered with –ize endings, you’re better than this too.