Re-educated

A beautifully told story of courage, determination and, above all, magnificent defianceAlan Johnson

Bracing and inspirationalNigella Lawson

A wonderful writer... life-affirmingJon Snow

There are lots of reasons to read this book, which has the fineness of detail, sharpness of humour and grace of a novel by Penelope Lively. But its this business of changing ones mind - the thing most of us least like to do - that I admired the mostObserver

I am immersed in a new world that feels a long way from my old one. Though Ive not been re-invented, what has happened is just as radical and a lot more interesting: I am being re-educated.

Lucy Kellaway had a comfortable life. For years she had the same prestigious job, the same husband, and the same home. To the casual observer, she was both happy and successful. But one day, Lucy began to realise that the life she had built for herself no longer suited her. Was it too late to start again?

The answer was no - so she proceeded to tear down both marriage and career, and went back to school. Retraining as a teacher, Lucy discovers there is a world of new possibilities awaiting her - and learns that you can teach an old dog new tricks (providing they are willing to un-learn a few old ones along the way).

A witty and moving story of one womans pursuit of a new life, Re-educated is a celebration of educations power to transform our lives at any age, and an essential companion for anyone facing the joy - and pain - of starting again.