The subject matter – intelligence and underlying emotion – is far more sophisticated than any of the other chick-lit confessionals on the book bazaar. I was amazed to find that, like Bambi, Kate Reddy’s tale made me cry twice, and laugh often – though I am neither an investment banker nor a mother of small children … and villains The book’s publication is particularly timely in a week where yet another female City analyst has sued her company after finding that male colleagues in near-identical posts were paid larger salaries and bonuses. Before I started my own magazine company I worked for a small publishing firm My side of the enterprise was successful. Eventually my two male colleagues (who were effectively my bosses) declared that I should have some shares.

Two years later the matter was still unresolved.Around this time I bumped into Lynn Barber, demon interviewer of Fleet St “How’s it going?” she asked. “Have they given you your shares yet?” “No,” I said “but I don’t want to hassle them. After all, the boys gave me this opportunity and I’m bloody grateful for it.” Lynn looked at me with contempt. “Why is it,” she demanded, “that women always say how lucky and grateful they are to be in work? Men never say ‘lucky old me’, they say ‘clever me’ and get given vast bonuses for congratulating themselves.”I have never forgotten these words of wisdom In view of which, I’d better add Lynn to my goddess list. Men are all very well, but for ruthlessly honest advice, I’d ask a woman every time.. Go out and help the poor! Lay your hands upon the sick! These are the latest instructions to Conservative MPs from Iain Duncan Smith as he seeks to reconnect his party with the voters.

He has told his parliamentary colleagues to select a week away from their parliamentary duties in order to help those in need. For a few days at least Conservative MPs will be good Samaritans in their dealings with the poor.
One of the slight problems with this project is that in many cases it is those very same Tory MPs who might well benefit from a comforting chat with a Samaritan. Most of them are bewildered or depressed – in some cases both. A year ago they were on an artificial high, boosted by a leadership contest that gave them a false sense of importance.