The Cactus
In 'The Cactus', Sarah Haywood introduces us to the brilliantly acerbic Susan Green, a woman whose highly controlled life begins to unravel when she unexpectedly becomes pregnant. As her carefully constructed world of solitude and independence is shattered, Susan's humorous yet poignant journey leads her to confront her fears of intimacy and family. This tale unfolds with wit and warmth, exploring themes of loneliness, love, and the chaos of life changes. With her sharp observations, Haywood captures the unpredictability of the heart and the importance of connection. Can a prickly cactus truly learn to bloom?
By Sarah Haywood
Published: 2019
""Sometimes the things we think will bring us comfort only reveal how deeply we long for connection.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
A REESE WITHERSPOON x HELLO SUNSHINE BOOK CLUB PICK New York Times Bestseller "Fans of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine will love The Cactus." --Red magazine 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.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Cactus
About the Author
Sarah Haywood
Sarah Haywood is a contemporary author renowned for her sharp wit and insightful exploration of human relationships. Her notable works include the bestselling novels "The Cactus" and "The Complications of Being Human," both of which showcase her unique ability to blend humor with poignant storytelling. Haywood's writing style is characterized by its clever dialogue, rich character development, and keen observation of the absurdities of everyday life.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Sarah Haywood
- Published
- May 2019
- Publisher
- Park Row
- ISBN
- 0778369072
- Language
- English
- Pages
- N/A
- Genres
- RomanceContemporary RomanceFiction
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
The Hating Game
Sally Thorne
Can Love Last?: The Fate of Romance Over Time
Stephen A. Mitchell
Conversations with Friends
Sally Rooney
Love Poems
Nikki Giovanni
Modern Romance
Aziz Ansari, Eric Klinenberg
Home Economics
Wendell Berry
The Inimitable Jeeves
P. G. Wodehouse
The Complete Guide to Trail Building and Maintenance
Carl Demrow, David Salisbury
The Proposal
Jasmine Guillory
Call Me by Your Name
André Aciman
Beach Read
Emily Henry
Better Than the Movies
Lynn Painter
Little Moments of Love
Catana Chetwynd
The Mind of a Mnemonist
Aleksandr Romanovich Lurii͡a
A Tomb for Boris Davidovich
Danilo Kiš
A Brief History of Seven Killings
Marlon James
The Wedding Date
Jasmine Guillory
It's All Too Much
Peter Walsh
Everything I Know about Love
Dolly Alderton
Other People Don't Feel Blue and Other Lies
Scarlett Curtis
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Brad Feld's Book Recommendations
Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.
View Collection
Jessica Biel's Book Recommendations
Jessica Biel is an accomplished actress and producer, best known for her work in television and film rather than literature. Rising to fame with her role as Mary Camden on the long-running family drama "7th Heaven," Biel has since demonstrated her versatility in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to intense thrillers. Her work behind the scenes as a producer, particularly on the critically acclaimed series "The Sinner," has solidified her status as a multifaceted talent in the entertainment industry. Although not a literary figure, Biel's contributions to storytelling through her acting and production efforts have earned her numerous accolades and a respected place in Hollywood. Her dedication to her craft continues to influence and inspire both audiences and aspiring entertainers alike.
View Collection
Ali Abdaal's Book Recommendations
Ali Abdaal is a renowned productivity expert, author, and YouTuber known for his engaging content on personal development and effective study techniques. A former doctor, Abdaal transitioned from his medical career to focus on sharing insights through his popular YouTube channel, which has amassed millions of subscribers. He is the author of "YouTube for Doctors," where he explores the intersection of medicine and digital content creation. Abdaal's work is celebrated for its practical advice, blending scientific research with personal anecdotes to help individuals optimize their lives. His contributions have significantly influenced the productivity and self-improvement community, making him a respected voice in the field.
View Collection
Emma Watson's Book Recommendations
Emma Watson is a British actress and activist best known for her role as Hermione Granger in the "Harry Potter" film series, which brought J.K. Rowling's beloved books to life. Beyond her acting career, Watson has made significant contributions to literature by promoting gender equality and women's rights through her work with the United Nations, including the HeForShe campaign. She has also curated and shared book recommendations that highlight feminist literature and diverse voices. Watson graduated from Brown University with a degree in English literature, further emphasizing her dedication to the literary world. Her advocacy and influence have made her a prominent figure in both the entertainment and literary communities.
View Collection
Keanu Reeves's Book Recommendations
Keanu Reeves, primarily known as a celebrated actor, is also an accomplished author. His most notable literary contribution is the book "Ode to Happiness," a picture book for adults illustrated by Alexandra Grant, which explores themes of self-acceptance and finding joy in life's simple moments. He followed this with a second collaboration with Grant, "Shadows," which delves into the interplay of light and darkness in the human experience. Reeves' literary works are praised for their philosophical depth and introspective nature. His transition from the silver screen to the written word showcases his versatile talent and creative expression.
View Collection“"Sometimes the things we think will bring us comfort only reveal how deeply we long for connection."”
The Cactus
By Sarah Haywood
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.