Lucy's Launderette

by Betsy Burke

Lucy's Launderette by Betsy Burke released on Aug 25, 2003 is available now for purchase.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0373250347
• ISBN13: 9780373250349
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Red Dress Ink
• Length: 331 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.1" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Not What I Expected!

I thought this book would be a typical chick-lit type of tale, but I was wrong! Sure, there are the elements for a truly chick-lit story, but it goes beyond that. The main character's family is a little off the beam, as are some of her acquaintances. There is laugh-out-loud fun on several pages, and some serious stuff on others. This book is worth the reader's time, and I'm glad I read it.

One of RDI winners

I enjoyed the change of scenery for one of RDI books. Having been to Vancouver B.C. many times, I recognized many of the locations. Lucy's story wasn't as shallow as some of the other RDI books are. I really liked the way Lucy's character grew up and the quirkiness of the other characters was charming (June, Winky, Reebee). I'm glad I picked this up. After Thin Pink Line and Carrie Pilby, I didn't want to read any more RDI.

Really Smart and Different

Another winner from the long list of Red Dress Ink books. With so many wonderful and talented American authors out there --- it's so nice to them getting recognized and discussed.Betsy Burke's "Lucy's Launderette" is a hilarious and really weird romp into the world of stalker brothers, pot head roommates and deceased grandparents. It's a refreshing tale of redemption and getting on with your life. I found it fun, quirky and really unique. Loved the backdrop and thought that Burke's talent was really highlighted in the way she does dialog.Love it and would recommend to others!Cheers!

deep look at a person at the crossroads of a major decision

In Vancouver, at not quite thirty, Lucy Madison wonders why her life feels it's in perpetual spin cycle. Her roommate, a voluptuous towering Viking, has a man a night while Lucy has a man a century. Her job at the Rogues Art Gallery is to hold up the sculptures so that they stand perfectly erect though male phallic symbols (all the exhibited work) seems as hard as her boss nasty Nadine. Her biker grandfather committed suicide with one last drive into the sunset instead of cancer therapy. He willed her his launderette and to take care of his squeeze of six years, Connie the Vegas stripper who is pregnant with Lucy's future aunt or uncle. Lucy's lover is a bore, her brother has escaped from the nut house in his Superman costume and stalks Lucy, and her father has lost it.Surrounded by crazies, losers, and bloodsuckers, Lucy needs a dramatic change or she will become her sibling's tights wearing sidekick in the loony farm. She sees the launderette that her grandfather left her as the ticket to rinse her life anew, but will she take the chance of starting a fresh cycle?Though Lucy's troubles seem minor in the scheme of life, she is a fresh individual poorly coping with those infringing in her sphere, which is why she is considering changing her lifestyle. The story line is amusing with serious undertones that sometimes get lost in Lucy's laments. Still Betsy Burke provides a solid look at a person at the crossroads of major decision making as Lucy wonders is that all there is?Harriet Klausner

A fun, quirky seriocomic novel!

Again, Red Dress Ink scores big with its latest installment. Lucy's Launderette is a unique, albeit quirky, seriocomic novel about a young woman who should've come of age long ago.Lucy's life goes to pieces after her grandfather dies. All of her troubles -- an unstable brother who stalks her; a stoic, bonkbusting roommate; a non-existent love life -- increase tenfold. To make matters worse, she has to keep the promise she'd made to her grandfather about looking after his eccentric girlfriend and his launderette business. However, the aforementioned plights might just turn her life around...Betsy Burke's language is rather unique and refreshing. The voice and dialogue are sharp and crisp, even dark at times. I must admit, however, that the novel's setting (Vancouver) and jazzy cover had sealed the deal before I even started the first chapter. I'm glad it turned out to be such fun, enhancing read. I await RDI installments with utmost anticipation. Highly recommended...