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I'm in his novel - should I be flattered or insulted?

(18 Posts)
Granny1810 Fri 04-Mar-22 12:51:19

I would ignore it. I wouldn't want him to think he had wound me up. Or that I had taken the trouble to read it.

DillytheGardener Thu 03-Mar-22 18:34:08

I’m not sure it was on the news, but it was a storyline on the legal/family ‘The Split’ on BBC. Cracking show!

Chestnut Thu 03-Mar-22 18:12:52

I find it difficult to understand why anyone would write about their family and then publish it. I believe family life should be private, so my first thought is what a nasty person. Why the hell can't he write it under another name then no-one can join the dots and connect it to you or your family.

It's easy to say 'ignore it' but if they are writing untruths about you, and other family members (esp. children) are reading it, then you really need to know what is being written. And if you don't like it then definitely send a solicitor's letter.

Galaxy Thu 03-Mar-22 18:00:50

Wasnt there a court case recently where the partner of a comedian sued the comedian for using material about them. I cant remember the details but its ringing a bell

MissChateline Thu 03-Mar-22 17:38:38

For me it was the realisation that he had harboured all of these grievances for 35 years and felt compelled to write about them.
But it was horrible for my daughters to read the details of our relationship and divorce.

Daisymae Thu 03-Mar-22 16:41:05

Forget it, why are you bothering to read his missives?

DillytheGardener Thu 03-Mar-22 14:43:31

I agree with GrammyGrammy he sounds like a nasty piece of work and needs a tap on the nose. Getting a solicitor to write a cease and desist letter sounds like the best way forward. He won’t fight it and it will give him a fright, and hopefully keep his nasty comments to verbal moans to friends and family unlucky enough to be near the miserable sod.

Redhead56 Thu 03-Mar-22 14:29:35

He has not moved on obviously prove that you have and dismiss any thought of him including his silly stories.

MissChateline Thu 03-Mar-22 13:40:57

My ex husband did this. An autobiography based on his life as a teacher. He was exceptionally unflattering about me and many of his memories were not correct and cruel. He gave copies to my daughters and mutual friends. It was more than a year before they told me about it. I was horrified. I went through it line by line and told them the truth. I sent him an email with my degree certificate which he failed to mention but never spoke about it again to him.
He then wrote a sequel!

Sago Thu 03-Mar-22 13:29:25

I think there is some “ unfinished business “ he needs to talk this through rather than use his stories as therapy.

AreWeThereYet Thu 03-Mar-22 13:17:44

How do you know about the stories/books? Does he let you know when/where they are published so you can read them? You don't seem much like friends so why are you bothering to read them, or even acknowledge them?? Does he ask your opinions?

Unless he was still a friend I wouldn't even be reading them. Even less would I be concerned about how an ex viewed me in the past or in the present.

Nannarose Thu 03-Mar-22 13:13:58

Neither - he's your ex for a reason. Although I would find it irritating, I think best to ignore. He will be pleased by any attention and you'll feed it.
I would also save your moans for this anonymous site so it doesn't get back to him!
Take yourself off for a treat and raise a glass to having him out of your life!

GrammyGrammy Thu 03-Mar-22 12:59:58

A solicitors letter warning him to not publish material that is designed to reflect you or imply you would be a choice I'd make.

grandtanteJE65 Wed 23-Feb-22 12:48:21

Try to ignore it. If you don't, he will probably deny that the character is based on you.

It may not even be. Not knowing you or having seen the book, I cannot say, but I know I would jump to the conclusion that something similar was meant as a dig at me, when it might not have been.

Please, do not give him the satisfaction of knowing that this has upset you.

Purplepixie Wed 23-Feb-22 12:44:36

I would also ignore the whole thing. Don’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that you have even picked it up never mind read it. If I was you I wouldn’t read anymore in the future - why do you care what he writes - he is your EX? Let him get on with his silly nonsense and you move on. Take care.

Greenfinch Wed 23-Feb-22 12:42:24

Agree with foxie

foxie48 Wed 23-Feb-22 12:40:54

I'd ignore, if his writing is a bad as you suggest, this is what most people will do. I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of knowing that you'd read it.

SJW1 Wed 23-Feb-22 12:33:49

My ex-husband is a scribbler novelist. He thinks he's good at short stories and has had a few published by on-line sites. There are usually a few references to our past life together in some of these stories, and often to me, although not usually in the most flattering way.

His latest effort though is very clearly based on me, him and two close friends. We're all thinly disguised characters and the story appears to be more of a vehicle for him to vent his long-held and pent-up moans, mostly about me, than a carefully crafted piece of creative writing.

Have been tempted to email him and sign it in the character's name .... but am deeply conflicted as to whether I should feel flattered or insulted! Thoughts?