"It's terrible, the people at Penguin are slitting their wrists": Pippa Middleton's book trashed by Jilly Cooper

Party guide, Celebrate, should never have been written, says romantic novelist known as Queen of the Bonkbuster

Bad idea: Jilly says Pippa should have been advised not to write the book
Bad idea: Jilly says Pippa should have been advised not to write the book
Getty

Pippa Middleton 's debut book, Celebrate, has been slammed as "terrible" by romantic novelist Jilly Cooper.

Speaking to the Telegraph, the author of the famously raunchy Rutshire Chronicles claimed the new party guide from Duchess of Cambridge's sister had infuriated the publishers Penguin because it was so bad.

“It’s terrible isn’t it?,” said the 76-year-old, who is a well-known fan of the royals.

“The sales have been dreadful, and I hear that the people at Penguin are virtually slitting their wrists over it.

"To think of all the money they spent on it, too.

“Her first one wasn’t a good idea. I don’t blame her – I think that she was ill-advised.

Pippa Middelton leaves the Goring Hotel in London (Pic:Reuters)
Panned: Pippa's book has been criticised and sales have been poor

“All I can say is that I hope the British don’t demonise her because of it. She seems like a lovely girl and her sister is wonderful.”

Pippa describes her new book as “a comprehensive guide to home entertaining”, and was paid a £400,000 advance for the collection of tips, recipes and decorating ideas.

Speaking ahead of its launch in October, she said: “This book is based on my experience in my family’s party business, Party Pieces, and work for London-based events company, Table Talk.

“It is a useful and practical journey into British-themed occasions and I hope it offers welcome inspiration and ideas, most of which needn't leave you alarmingly out of pocket."

But sales have been awful and some have accused her of cashing ion on her royal connections after she became an overnight sensation when she wore a figure-hugging bridesmaid dress to follow her sister down the aisle at Westminster Abbey last year.

 

 
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