Within the covers of this slender novel lies a perfect familial storm. There are only four characters, five counting the rabbit, and, in short chapterWithin the covers of this slender novel lies a perfect familial storm. There are only four characters, five counting the rabbit, and, in short chapters each is given their voice, not counting the rabbit. Parents, Jin and Amy, their daughter Lucie and Amy’s mother Pauline, who has temporarily moved in with her daughter’s family after breaking her wrist. Each carries unexpressed pain, blame and/or guilt. Except the rabbit. Jin escapes domesticity in favour of work; Amy retreats into herself, unable to emotionally connect with husband or child; Lucie develops an unhealthy appetite for the macabre (for a ten year old). Outwardly, only Pauline appears to remain her true self, something that enrages her daughter. Even the rabbit only occasionally conquers his innate fear to interact with the humans. It’s a testament to Cheng’s incisive writing style that in a mere 184 pages we come to know so much about this troubled family and their fear of the past and future. Well worth a read....more
I tried to explain to my friend Linda how Cunningham is able to suss out the essence of his characters. And yes, it was pointed out to me (excruciatinI tried to explain to my friend Linda how Cunningham is able to suss out the essence of his characters. And yes, it was pointed out to me (excruciatingly) that he had created them. But there is more to his writing, something elemental, without going gooey-eyed, about how he writes people, both female and male, and how his enormous talent envelops the actions and feelings of his characters. I suppose, clumsily, what I’m trying to say is, these people on the page, live for The Reader. And this Reader was not disappointed.
There is Garth, desperate to have more contact with the child he’s fathered.
The quiet dignity of a couple whose marriage is disintegrating: “ … they merely slipped away from love.” With one half of the couple (Dan) reimagining a reconciliation, whilst the other half (Isobel) contemplates living alone, but within distance of her children.
My problem with this novel is the character of Robbie, Isobel’s brother who has been living in the attic of their now un-affordable townhouse for both of the young children’s lives. Both Isobel and Dan admit they are in love with Robbie - and it is reciprocated, not sexually, but that doesn’t change any personal impulse. I thought it was a pity that Cunningham wrote the character of Robbie as he did: he is god-like to his niece and nephew, and at the apex of a troubled three-way relationship. However it is a beautifully written novel; don’t miss it....more
Mike Gayle has written many novels. The one that I had read “The man I used to know”, was one of the best books I read that year. This one does not delMike Gayle has written many novels. The one that I had read “The man I used to know”, was one of the best books I read that year. This one does not deliver; I could not suspend my disbelief with the plot. And for Gayle fans, there will be no spoilers. However, one of the two surprises the author has in store for The Reader, can be guessed from a mile off. (And I’m not good at predictions). And I suspect the other surprise was the only way Gayle could extricate himself from an improbable premise. Perhaps I have been contaminated by “celebrity”, but this novel I could not buy....more
The eagerly awaited (by me) second novel from Lane, author of the laugh-out-loud “A Star is bored”. A Big gay wedding is about- await drum roll - a biThe eagerly awaited (by me) second novel from Lane, author of the laugh-out-loud “A Star is bored”. A Big gay wedding is about- await drum roll - a big gay wedding. But it’s equally about the mother of one of the grooms: Chrissy Durang, widowed mother of Barnett, who, as his mother and a good Christian woman, is not totally on board with the idea; she is in denial about the sexuality of her son, despite many years of becoming familiar with the notion. Chrissy runs a farm, primarily a refuge for unwanted animals, and since her beloved John died, and Barnett has scarpered to the metropolis, the animals are her family. (Be warned: Elaine the Sheep may start the waterworks). Indeed the “Farmer Mom” inscribed on her belt tells only half of it. Chrissy is desperate for Barnett to take over the farm; but when he comes to visit, she thinking he’s here to stay; he trying to tell her he’s getting married to Ezra, and won’t be staying, well, you have the classic dilemma. Do I stay, or do I go. Chrissy’s distress heightens when Ezra’s twin sister Nichole (the wedding planner from hell) arrives with his parents, the functioning alcoholic Vanessa and her ever-silent husband, Winston. Lane is so good with his peripheral characters; not that Barnett and Ezra are not interesting, but it serves a point to this author’s ability to make one laugh and cry. Bring on the next one....more
Another intoxicating week spent with the Schnabels is an enticing prospect for Readers of witty fiction. This novel follows eldest sibling Kylie durinAnother intoxicating week spent with the Schnabels is an enticing prospect for Readers of witty fiction. This novel follows eldest sibling Kylie during the week of “the three disasters “. All of which befall Kylie, the woman in control at all times - or so she likes to think. About to lose control of the pharmacy where she’s worked since graduation, and which she thought it was her right to buy out the owner; her boyfriend/partner of nine months she discovers is cheating on her; and her period is more than a week overdue. Could she be pregnant, god forbid? And her waisted trousers are becoming ever so tight. Not that Kylie doesn’t like children per se. She loves her niece and nephew. But everything and everyone should now resume their places. Except for the orange-coloured Pomeranian dog she’s agreed to look after for her possible future boss. Jordan is a dab hand at the one liner: (Mid-sixties Gloria to her adult son: “It’s terribly depressing being the same age as old people.”) Jordan’s second foray into the life of the Schnabels is a delicious treat. Oh, and I loved the running lanyard joke....more
Lipman has carved a particular niche in contemporary American literature. Of course, this is a gross simplification of her life’s work in writing, as Lipman has carved a particular niche in contemporary American literature. Of course, this is a gross simplification of her life’s work in writing, as I’ve only read a fourth of her output. She writes what she knows about: middle-to-upper-middle- class Manhattan-ites. And she does it extraordinarily well. It gives me a sense of “what if”? (And can’t we all be aspirational, possums?). If I was a successful lawyer, recently suspended for lewd behaviour in public; if I had an identical twin, a successful dermatologist, and two attractive, well-versed parents; and lived in a building that had an actual name! And then met a divertingly attractive person, who also happens to live in the same building under house arrest, like moi. How spooky is all of this? (Apologies to Dame Edna whom I seem to be channeling right now!) Enjoy. I did....more
The youngest son of a central Taiwanese country clan is currently imprisoned in Germany for killing his lover, known only as “T”. His parents had wishThe youngest son of a central Taiwanese country clan is currently imprisoned in Germany for killing his lover, known only as “T”. His parents had wished for, after five daughters: Beverly, Belinda, Betty, Barbie and the youngest nicknamed ‘Plenty’. (Names of which the last two girls prove significant), have finally had two sons. After an early release, Keith has returned to Taiwan for Ghost Festival: the day of deliverance. And on delivery does this novel smack The Reader in the face! It is a rollercoaster ride through family dramas, deaths, not many births. And one is left wondering who is telling whose story, and what story. It matters little Dear Reader; wondrously Chen manages to interweave each character’s narrative into a seamless whole. It is a tour-de-force of imagination and storytelling. Not to be missed....more
The Reader may well wonder: what’s so interesting about a group of women living in rural Ireland? This novel, told in short chapters (no more than a pThe Reader may well wonder: what’s so interesting about a group of women living in rural Ireland? This novel, told in short chapters (no more than a page and a half) packs a punch. Four generations of women; rarely do they move beyond the radius of their birthplace, and external factors seem to have no apparent effect on their lives. It is their intense, inter-personal relationships that propel the narrative, from Saoirse’s birth through decades of acceptance, tolerance and a stolid sense of what will be, will be. Eventually. (Cue: Que Sera Sera by Doris Day). These women have an inalienable optimism, however seemingly misguided. I read an early Ryan novel: 2013s The thing about December. He’s getting better and better. A beautifully realised novel.
Meddy Chan is in trouble - again. After the laugh-out-loud antics of the family in “Dial A for Aunties”, Meddy is in Oxford on her wedding day to (KenMeddy Chan is in trouble - again. After the laugh-out-loud antics of the family in “Dial A for Aunties”, Meddy is in Oxford on her wedding day to (Ken-Doll) Nathan. Needing to relinquish her customary role as wedding photographer she’s employed another Chinese-Indonesian family business to take care of everything, much as her family does for others. Conveniently there is an uncle whose talents correspond to each of the Aunt’s specialities. Little does she know that the family business she’s employed, and befriended, is threatening to take out one of the wedding guests. Chaos ensues; as a result of the threat Meddy and the Aunts decide the likeliest target is a significant investor in Nathan’s business. Meddy, in her huge meringue dress and the Aunts are not going to allow her wedding day ruined by an assassin’s bullet. The humour from the first book remains, however, for this Reader, the weakest links in the narrative remain Meddy and Nathan, he with the perfect smile, and pecs and abs to die for. Let the Aunts run free!...more
Lily works as a cleaner in other people’s houses along with her work partner Shannon. She is content with the work she does. Lily lives with her rebelLily works as a cleaner in other people’s houses along with her work partner Shannon. She is content with the work she does. Lily lives with her rebellious teenage daughter, Jewelee, and long-term partner, Janks. As the novel opens Janks has disappeared. Lily, sick with worry searches for him around the suburb into which they moved four years ago, principally to remove Jewelee from the Broadmeadows influence. As Lily observes, they moved into the worst house in one of the best streets. Money, always tight, becomes a pressing problem without Jank’s wage: how will Lily pay the bills? Alternately told through the voices of Lily and Janks, This Reader found Lily’s narrative more engaging than Jank’s. I can see why his story was needed for the plot development, however I would’ve been just as content to read about Lily’s relationships with her daughter and Shannon. One outstanding feature of O’Reilly’s writing is her judicious use of similes; they’re very good, and memorable....more
This could easily have been re-titled “Simon’s Worst Week, Ever”. Simon Larsen is married to Tansy (née Schnabel) and father of Mia and Lachie. Tansy’This could easily have been re-titled “Simon’s Worst Week, Ever”. Simon Larsen is married to Tansy (née Schnabel) and father of Mia and Lachie. Tansy’s father, David, left her, sister Kylie and brother Nick decades ago, moved interstate and remarried, a fact that his ex-wife Gloria is incapable of forgiving or forgetting. David has been dead for two years, but only now, post-Covid lockdowns can a memorial service be held for him in Melbourne. David is not the only one affected by Covid; Simon lost his architectural practice during the pandemic induced prolonged lockdowns. Oh, and the family home, the fancy car and most of his (work related) friends. Now living in a cruddy flat, sans car, hapless Simon has devolved into an unenthusiastic house husband, while Tansy works long hours in real estate to keep their heads above water. Simon’s one chance for some sort of redemption is to transform Naveen’s backyard into a suitable state to hold the memorial service. Nareen and Tansy have been best friends since they were five. But there are complications. The major one being the arrival of David’s daughter from his second marriage: Monica. Monica’s existence has come as a complete surprise to Gloria’s three children, and Gloria herself. Tansy invites Monica to stay with them in their already cramped flat. Over the course of a week leading up to the service Simon is overwhelmed by a series of events that tests his mettle, and sanity. This is Jordan in top comedic form; an absolute joy to read.
3.5 stars Widowed for three years, Franny has managed to arrange her life with as little engagement as possible from family and friends. And she’s good3.5 stars Widowed for three years, Franny has managed to arrange her life with as little engagement as possible from family and friends. And she’s good at it. Along with her two canine companions and the constant assistance of a variety of alcoholic beverages, Franny has carefully orchestrated routines that both anchor and shelter her life. However when the Salernos move in next door, Franny, despite her best intentions, finds herself becoming inextricably linked with the lives of belligerent teen Dee, her endearingly unusual eight year old brother, Josh, and their more than wary mother, Sallyanne. This is Byron’s debut, and, whilst the plot of the novel isn’t original (lone woman brought out of her shell), she has created a wonderfully rounded character in Franny....more
Patrick has traded TV stardom for relative obscurity in the Nevada desert, well, Palm Springs anyway. Content with his current loner status, he’s discPatrick has traded TV stardom for relative obscurity in the Nevada desert, well, Palm Springs anyway. Content with his current loner status, he’s discombobulated when Greg, his brother asks him to take care of his two kids for three months: nine-year-old Maisie and six-year-old Grant. Greg is entering rehab for an addiction to pills, an addiction acquired as he cared for his wife, Sara (and Patrick’s best friend) through a long terminal illness. Patrick known as GUP (gay uncle Patrick) has no idea what to do with these kids and much of the humour derives from Patrick treating his charges as mini adults. Hilarity ensues. So does sadness and grief, not just for Sara but for tragedy in Patrick’s past. Rowley has an innate ability to say what the heart wants or needs to hear (see also ‘Lily and the octopus’), and writes emotions with great sensitivity. I loved this book....more
A family story about the lengths to which some choose to travel to support those they love. Set in Atlantic City over a three month period in 1934, FlA family story about the lengths to which some choose to travel to support those they love. Set in Atlantic City over a three month period in 1934, Florence is training to become only the second woman to swim the English Channel. Her sister, Fannie, is confined to a hospital bed in preparation for the birth of her third child, after a premature labour resulted in the death of her previous baby. Fannie's feckless husband Isaac searches fruitlessly for ways to promote himself. And at the heart of this family, the sisters' parents, Esther and Joseph, who are looking after Gussie, Fannie and Isaac's 7-year-old daughter. Joseph has also sponsored the emigration from Nazi Germany an enigmatic young woman, Anna, a decision that puzzles and angers Esther. This a dazzling debut, that, despite being neither mystery or thriller, I couldn't put down. I loved the title; I loved the cover; I loved the novel itself....more
This is a novel about the Saint Claire family, a family of singers and musicians; Lucas, the patriarch, charismatic, and with charm to burn; his wife,This is a novel about the Saint Claire family, a family of singers and musicians; Lucas, the patriarch, charismatic, and with charm to burn; his wife, Amanda, jazz vocal chanteuse; and their 3 offspring, Florence, Isolde and Puck, all talented singers. Many years ago when Florence was a teenager, the family had an enormous success with a novelty song "Santa was a jazz cat". In the following years the song becomes a staple of the festive season, until one live performance when Florence freezes on stage, and thereafter refuses to be part of the group. Instead, she turns her attention to horticulture, joining The Green Team, where she works with Albert Flowers. Florence thinks that she and Albert could hit it off, however Florence is "prickly", Albert is always otherwise engaged, and besides, both she and Albert have too many secrets. This starts off as a fairly conventional novel until Whiting drops a surprise that tilts the perspectives of the Saint Claires, and considerably ramps up the interest level....more
Siblings, Robert and Phoebe have struck gold; someone apparently suitable to care for their elderly, widowed father James: Mandy, pudgy of figure, facSiblings, Robert and Phoebe have struck gold; someone apparently suitable to care for their elderly, widowed father James: Mandy, pudgy of figure, face and mind. Snobs as they are, they find their father's instant take to Mandy strange, but after several disastrous appointments, they are simply grateful, however guilt-ridden, to accept Mandy at face value. But James starts to change. His highly-valued academic brain has been submerged under Mandy's personality - something not unnoticed by Robert and Phoebe. As they increasingly mistrust Mandy's hold over James, an event occurs that moves the plot towards James and his late wife, which will bring surprises and shocks for the siblings. Moggach writes so effortlessly, one has to remind oneself what a skill she possesses....more
Welcome to the Village of Primm (never just, Primm). A town of perfection and a cast of Stepford-like mothers, all presided over by the formidable PTAWelcome to the Village of Primm (never just, Primm). A town of perfection and a cast of Stepford-like mothers, all presided over by the formidable PTA president Mary-Margaret St. James. Not that newly arrived Holly Banks and family have been welcomed. This is the day that Holly and Jack's daughter Ella starts kindergarten, and the first morning's events are a foretaste of what Holly can expect for the rest of the week. Ella misses her bus, so Holly, in daggy pjs, drives her to kinder, after which she drives into the school bus. The novel charts the (mis)fortunes of this week for the Banks family. Julie Valerie has heaps of talent, especially for comic writing and situations, however this overlong needed editing badly. For a similar reading experience try Laurie Gelman's (shorter) but just as funny novels.
Amy Byler has spent the last three years raising her two children, Cori and Joe, holding down a school librarian's job and battling a mortgage, all wiAmy Byler has spent the last three years raising her two children, Cori and Joe, holding down a school librarian's job and battling a mortgage, all without the help of her errant husband John, who scarpered to Hong Kong when the going got tough. But now he's back wanting to make amends - and more. Amy is feeling everything you'd imagine: angry, hurt, confused, angry, hurt. Oh, and enraged. However when John offers to look after the kids so that Amy can go to a conference in New York, she starts a slow process of re-evaluating her position vis-a-vis John. Especially after meeting "the hot librarian", Daniel. This is an excellent read about a woman who has to decide what's best for her....more
Sitting at the bar of the local, Maurice Hannigan, over the course of one evening, relates the stories of five people in a series of toasts. As he telSitting at the bar of the local, Maurice Hannigan, over the course of one evening, relates the stories of five people in a series of toasts. As he tells the stories Maurice's own life is revealed, from his early teenage years working for the sadistic local squire, to his beloved brother's death; through his marriage to Sadie and fatherhood. Maurice at 84 sits alone and it's not difficult to fathom why he needs to recall past times. For Maurice has made an important decision, one that invites reflection. As an (Irish) man of a certain age he is clear-eyed about the past, allowing himself no convenient excuses to explain his behaviour. A compelling account of a good man's imperfect life....more
Frances Bloom is the fulcrum of her neighbourhood block. As designated car pool driver she not only drives her three kids to their various educationalFrances Bloom is the fulcrum of her neighbourhood block. As designated car pool driver she not only drives her three kids to their various educational establishments, she also carries her nephew, friends Bill and Julie's son and Charlie and Anne's kids to theirs. Funny, self-deprecating and receptive, Frances is in the (literal) driver's seat to know about the lives of her friends and neighbours. Yet nothing quite prepares her for the sight of Anne and a handsome, younger man having sex on the floor when she returns to retrieve the forgotten toilet rolls for Anne's daughter, Kate. As Anne and Charlie's marriage implodes, Waxman employs humour and pathos to unpeel the layers of other couples on the block. Lucas lives with his father, Bill, but where did Bill's wife Julie go? Frances' cousin Iris and her wife Sara have a son, Wyatt; Iris wants another baby, but will it wreck her marriage? And Frances and Michael? Whilst happy, they start to question their own marriage. Much of the humour and funny situations arise from the antics of the kids, from the temperamental teenager Ava to Lally, an independently minded four-year-old. Waxman's second novel, after the delightful The Garden of Small Beginnings, is a lot more robust both in scope and language....more