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frogglin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A friend saw me carrying this book and said "Oh you don't want to read that, it's all old people stuff". However, said friend was incorrect. The main cast of characters - Jude, Wendy and Adele - are all in their 70s and travelling in a friendship that has lasted 40 years. The fourth friend, Sylvie, has died and the other three are tasked with clearing out her beach house ready for sale.
It has become apparent that the friendship without Sylvie is precarious. With Jude's strict and aloof personality clashing with free spirited actress Adele and both of them clashing with chaotic Wendy and her elderly dog Finn. Old conflicts and hurts bubble to the surface as they try to work together to get the house cleared.
I found myself warming to Jude, at the start of the book she seems completely without redeeming qualities, but as she loosens up and relaxes she becomes a much more human figure.
I also loved the sheer Australianness of this book. The heat is described so perfectly I could feel it and the coastal town moving from cheap fibro shacks to the designer homes of the wealthy was an instantly familiar setting.
Each of the women are struggling with their new "old age" but also embracing some changes in who they are, and how they fit together without Sylvie.
It has become apparent that the friendship without Sylvie is precarious. With Jude's strict and aloof personality clashing with free spirited actress Adele and both of them clashing with chaotic Wendy and her elderly dog Finn. Old conflicts and hurts bubble to the surface as they try to work together to get the house cleared.
I found myself warming to Jude, at the start of the book she seems completely without redeeming qualities, but as she loosens up and relaxes she becomes a much more human figure.
I also loved the sheer Australianness of this book. The heat is described so perfectly I could feel it and the coastal town moving from cheap fibro shacks to the designer homes of the wealthy was an instantly familiar setting.
Each of the women are struggling with their new "old age" but also embracing some changes in who they are, and how they fit together without Sylvie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, Mental illness, Terminal illness, and Vomit