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Three and a half stars.
Three older women with a long-standing friendship come together over Christmas at the old beach house belonging to Sylvie, who has died. Sylvie was the fourth friend in this group. But without Sylvie there, the friendship appears strained and fragile. All of these women have had substantial careers. Jude as a famous restauranteur, Wendy an academic and Adele as an acclaimed actress. Now though Adele is finding work is non-existent for an older actress. This time as they gather at Sylvie’s old beach house it is not to celebrate Christmas but to clean the place out before it is sold. But over this working weekend tensions flare, secrets are revealed and aggravations mount. That Wendy has brought her old and infirm canine companion Finn with her only adds to the tension.
This is an unflinching look at the issue of growing older and being forced to face the truth. The story presents an acerbic look at these women and the issues involved in the friendship. Despite the women being well portrayed and even though I am an older woman, I never really connected with any of them. Perhaps because their experience of life was so different to mine? At one stage Jude reflect on herself and her attitudes, ‘Jude knew she had cruel in her, but she didn’t care.� Seems to me in wasn’t just in Jude but each of the women. They each had a barb evident at times.
Some of the writing is beautiful and insightful. Other parts not so much. Despite some mixed thoughts. I was interested in the book throughout and very glad I read it. Without doubt this is a character driven story, although the beach place is well depicted. My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review. I have no doubt this would be an excellent choice for a book club and would provide lots of discussion.