I had wanted to read this book for a very long time. A few months ago, when I was waiting in an airport with my mother, I suggested that she purchase it. Then finally I was able to borrow it. I was not disappointed, this book was wonderful.
It is an Australian novel, and I think accurately reflects life in suburban Melbourne. Having said that, it is not really about life in suburban Melbourne, it is a lot more specific than that. It is the story of Helen, a writer whose hippie friend from Sydney, Nicola, comes to stay with her for three weeks whilst she undergoes some alternative therapy to treat the terminal cancer she is suffering from.
It is an Australian novel, and I think accurately reflects life in suburban Melbourne. Having said that, it is not really about life in suburban Melbourne, it is a lot more specific than that. It is the story of Helen, a writer whose hippie friend from Sydney, Nicola, comes to stay with her for three weeks whilst she undergoes some alternative therapy to treat the terminal cancer she is suffering from.
This book explored two main themes: the human reaction to the knowledge of impending death, and the reality of what it is to care for others in these times of need. It is how honestly it portrays these realities that makes this book so special. Nicola will not accept that she is marked for death. She is absolutely unwilling to accept it. Instead, she fights death tooth and nail through a series of alternative treatments that she is convinced will her cure her once and for all. It seems to the reader that what is driving her to fight so steadily is her sense of failure. She is not satisfied with her life, she does not have a family or a partner, and she does not want to lose her life feeling unsatisfied with it. The problem is, she is totally unable or unwilling to acknowledge the pressure that her attitude places on others. To use the old Australian phrase to describe her attitude, she thinks "she'll be right".
This means that she doesn't understand that her illness effects those around her. She causes them worry because no one wants death to take Nicola by surprise, and it means that Nicola doesn't take anyone seriously when they try to discuss their concerns with her.
Then we see what Helen goes through caring for Nicola. In fact, the book is written from Helen's point of view. The author doesn't shirk from showing just how hoard it is to care for someone like Nicola. Helen can't cope with it. She can't cope with the physical strain and staying up all night and then all day, the stress of having to limit her contact with her gran daughter and the emotional stress of dealing with a person who isn't dealing with their own problems. I love that at the end she point blank refuses to allow Nicola to stay with her any longer, and is willing to allow Nicola to do things the hard way because she herself can't cope anymore. This is honesty, and probably a very accurate reflection of the realities that people in these situations face.
All in all, a beautiful exploration of the realities of human existence.
Summary
What kind of read is this?
Very short and easy, but meaningful.
Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely, it's wonderful. It's real. It's heartfelt. It's heart wrenchingly honest.
Do I recommend that you buy it?
All in all, I think that it's probably not necessary unless you find it has specific meaning for you in your life.
This means that she doesn't understand that her illness effects those around her. She causes them worry because no one wants death to take Nicola by surprise, and it means that Nicola doesn't take anyone seriously when they try to discuss their concerns with her.
Then we see what Helen goes through caring for Nicola. In fact, the book is written from Helen's point of view. The author doesn't shirk from showing just how hoard it is to care for someone like Nicola. Helen can't cope with it. She can't cope with the physical strain and staying up all night and then all day, the stress of having to limit her contact with her gran daughter and the emotional stress of dealing with a person who isn't dealing with their own problems. I love that at the end she point blank refuses to allow Nicola to stay with her any longer, and is willing to allow Nicola to do things the hard way because she herself can't cope anymore. This is honesty, and probably a very accurate reflection of the realities that people in these situations face.
All in all, a beautiful exploration of the realities of human existence.
Summary
What kind of read is this?
Very short and easy, but meaningful.
Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely, it's wonderful. It's real. It's heartfelt. It's heart wrenchingly honest.
Do I recommend that you buy it?
All in all, I think that it's probably not necessary unless you find it has specific meaning for you in your life.
Star Rating
6.5 / 8
Brilliant, couldn't it put down.
Originally posted 14 April 2010 Page Turners
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