This Aussie’s debut novel is narrated by the ten year old protagonist, Rae, who is left with no family or close friends after her mother just disappears. We never hear anything about her father nor any other fathers for that matter It is set in an unspecified but modern time and in a suburb of Melbourne.The fate of her mother is gradually revealed to the reader although without much description of her personality. But everyone else is kept in the dark until late in the story as the protagonist succeeds in concealing the truth using various lies and deceptions-until Day 49 of the 55 days covered by the story.
Readers will have no problem keeping track of the few colourful characters, including a very eccentric elderly hoarding widow, Lettie, a nosy boy neighbour, Oscar, who tries unsuccessfully to befriend Rae, and her delightful big mongrel dog named Splinter. The language is true to that of any bright ten year old with short phrases and sentences and conversations that are true to the way that age group talks. There is nothing that is beyond the realm of possibility except for the forgivable description of impossible physiological responses to various emotional states. Olfaction plays a major role in the whole story.
What makes a house a home, the varied reactions to mental illness, and coping with loss are themes that recur but are never addressed directly.
This could be read as a dark, sad story of loss and grief or as a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the ingenuity of even ten year olds to cope with adversity. I chose to see it as the latter, and quite enjoyed it. It would be a good one to discuss at a book club.
Thanks,
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The Passionate Reader 