Life, Death And Everything In Between

The Inaugural Meeting Of The Fairvale Ladies Book Club by Sophie Green is a wonderful historical novel about life, death and everything in between.

Set from 1978-1981, I hesitated to use the term ‘historical’ but realised there are many years separating then and now and the world is quite a different place. Each new year recaps the important events, setting the scene for the reader with the references that follow. This wonderful book is a snapshot in time.

The novel takes place in the Northern Territory, Australia. It is an unforgiving landscape. Life can be hard and isolating.

The book follows a group of women as they band together to share their love of books (many of which I had heard of and some I had read). They form so much more than just a book club. They offer a lifeline for each other. From various continents and of different ages and life experiences, these women become a group of friends. They share life’s ups and downs – births, deaths, divorces, new loves, old loves, jobs, children – the list goes on.

I loved this book. The women, all with their unique personalities became my friends. I celebrated with them. I mourned with them.

This is a book with universal appeal, celebrating friendships. I have not been to Australia. I do not know the places they referred to but that did not matter. The women’s lives were a microcosm for the macrocosm of women’s lives everywhere at every time.

A wonderful book that will sink into your heart.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON