Growing Old Disgracefully

The Car Share by Zoe Brisby is the most delightful contemporary novel about living life to the full no matter how old you are.

The novel is charming and absolutely hilarious. I was literally laughing out loud at the outrageous antics of a young ninety year old lady as she definitely leads a twenty five year old man astray, whilst simultaneously opening up his life to new possibilities.

Both characters have burdens that weigh them down. As each tries to lift the other up, so their burdens become lighter. They both have hearts of gold.

The misquotes from ninety year old Maxine are gems of pure gold that make the reader smile. I love the fact that in all her years, her true wisdom is from Kung Fu Panda! “The secret to happiness is being content with what you have.”

There is pathos within the novel as Maxine believes she has Alzheimer’s. “I’m getting lost inside myself and soon I will disappear.” Having Alzheimer’s is a great fear as she has already nursed her husband through it.

Maxine is hiding a secret. It is a weighty burden that she has not only carried down the years but has also punished herself daily. She cannot forgive herself. “I didn’t learn to forgive myself… but I did learn to live with it.” The reader’s heart breaks for the young Maxine who is frozen in time. She deserves to let go, forgive herself and live free in the time she has left.

There is a wonderful rapport between the two lead characters. Their verbal volleys were a pure delight.

I absolutely adored The Car Share. It was warm, witty and fun and I cannot wait to read more from Zoe Brisby.

I will leave you with my favourite quote:

“Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.”

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

JULIA WILSON