Die Frauen Von Clare Valley (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
This isn't my usual kind of book but I got it from book club and needed a change from violent death, and have sort of enjoyed a couple of her other books, although not the Alphabet Sisters which this follows on from, but it didn't seem to matter. Lola is 84 and lives with her son and his wife in their motel in South Australia, and works part-time in the local charity shop. Christmas is approaching and she hatches a plot to send all her family away on holiday and invite some guests to the motel under the pretence that they've won a free holiday there. Things don't turn out as she plans, or as we expect. I was actually more interested in the future guests and their stories, and was disappointed that these were rather left hanging. Instead we have to hear about Lola's awful grand-daughters: I have a particular loathing for female characters who have gotten the Happily Ever After of the handsome husband who supports them so they can stay at home with their babies in their perfect lives, then do nothing but complain about how hard it all is - and in this case also complain about each other, despite having lost their other sister five years before and seemingly vowed not to fall out again. Lola loves to meddle and of course brings them back together, as well as some other match-making on the side.I sort of liked it, particularly as it wasn't really a romance novel, it has certainly kept me up reading to find out how it turned out, but I was disappointed by the ending, not for the reason most would be, but because the final messages were rather trite. On the good side, there was no violent death, so now I can go pick a thriller that does have some... I've enjoyed all the books I have read by McInerney. She has an easy-going way of writing about families and the simple every day things that happen in their lives. She makes an ordinary story come alive, by making each day seem fun and instills depth to the sad, lonely and tragic moments. I loved the character of Lola - an octogenarian with a difference. I hope I can be as inventive and resourceful when my time comes.
What do You think about Die Frauen Von Clare Valley (2013)?
Quite disappointing for McInerney,normally totally drawn into the story.
—Raj
Lola is a fabulously fun character - the best kind of grandmother !
—dess_lovebug
