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readingresa's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
It was really nice to read a book set in Melbourne, considering that I'm living here at the moment. I am always a big fan of 'found family' stories, and this one did a good job of depicting that.
maddiejc's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
bibliobliss_au's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the quiet moments and tenderness of this novel. Though the causes of their loneliness are differed, the solitude of both characters was handled thoughtfully and in loving detail.
When elderly Meg feels unsafe living alone, medical student Andy, studying in Australia after living in Hong Kong, moves in.
The portrayal of protagonist Meg's loneliness through old age was heartbreaking and especially sad because it felt like Meg's very solitary existence is commonplace for many older people. Andy's own isolation - living in a new place, distant geographically and emotionally with his parents and drowning under the academic demands of a medical degree, was told with careful restraint as the anxiety & despair built.
Cheng is clearly a very talented writer. The subtleties and tenderness drew me in to the story and kept me there as I began hoping for happy endings for both Meg & Andy. This is a much recommended read.
When elderly Meg feels unsafe living alone, medical student Andy, studying in Australia after living in Hong Kong, moves in.
The portrayal of protagonist Meg's loneliness through old age was heartbreaking and especially sad because it felt like Meg's very solitary existence is commonplace for many older people. Andy's own isolation - living in a new place, distant geographically and emotionally with his parents and drowning under the academic demands of a medical degree, was told with careful restraint as the anxiety & despair built.
Cheng is clearly a very talented writer. The subtleties and tenderness drew me in to the story and kept me there as I began hoping for happy endings for both Meg & Andy. This is a much recommended read.
meganmaurice's review against another edition
5.0
Such a beautiful, unique book about a strange relationship that I became so emotionally involved in. A lovely, heartwarming read.
laura_storyteller's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
4.0
‘There were so many details to be considered.’
Meg Hughes, aged 75, has been living alone since her sister Helen died. She’s living in the home of her childhood, the home she grew up in with her parents and Helen. And now there is just her, and her African grey parrot, Atticus. Meg has become accustomed to being alone, but when her home is broken into by a knife-wielding intruder, she’s afraid.
Andy Chan, aged 22, is a student from Hong Kong. His father has lost his job, and while his parents’ savings cover his tuition, he needs to find cheaper accommodation in order to graduate. Could boarding with Meg solve both their problems?
Andy moves into Meg’s house, into the room that was Helen’s, and into an entirely foreign world. The two seem to have little in common: separated by age and culture, burdened by differing expectations. Andy is carrying the weight of family expectations, while Meg carries burdens from the past.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the contrast between assumption and experience, the fact that both Andy and Meg were struggling with the roles and expectations each had both of themselves and of each other. The contemporary modern world seems as uncomfortable to Meg as Australia is to Andy.
And the ending? I finished the novel wondering what might happen next.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Meg Hughes, aged 75, has been living alone since her sister Helen died. She’s living in the home of her childhood, the home she grew up in with her parents and Helen. And now there is just her, and her African grey parrot, Atticus. Meg has become accustomed to being alone, but when her home is broken into by a knife-wielding intruder, she’s afraid.
Andy Chan, aged 22, is a student from Hong Kong. His father has lost his job, and while his parents’ savings cover his tuition, he needs to find cheaper accommodation in order to graduate. Could boarding with Meg solve both their problems?
Andy moves into Meg’s house, into the room that was Helen’s, and into an entirely foreign world. The two seem to have little in common: separated by age and culture, burdened by differing expectations. Andy is carrying the weight of family expectations, while Meg carries burdens from the past.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the contrast between assumption and experience, the fact that both Andy and Meg were struggling with the roles and expectations each had both of themselves and of each other. The contemporary modern world seems as uncomfortable to Meg as Australia is to Andy.
And the ending? I finished the novel wondering what might happen next.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
steph_84's review against another edition
4.0
This book grew on me. At first I wondered what the point was of these two dull characters who were infuriatingly passive and had few interests or skills. Then the part focussing on the friendship between the three women in their 70s made me think of The Weekend by Charlotte Wood, but neither the characters nor the writing were as good as in that book.
Yet suddenly I was halfway through and concerned about Meg’s and Andy’s well-being, and enjoyed how they respected and cared about each other, despite being truly terrible at communicating with anyone and so avoidant that I wanted to throw something at them.
Then the book ended and I was sad there wasn’t another chapter, and perhaps interests and skills are a privilege rather than a measure of a person’s worth after all, and perhaps that was the point.
So, four stars.
Yet suddenly I was halfway through and concerned about Meg’s and Andy’s well-being, and enjoyed how they respected and cared about each other, despite being truly terrible at communicating with anyone and so avoidant that I wanted to throw something at them.
Then the book ended and I was sad there wasn’t another chapter, and perhaps interests and skills are a privilege rather than a measure of a person’s worth after all, and perhaps that was the point.
So, four stars.
alisyy's review
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
tlaynejones's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A gorgeous tender novel about human vulnerability, resilience, and love.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Mental illness, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Cancer