Audrey is a people-pleaser who never receives credit for the help she gives. She’s a clever lawyer, indispensable to the cases she runs, but has never made partner. With the little free time she has, she dutifully visits her parents, who have never got over the suicide of her older brother, Henry, plays trivia at the local pub, or hangs out with her rabbit, Joni.
One night Audrey tries to buy two bottles of wine. Continually ignored, she walks out without paying. Sick of being invisible, she starts rebelling in small and clever ways, with her meekness ensuring she’s never suspected. Her life is further disrupted when her new neighbour, Greg, and his aggressive dog, moves in.
There are mysteries in Audrey’s life. Why is the spare room cupboard filled with exquisite, expensive baby clothes? Why doesn’t Audrey stand up for herself more? As repressed memories start to return, Audrey’s internal world may soon be as disrupted as her external.
Little Clothes is a gentle read about a woman whose life is derailed before it’s really had a chance to begin, but who discovers an inner strength as she ages. Alongside the dark is humour from a cast of interesting characters, including a ghastly mother, loving best friend and overwrought work colleagues.
Reviewed by Melinda Woledge
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Deborah Callaghan worked as an interstate train stewardess, a librarian, and freelance journalist before starting a 35-year publishing career.
She was a book publicist, a publisher, and a literary agent. She lives in Sydney with her husband, two daughters and three lovely dogs.
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