It’s difficult sometimes to write a review without giving away the sense of the ending. What I enjoyed most about Edenhope was the not knowing and the need to read ‘just one more chapter’ to find out what would happen. So I advise not reading any spoilers before going in.
This is the story of Marnie, a 63-year-old woman embarking on a new life, and her love for her daughter and her grandchildren. It’s about what one woman would do to protect two vulnerable kids, regardless of the consequences.
I loved the short, very simply, but expertly written chapters. I loved the fact that the main character was a woman in her 60s, which is not as common as other age groups in contemporary fiction. I enjoyed that her age and upbringing gave her wise takes on people and the world. I loved all of the side characters, even the unpleasant ones. They all played their role so well and all had a purpose to the storyline. And I loved the relationships. In particular, as fraught as it was, the relationship between Marnie and her daughter, Lenny, was so raw and real, it hurt this mother’s heart. To me, brilliant literature should make you feel – whether it’s frustration, pain, longing, love, if I’m feeling things then the book is working for me.
Overall, Edenhope surprised me. It has real heart, and I would highly recommend it.
Reviewed by Sarah Krause
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Le Nay studied dramatic art at NIDA and has worked as an actor in films, TV and theatre, and as a TV writer and script editor.
She has also taught professional writing and editing at various tertiary institutions. She lives with her husband in western Victoria.
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