Out of Eden, the sequel to Lillian’s Eden, can be enjoyed without reading the latter. It is set in two countries, Sweden and the beach community of Eden, Australia. Australian writer Cheryl Adam lived in Sweden as an unwanted guest in the ’60s, so she captures the unique environments of these two cultures well.

The conventions of this era severely challenge the characters, especially the mother, Lillian, and her daughter, Maureen. In a Swedish winter, young Maureen is pregnant to her spineless Viking boyfriend, Nils. His rich aggressive parents know that ‘nice girls’ don’t travel around the world alone. They suspect she is framing Nils to get their money. Both countries present challenges for women, although Sweden’s welfare system proves more helpful. But single mothers were often ostracised, called ‘sluts’, and in Australia could even be put into asylums.

Fortunately, colourful characters become her good friends and help her survive. Netta, squatting in the cold loft of a block of flats, shares these living quarters with her and the pigeons in the rafters. Netta leads a mysterious life and has an amazing past. Bernard, a generous, flamboyant restaurant owner is part of her mystery. Back in Australia, Lillian also struggles with family dramas. She longs to support Maureen but has to use all her resources to survive herself. Cleverly, Adam allows us to see the humour within the trauma which lightens the drama without lessening the poignancy.

I look forward to Adam’s final volume in the Eden trilogy as her engaging characters continue to grapple with their new-found freedom.

Reviewed by Judith Grace