Winter’s early life in Yorkshire is upended after her mother’s death. Her father has a complete breakdown and is so lost in grief that Winter’s ageing Grandmother takes over. After a few years of a loving, but fairly neglected upbringing, Winter is shipped off to Australia to be raised by her mother’s family. This is a life which she takes to, and loves. Then she begins to notice some strange occurrences and starts to uncover the secrets.
Each character, central or supporting, seems to have something to hide – are we talking harmless secret, or perhaps criminal? The third act of this masterpiece takes a shocking turn, coming fast and giving no prior clue.
The intricacies of the plot, which are set in motion almost from the start, are genius. The genius doesn’t stop there. Because the first twist is such a seemingly insignificant detail, with the weft and weave of this novel then being spun out so cleverly, that at the actual time of reading, they appear to be simply another detail or development in the saga that is Winter Robins’ life. The novel is so artfully written. The reader forms conclusions, rightly or wrongly, with no push from the narrative. It’s a cracking read from beginning to end.
Reviewed by Alison Logie
Read a book review of An Afterlife for Rosemary Lamb by Louise Wolhuter
Book Club Notes for An Afterlife of Rosemary Lamb
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Louise Wolhuter grew up in northern England, moved to Queensland, before settling in Perth to raise a family.
She currently works an Education Assistant in a pre-primary classroom, which leaves her early mornings, weekends and school holidays to write.
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