Port Kingerton is a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business: the good, the bad and the ugly. Speculation always makes good gossip. It also holds a lot of secrets and The Fancies invites us in to uncover the historic family rivalries that simmer.

There are always three sides to a story, which this book reflects in its chapter’s headings: Abigail, Them and Old Dick. Initially, we are greeted by Abigail Fancy, just out of prison, lost and trying to find her way through the world but also her community. Abigail is honest, raw and complicated. However, she is also a likeable, unreliable narrator who you cannot help but want to have a smoother and brighter future.

The Them chapters are a response from the community and the rest of the Fancies; their thoughts, perspectives and, at times, their biased viewpoints. Lastly, Old Dick, the oldest member of the Fancies clan, narrates his own stream of consciousness. He knows exactly what happened in the past. He is the one person who holds the truth of what actually happened between rival families.

You’ll find yourself racing through this page turner. It is a fun, likeable, easy read that will have you laughing out loud but leave you questioning your own biases and memories. Are they a correct depiction of what actually happened? This is an engaging book from start to finish, full of unlikely friendships.

Reviewed by Claire Stanley

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