As a mathematician, Germaine relates to world through numbers. When she is forced to leave her long-standing job at Wallace Insurance, she’s at a loss. Her job prospects aren’t good and her black-and-white approach to the world makes her encounters with other people a bit strained. Luckily, her cousin steps in and gets her a job at the council, answering the phones for the Senior Citizens Helpline. It’s not exactly what Germaine was looking for. However, when the Mayor gives her a special project at the Senior Citizens Centre, it seems that her job at the council might bring her friends in high places and a romantic relationship. The project teaches Germaine a few things about the importance of friends and family, but it isn’t what she expected, and she begins to question her fears of attachment and wonder if perhaps there is actually something appealing about being needed.

Katherine Collette has created a slice of ordinary life in which to explore the complex dynamics of relationships, loneliness and community. There are wonderfully quirky characters and witty, entertaining accounts of working at a local council – think overzealous health and safety officers and office-wide disputes over biscuits in the tearoom. This little microcosm reflects the wider world in so many ways and, while The Helpline is a thoroughly enjoyable read, you might come away with a few important things to reflect on too.

Reviewed by Melissa Wilson