The premise of the is novel is intriguing. Four women have been part of an online book club for over a decade, but they have never met face to face in person – their book club is done via Skype. But then Adele invites Ros, Judy and Simone to join her house-sitting in the Blue Mountains. They all agree to come along, but the catch is that they have to bring one book with them that they will all discuss each week that shows the others something about themselves.
My first reaction to this fictional premise, is what book would I choose that would somehow represent something from my life if I was joining them? Selecting that one perfect book would be hard. It turns at the each of the women are at a crossroads in their lives. Adele is staring down the barrel of retirement, after a very successful corporate career – but away from her workplace she is plagued with self-doubts. Ros, by contrast, is an outspoken, sometimes cranky soul, but she has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and has yet to come to terms about it or, even, to tell anyone. She has been mourning the death of her beloved husband for many years and seems to be stuck in her grief. Judy is at breaking point with her business, and knows she can’t go on as she is, but she is unable to move forward. Then there is yoga-teaching Simone, who seems to have things all together. Or does she?
A Month of Sundays is a gentle read, that is warm and reflective. It is refreshing to see four older women as the main protagonists. This is a book about friendship and learning to trust again – oh, and there is lots of reading and talking about books. You will have to read the book to see which book each character puts forward for this unique book club in the beautiful Blue Mountains. A Month of Sundays is a book about women taking charge and growing older with creativity.
Reviewer: Karen McMillan
Macmillan Publishers, RRP $37.99