Edel Cush’s debut novel, set in Florida, tackles a taboo subject in a brave and dramatic fashion. Told from the points of view of both mother and daughter, I found my own emotions challenged as I followed their journey over one particular day – the day Lily decided to die.
Unaware of the role she is to play, Olive has been asked to drive her mother to the clinic. We learn early on that both mother and daughter are alike: independent, strong-willed and perhaps a little self-obsessed. Opposing views lead to inevitable conflict between them and the novel hurtles forward to its harrowing end with plenty of twists along the way.
Like many people, I followed Marie Fleming’s story as she took on the Irish courts to fight for her right to take her own life, as she battled with the debilitating Motor Neurone Disease. Edel was moved by her plight and, inspired by her fight, used euthanasia as the main theme for her story.
The opening pages, with the use of a stream of consciousness technique, are somewhat confusing at first and need a second read, but all becomes clear at the end, when the threads are pulled together and questions answered. The circular narrative works well here.
As well as Lily and Olive, there is an array of minor characters, who impinge on the plot. Unfortunately, some are of a type that we can all recognise too well. The ambitious and repulsive Frank is far more dangerous than he first appears and Nurse Jean, one of his acolytes, is just as devious. These characters are very well drawn and come to life on the page through clever use of dialogue. The dramatic style of the writing is one of the strengths of the novel. It would be easy to see it converted into a play or a film.
This is a novel that will give you plenty to talk about and no doubt will give rise to a diversity of opinions because of its subject matter. I know which side I am on. Let’s get the debate started. Unlike many of the book’s characters, I am willing to listen to the opinions of others, but like them, I am probably unlikely to change my mind.
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Is Mata Figueroa really a local? He was born in Margarita, but when I was there last week everyone told me he had spent almost his entire life elsewhere. And Morel’s slogan is something like, ‘un margariteno de verdad’. Admittedly I spoke almost exclusively to opposition voters, but everyone seemed to regard the general as an outsider. Short of money he ain’t, though. The entire island is wallpapered with his face.
Your love for Auburn UniversityYour love for AU and its traditions are truly heartwarming. I hate that this deranged Alabama fan not only killed these two beautiful, historic trees, but probably endangered the local soil and water supply as well. Isn’t that considered terrorism?Of course he can’t kill the Auburn Spirit because it live on in all of y’all.
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Estelle dit :Les enfants en rêvent mais j’avoue être aussi nulle que toi sur leur utilisation…Merci pour le concours et bonnes fêtes à vous tous !
Shoot, so that’s that one supposes.
Jonna – Wow-I love it! Great message btw Keep up your hard work..these images are gorgeous and it’s fun to see your studio work/b&ws. heart you.
>These pictures are so happy and feature great ideas! I'm actually planning a scarf post, I hope I'll get my act together and photograph it soon! i've never worn two scarves in my hair before, but I'll give it a try!
This one sounds like me!!I love Sasek's 'This is…' series for teaching cultures and geography too. Mind you, I was quite disappointed in the new politically correct 'This is Australia'. What did you think?