Sixty summers

Sixty Summers by Amanda Hampson is about three Australian women, Fran, Rose and Maggie, who have been friends for forty years since they had the adventure of travelling around Europe together in a kombi van. Fran and Rose met at school while they met Maggie in London. In the intervening years the women have remained firm friends though they have each encountered many challenges in their lives, especially in regard to relationships.

Fran stayed in London while the other two returned to Sydney, married and settled down to new lives. Each year they had a get together, including an online hook-up, to celebrate another year of friendship. But this time it is obvious that all is not well, particularly with Maggie who appears close to having a breakdown. The decision is eventually made that they all need a break from their present lives, particularly family commitments, and should meet again in London to try and recapture some of their lost youth and once again experience the joy of of life.

Consequently, Rose creates an itinerary for the new adventure and the new challenge begins. Initially all does not go well with the women carrying too many worries and responsibilities of life at home and several times it looks as if the trip will be a failure. There are also many secrets that they have not shared before the trip. However the women eventually begin to relax especially when things begin to go wrong and they have to react to new situations.

When Rose and Maggie return home they are determined to make changes in their lives and relationships ensuring that they have more time to be themselves and lead more independent lives. Back in London Fran also makes a decision that will dramtically change her lifestyle.

This book is a most enjoyable study of how life and the needs of others can dramatically impact on the freedom of individuals to be themselves and how difficult it can be to take back some control of ones life.