Monday, June 22, 2020

The Weekend

This is the story of four women, friends for many years, who regularly meet and share experiences. In The Weekend Charlotte Wood recounts the experiences of three of the women, Jude (a former restauranteer), Wendy (a writer) and Adele (an actress) when they arrange to spend a weekend one Christmas clearing out the beach house of the fourth member of the group, Sylvie, who died eleven months ago.

The remaining members of the group, now in their early 70s, are all struggling with a variety of issues which they endeavour to keep from other members of the group. The physical absence of Sylvie affects them all in different ways however her prescence is still to be found in the house from time to time.

This is a book about secrets, relationships and aging as these older women attempt to face the challenges that life presents. Some of these themes also appear in the Shelly Bay Ladies Swimming Circle by Sophie Green.

The book was listed on the Stella Prize Shortlist 2020 - The Weekend

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