Happy Hour

People cope with grief in different ways. Sixty-five year old Franny Calderwood lives in Cheltenham, a  Melbourne suburb. It is three years since her husband, Frank, was killed when out riding his bicycle and grief stricken Franny has cut herself off from family and friends. She has even had a security gate erected so that she can control who enters her property. Her companions are her dogs, Whisky and Soda, and photos of Frank displayed in each room of the house so that she can talk to him and discuss her problems. Franny also likes a drink or two or maybe three, hence the title of the book, Happy Hour.

Franny's life, however, changes when the Salferno family moves next door. Gradually Franny meets members of this family - teenager Dee, eight year old Josh and their mother Sallyanne. They are attempting to start a new life after the breakdown of Sallyanne's marriage. Although Fran is determined not to become involved with the new family next door she gradually befriends members of the family, although misunderstandings can complicate the possibilities of forming true relationships. 

Franny has spent three years living independently, cutting herself off from the outside world. It therefore is an effort for her to realise that this is not the life that Frank would have wanted her to have when he was no longer able to be with her.

Happy Hour by Jacquie Byron is a heart warming, sensitive and amusing account of the life of an older woman dealing with grief and her attempts, with the help of family and friends, to eventually decide how she would really like to spend the rest of her life.

Many thanks to Better Reading and Allen and Unwin for a proof copy of this book to review. Happy Hour was a great story to read and enjoy, especially during another COVID-19 lockdown. #BRPreview