Review: At the End of the Day

Title: At the End of the Day

Author: Liz Byrski

Publisher: 28th September 2021 by Pan Macmillan Australia

Pages: 336 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

When Mim Squires and Mathias Vander are stranded together on a disrupted flight home to Perth, they are surprised to find that they have much in common. Mim owns a bookshop, Mathias is a writer, and both are at turning points in their lives. Mim's childhood polio is taking a toll on her life. Mathias is contemplating a cross-continent move to be nearer his daughter.

But life back in Perth is not smooth sailing, with their respective family members going through their own upheavals. As Mim and Mathias both struggle to adjust to the challenges of being in their late seventies, secrets from the past that neither wishes to face rise to the surface, challenging their long-held beliefs in their independence and singularity.

At the end of the day, can they muster the wisdom and the courage they need to change?

My Thoughts

‘Does love feel different in old age? she wonders. Is this love or just a close friendship?’

At The End of the Day is another fabulous story from Liz - so beautifully written and one to really capture your heart. The characters are real as you become truly invested in their journey. The issues they deal with are universal, human and relatable. 

‘Maybe I need to open up a bit, she concedes, let more people into my life, stop holding them at a distance in case they die and leave me alone. Maybe it is not too late to change.’

This is a story of two Mim and Mathias, having led full lives they are both now in their seventies yet events of the past are casting current day shadows. This is the story of past, present and future and Liz writes of it so very well.

‘Why did I never even take the smallest risk of trying to find some sort of style? Why did I let myself become a dowdy old woman who has never really had the confidence to play to her best side?’

A heartwarming and uplifting story about people at a certain stage of their life, chance meetings between introverts who bond over their love of books. The inclusion of Mim having polio was eye opening with Liz certainly having done her research as a range of other topical issues are included - everything from aging and loneliness, to strength and independence. Enlightening, entertaining and certainly thought provoking. 

‘I have to learn who I want to be here, how I will step across the chasm into a new life, a different life, and make it my own.’

Liz has penned a poignant and practical tale of life for the older members of our society, there us much to consider but ultimately it is an uplifting and hopeful tale.

‘I need to learn to live peacefully, free of the darkness of my own fears and limitations. I must begin again.’

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

Review: The Woman Next Door

Title: The Woman Next Door

Author: Liz Byrski

Publisher: 28 June 2016 by Pan MacMillan Australia

Pages: 343 pages

How I Read It: ARC book

Genre: contemporary

My Rating: 4 cups

Synopsis:

Over the years, the residents of Emerald Street have become more than just neighbours, they have built lasting friendships over a drink and chat on their back verandahs.

Now a new chapter begins with the children having left home. Helen and Dennis have moved from their high maintenance family property to an apartment by the river with all the mod cons. For Joyce and Mac, the empty nest has Joyce craving a new challenge, while Mac fancies retirement on the south coast.

Meanwhile, Polly embarks on a surprising long-distance relationship. But she worries about her friend next door. Stella's erratic behaviour is starting to resemble something much more serious than endearing eccentricity...

With her trademark warmth and wisdom, Liz Byrski involves us in the lives and loves of Emerald Street, and reminds us what it is to be truly neighbourly.

My Thoughts

"You know you're the same person but suddenly you see yourself in a mirror or reflected in a shop window and think - who is that old person that looks a bit like me?"

I was attracted to this book for two reasons. Firstly the names of the characters were very close to home which was fun. More importantly, Byrski's novels were purportedly about women in their 40s, 60s and 80s. Now, that makes a change. 

On the surface it may appear that this is a simple tale about friends caring and watching out for each other, as they pop next door for a cup of tea or to share a glass of wine on the back verandahs of their homes.  Dig a little deeper and you can see there was much more to it. This is a tale about ageing and the anxieties that come with it. Taking a range of people living in a neighbourhood together, Byrski is able to touch on just about something for everyone - whether you be single, married or divorced. How to move forward and create a new life for yourself whilst at the same time deal with social, emotional and physical issues that come with this period in life. It's a huge undertaking and I think Byrski has done a good job. I was particularly touched by the impact of Alzheimer's - something many of us fear for ourselves or those we love. 

There were also a couple of really surprising events that I did not see coming that provided additional authenticity to the story. All up I was happy to read this book for the reasons I had selected it - mature women and men and some of the issues they try to navigate in today's world. Its may be about redefining yourself or learning to accept what is.

"The past is the past. We do what we can, what seems right at the time."

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher and provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The quoted material may have changed in the final release