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This is one of those books you have to go back to the beginning to read, once you’ve finished it. The first short chapter is very weird, so it’s important not to let it put you off. But once you’re in to this rather black comedy, it’s both enjoyable and thought-provoking. The premise of the novel is this: a man, invited by chance to a dinner party, goes upstairs to the bathroom, but ends up locking himself in the guest bedroom, and refusing to come out. He’s there through the course of the book, and as we read about the event from different perspectives, eventually we learn why he chose to do this strange thing.
People’s lives intersect, sometimes very briefly and tenuously, sometimes with important consequences.
The storytelling is very clever, but so too is the way Smith gives us insights into contemporary society, and how we can be cut adrift from the core values by so much that is fast, addictive, noisy and empty. Trying to hold on to decency in an unethical society is what this is about.
A playful and lively novel.
– Rosemary Sorensen
Bendigo Writers Festival update
We are currently compiling a volunteers register, for people interested in helping out before and during the inaugural festival, to be held in and around The Capital, from August 10 to 12.
There will be a community meeting next month, a chance for people to bring suggestions and find out more. We’ll announce the time and place shortly.
Meanwhile, for a weekly email update, subscribe to the Bendigo Weekly bookclub by sending an email to bookclub@bendigoweekly.com.au
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