Christine Stinson's second book, it is an absorbing, witty coming-of-age story set in postwar Sydney. And we loved it.
Published by Pan Macmillan Australia this month, we found it to be very Maeve Binchy-esque in the way it explores community and family. A perfect read for many of your library patrons.
We're introduced to Sophie Barton when she's eight years old. It's the spring of 1952 and she's just been told she's a "bastard". Who is her father and why did her mother never tell anyone who he was? Sophie is being raised by her reclusive grandfather and a wonderful community of Australian characters, many of whom we'd recognise from our own upbringing. Compared to today, post-war Australia was a much simpler time - but not for our Sophie. Life is full of complications. She gets into all scrapes and along the way she learns about herself, her family, and the agony and ectasy of falling in love.
"Sophie wasn't sure why catching a husband was so important but a lot of grown-up people seemed to think that it was. Just the other week she'd heard Mick's mother and Mrs Salter talking about how Shirley Harris was out to catch herself one. The two ladies had been standing on the footpath outside of Mick's house; they didn't see Sophie but she'd been able to hear them from Grandpa's front porch. Shirley Harris was the new girl Mr and Mrs Carmichael had hired to help them in their chemist shop. Sophie had seen her when she went in to pick up some things for Mrs Hogan and she'd thought Shirley Harris was beautiful, almost as beautiful as Angela Dimarco, Luc's older sister. But Sophie's neighbours didn't seem to think much of Shirley Harris at all."
We shouldn't give too much away but you'll enjoy reading about Sophie, Mick, Mrs Hogan, Luc and all the wonderful characters that Christine Stinson brings to life in this book - you'll have to experience that pleasure all for yourself.
In a time when experiences are shared around the kitchen table, over the back fence or up at the corner shop, Sophie learns that life is rarely simple, love is always complicated and sometimes it takes more than blood ties to make a family.
Check out a copy at your local library today.
About Christine Stinson
Christine is a former language teacher who has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. Her first novel Getting Even with Fran, was also published by Pan Macmillan Australia. She is currently working on her third novel, Epiphany and lives in Pymble, Sydney. You can find out more about Christine Stinson on her website: http://www.christinestinson.com/
Read it Love it Add it to Your Profile
We'd like to add Christine Stinson to the profiles of all libraries using our Profiling & Selection Services. Make sure you've got a copy of It Takes a Village on order through James Bennett and then contact jbmarketing@bennett.com.au to add Christine to your profiled orders. We'll ensure all future books from this talented author are then sent to you on publication.
It Takes A Village
ISBN 9781405040273
ARP $32.99 - usual library discounts apply
Order your copies today on JBO, contact your Customer Co-ordinator on (02) 8988 5000, fax your order to (02) 8988 5090 or email info@bennett.com.au
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