BOOK REVIEW
Nine Perfect Strangers
Author: Liane Moriarty
Synopsis:
Set in a country Australian town, nine perfect strangers, all city dwellers, gather at a wellness retreat called Tranquillum House.
The characters are drawn from various walks of life – a married couple, along with their daughter, who have recently lost their son/sister to suicide, a young married couple who are already experiencing a troubled marriage, a divorced 50 something female writer who is trying to conquer her fears of unworthiness and a wealthy fitness freak who is there “just for the hell of it” to name a few.
To their surprise the retreat is somewhat regimented to a degree that has them concerned and as the story unfolds the cause for this concern is revealed.
The retreat’s director is a lady who has a background of an unfortunate life in Russia.
She does, however, believe she is the right person to reinvigorate tired bodies and minds.
She is ably assisted by two young people who believe she is doing everything right until their boss displays a personality shift and things go a little haywire.
The visitors experience a time of fear and mistrust to a point where they feel their lives may be in danger.
Moriarty introduces ‘weighty’ issues with wit and humour, empathy and compassion. She is a master of writing about the human condition.
This was an enjoyable read for me, a real ‘page turner’ as you come to ‘expect the unexpected’.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
Author: Liane Moriarty
Synopsis:
Set in a country Australian town, nine perfect strangers, all city dwellers, gather at a wellness retreat called Tranquillum House.
The characters are drawn from various walks of life – a married couple, along with their daughter, who have recently lost their son/sister to suicide, a young married couple who are already experiencing a troubled marriage, a divorced 50 something female writer who is trying to conquer her fears of unworthiness and a wealthy fitness freak who is there “just for the hell of it” to name a few.
To their surprise the retreat is somewhat regimented to a degree that has them concerned and as the story unfolds the cause for this concern is revealed.
The retreat’s director is a lady who has a background of an unfortunate life in Russia.
She does, however, believe she is the right person to reinvigorate tired bodies and minds.
She is ably assisted by two young people who believe she is doing everything right until their boss displays a personality shift and things go a little haywire.
The visitors experience a time of fear and mistrust to a point where they feel their lives may be in danger.
Moriarty introduces ‘weighty’ issues with wit and humour, empathy and compassion. She is a master of writing about the human condition.
This was an enjoyable read for me, a real ‘page turner’ as you come to ‘expect the unexpected’.
ROSALIE HOWARTH
