A novel about connections in a changing world of friends, lovers, family, illness, and death, this unique narrative tells the story of Marie King - a 59-year-old divorcée from Sydney's affluent north shore. Having devoted her rather conventional life to looking after her husband and three children, Marie is experiencing an identity crisis. Forced to sell the family home now that her children have moved out, Marie expresses herself by getting a tattoo and, consequently, forges a friendship with tattoo artist Rhys. As Rhys introduces Marie to an alternative side of Sydney, friction erupts between Marie's social spheres - the affluent middle class and the tattoo subculture. A multi-layered examination of how we live now, this account positions one family as a microcosm for the modifications operating in society at large.
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"A look at family politics, observations on society and our personal beliefs, global crises, through one family's eyes. The central character, Marie gets her first tattoo and it alters her irrevocably. Parallels to 'The Slap' in terms of various peoples reactions to the tattooing." — Helen (4 out of 5 stars)
"A look at family politics, observations on society and our personal beliefs, global crises, through one family's eyes. The central character, Marie gets her first tattoo and it alters her irrevocably. Parallels to 'The Slap' in terms of various peoples reactions to the tattooing."
" great book. strange style with regards to time progression that can be disorienting and confusing, but excellent read. "
" This is one of my favourite books of 2011. So many characters were unlikable but the underlying story just so compelling. This book made me sad, angry, enthralled all at the same time. "
" Could not bear the characters. I had more sympathy for the cat, Mopoke, than any of the human beings in this story. Pretentious, self indulgent rubbish. Could not wade my way through to the end. "
" This book has beautiful setting of Sydney : created with warmth and reality. I liked the main character and her strength and determination after her husband leaves her.this is written with a very strong understanding of families , class structure in Sydney and the power of a determined woman. I understand Marie's thoughts and the connection with the artistic concept of the tattoos gives her strength. Her children are so well crafted - at times thoughtless at times selfish. Am now interested in reading more by Fiona Mcgregor. "
" The blurb on the back of the book promised so much and it ended up being such a disappointment. "
" This looked like a ridiculous idea for a novel, but once I got into it, I really liked the story. One from left field. "
" Fiona is exceptionally talented. I was drawn in from the opening and couldn't put it down. So honest, such fully realized characters who continue to surprise. A wonderful story that makes you think about society today well after you've finished. "
" WOW! What a wonderful Australian story. Very descriptively written, taking you into the life of Marie King and her family. Once I got used to the writing style, I fond myself engrossed in comings and goings of the myriad of characters. Not for the faint hearted. "
" I did not get into this. I didn't find the characters interesting or likeable. "
" Almost as intriguing as The Slap! Just re read and loved it again second time around. "
" Frustrating. Good premise, but full of annoying characters and a plot that doesn't really go anywhere until the last third, when it heads into a rather regrettable direction. "
" McGregor has a story to tell, unfortunately, the writing is clunky, the metaphors obtuse and the characters poorly delineated and uninteresting. Perhaps she will improve with time? "
" This book fascinated me. I did like Marie and understood where she was at and what she was going through. I thought it was a very honest book reflecting insightful thought processes and identifying what makes us human and at times incredibly selfish. "
" I loved this book wanted to just keep reading! So true to life. Highly recommend it. "
" Wonderful book. So quirky, the words so evocative of a hot ever lasting Sydney summer. "
" I did not find any of the characters particulary likeable, however the author captured the essence of living in Sydney Australia. Her descriptions of the drought, gardens and scenery of Sydney were illuminating. "
" Took me far too long to get into this book and two attempts to read it. Loved the local references and some of the quirky characters but was a bit over some of the family dynamics.... "
" Loved this book. Quirky, shocking in places and very down to earth. It follows a very rich Grandmother who after her divorce decides to get a tattoo when drunk. Really enjoyed the characters, the surprises and the way it was written. Will read more of hers. "
" I really wanted to read this novel as I had read such positive and praising reviews about it so I was excited when I got my hands on it. When I finished it I felt really let down. There was only one character I liked and the plot just depressed me. "
" I really enjoyed reading this book if it the ending was so sad "
" It was a good read and is alot more 'real' than some of the books I read... not sure I was that into the ending but am also not sure what other alternative ending there could have been. "
" This is a great book. Compelling, well-written, honest appraisal of humanity in all its contemptible glory. Well worth reading. "
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