The Spare Room: A Novel by Helen Garner ~~
A powerful, witty, and taut novel about a complex friendship between two women—one dying, the other called to care for her—from an internationally acclaimed and award-winning author
How much of ourselves must we give up to help a friend in need? Helen has little idea what lies ahead—and what strength she must muster—when she offers her spare room to an old friend, Nicola, who has arrived in the city for cancer treatment. Skeptical of the medical establishment, and placing all her faith in an alternative health center, Nicola is determined to find her own way to deal with her illness, regardless of the advice Helen offers.
In the weeks that follow, Nicola’s battle for survival will turn not only her own life upside down but also those of everyone around her. The Spare Room is a magical gem of a book—gripping, moving, and unexpectedly funny—that packs a huge punch, charting a friendship as it is tested by the threat of death. (From Amazon).
When Nicola needs a place to stay while undergoing experimental treatment for cancer, her friend Helen opens up her home to her. Nicola is determined to find any one who will save her life. I had high hopes for this book. I expected a magical relationship between the two, but I wasn't feeling it. I had a hard time relating to Helen as well. I was hoping for the author to go into much more depth in regards to the friendship of Helen & Nicola. Instead I was left with the feeling of two aquaintenances sharing a house. The author might have intended this and made it more of a book of caretaker and patient. If that's the case, than anyone who is in a similar position would probably enjoy the book more than I did.
How much of ourselves must we give up to help a friend in need? Helen has little idea what lies ahead—and what strength she must muster—when she offers her spare room to an old friend, Nicola, who has arrived in the city for cancer treatment. Skeptical of the medical establishment, and placing all her faith in an alternative health center, Nicola is determined to find her own way to deal with her illness, regardless of the advice Helen offers.
In the weeks that follow, Nicola’s battle for survival will turn not only her own life upside down but also those of everyone around her. The Spare Room is a magical gem of a book—gripping, moving, and unexpectedly funny—that packs a huge punch, charting a friendship as it is tested by the threat of death. (From Amazon).
When Nicola needs a place to stay while undergoing experimental treatment for cancer, her friend Helen opens up her home to her. Nicola is determined to find any one who will save her life. I had high hopes for this book. I expected a magical relationship between the two, but I wasn't feeling it. I had a hard time relating to Helen as well. I was hoping for the author to go into much more depth in regards to the friendship of Helen & Nicola. Instead I was left with the feeling of two aquaintenances sharing a house. The author might have intended this and made it more of a book of caretaker and patient. If that's the case, than anyone who is in a similar position would probably enjoy the book more than I did.
3 comments:
This does sound good! Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Lori. An illness like cancer touches more than just the person suffering from the disease, I know. Great review!
Great review! This one will have to be added to my TBR list!
Wonderful review Lori! I added the link to the ARC Challenge post.
Post a Comment