PERHAPS A GIFT VOUCHER FOR MUM?: MOTHER'S DAY
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK --- Ellen was brought up in a strict and unloving household, the only child of parents who belong to an judgemental and authoritarian kirk. She has learnt to hide any ungodly thoughts, to do what is expected of her, but a small seed of rebellion is planted by the one adult, her Sunday school teacher, who shows her any affection. She is further nurtured by her high school librarian, and decides to become a teacher. When she goes against her parents' wishes, she is cast out of the only community she has known; but she meets and eventually marries a fellow teacher, Gordon, who opens up the world for her. He is a gentle man who loves teaching and takes up a position at a prestigious school; but six months later their lives are turned upside down when he is accused of molesting a student. Ellen knows he is innocent, but how is she to prove it, and make sure the real evildoer is punished?
Ellen is a believable character, one who has a deep inner strength and sense of morality, both qualities that carry her through the turmoil and trauma of Gordon's ordeal. A novel of quiet force and unfussy but compelling writing - the sort you read in one sitting. - Lindy
'Leal delivers an intriguing page-turner with emotional depth, nuance and moral complexity: The Watchful Wife is a truly gripping read from start to finish.' Mark Brandi
Suzanne Leal is the author of novels Running With Ivan, The Teacher's Secret, Border Street and The Deceptions, for which she won the Nib People's Choice Prize and was shortlisted for the Davitt Awards and the Mark and Evette Moran Nib Literary Award. A legal member of the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, board director of BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival and interviewer and facilitator at literary and corporate events, Suzanne is the online host of Thursday Book Club. www.suzanneleal.com
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK --- Ellen was brought up in a strict and unloving household, the only child of parents who belong to an judgemental and authoritarian kirk. She has learnt to hide any ungodly thoughts, to do what is expected of her, but a small seed of rebellion is planted by the one adult, her Sunday school teacher, who shows her any affection. She is further nurtured by her high school librarian, and decides to become a teacher. When she goes against her parents' wishes, she is cast out of the only community she has known; but she meets and eventually marries a fellow teacher, Gordon, who opens up the world for her. He is a gentle man who loves teaching and takes up a position at a prestigious school; but six months later their lives are turned upside down when he is accused of molesting a student. Ellen knows he is innocent, but how is she to prove it, and make sure the real evildoer is punished?
Ellen is a believable character, one who has a deep inner strength and sense of morality, both qualities that carry her through the turmoil and trauma of Gordon's ordeal. A novel of quiet force and unfussy but compelling writing - the sort you read in one sitting. - Lindy
