Publisher: 28th September 2021 by Pan Macmillan Australia
Pages: 336 pages
How I Read It: ARC book
Genre: contemporary
My Rating: 4 crowns
Synopsis:
When Mim Squires and Mathias Vander are stranded together on a disrupted flight home to Perth, they are surprised to find that they have much in common. Mim owns a bookshop, Mathias is a writer, and both are at turning points in their lives. Mim's childhood polio is taking a toll on her life. Mathias is contemplating a cross-continent move to be nearer his daughter.
But life back in Perth is not smooth sailing, with their respective family members going through their own upheavals. As Mim and Mathias both struggle to adjust to the challenges of being in their late seventies, secrets from the past that neither wishes to face rise to the surface, challenging their long-held beliefs in their independence and singularity.
At the end of the day, can they muster the wisdom and the courage they need to change?
My Thoughts
‘Does love feel different in old age? she wonders. Is this love or just a close friendship?’
At The End of the Day is another fabulous story from Liz - so beautifully written and one to really capture your heart. The characters are real as you become truly invested in their journey. The issues they deal with are universal, human and relatable.
‘Maybe I need to open up a bit, she concedes, let more people into my life, stop holding them at a distance in case they die and leave me alone. Maybe it is not too late to change.’
This is a story of two Mim and Mathias, having led full lives they are both now in their seventies yet events of the past are casting current day shadows. This is the story of past, present and future and Liz writes of it so very well.
‘Why did I never even take the smallest risk of trying to find some sort of style? Why did I let myself become a dowdy old woman who has never really had the confidence to play to her best side?’
A heartwarming and uplifting story about people at a certain stage of their life, chance meetings between introverts who bond over their love of books. The inclusion of Mim having polio was eye opening with Liz certainly having done her research as a range of other topical issues are included - everything from aging and loneliness, to strength and independence. Enlightening, entertaining and certainly thought provoking.
‘I have to learn who I want to be here, how I will step across the chasm into a new life, a different life, and make it my own.’
Liz has penned a poignant and practical tale of life for the older members of our society, there us much to consider but ultimately it is an uplifting and hopeful tale.
‘I need to learn to live peacefully, free of the darkness of my own fears and limitations. I must begin again.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
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