Eithne Shortall writes a wonderfully comic, full of intrigue, warmhearted novel set in Dublin with the host of characters and families that reside on the exclusive Pine Road. Its a close knit community presided over the self appointed organising force of nature that is Bernie, who rules with a rod of iron. The women are part of a WhatsApp group, the medium through which gossip and news is spread and organising is done, often with voices of enthusiasm and snark. Edie Rice is married to and loves Daniel, despite his odious family, dreaming of getting pregnant, although Daniel has recently become less than co-operative with this endeavour, sparking serious worries as she wonders what is bugging him. She is eager to belong to the neighbourhood as she goes out of her way to support Bernie and the other women on Pine Road.
Shortall creates a gloriously diverse bunch of characters in whose lives I got totally immersed in this story with a great twist, I particularly loved the controversial creator of the occupied territories on the road, Shay Morrissey. Much of the narrative is delivered through the women communicating through their social media WhatsApp group which works really well in lending an up to date contemporary feel to the novel. The author has a real gift in portraying a neighbourhood with verve and vibrancy that is highly entertaining whilst touching on serious issues with humanity and compassion.
Shortall creates a gloriously diverse bunch of characters in whose lives I got totally immersed in this story with a great twist, I particularly loved the controversial creator of the occupied territories on the road, Shay Morrissey. Much of the narrative is delivered through the women communicating through their social media WhatsApp group which works really well in lending an up to date contemporary feel to the novel. The author has a real gift in portraying a neighbourhood with verve and vibrancy that is highly entertaining whilst touching on serious issues with humanity and compassion.