At 103 pages in, I’ve decided to return this book to the Library. I’ve read Liz Byrski before and loved her writing however this time I just haven’t connected with the characters and I find I’m reading other books rather than continuing with this. So, as much as I’d love to keep going, with 448 pages I just can’t commit any more time to a book that’s not thrilling me when I have a never ending long list to read. ( )

First of all, blog follower, let me point out that this is not crime fiction.

It is in fact the second novel I've read by this remarkable writer who just seems to hit the spot for me. So many of the scenarios that she uses in this novel resonate with me.

I think when I was young, the people that I knew in their 60s and 70s all seemed at the end of their lives. I never thought of them as embarking on the next stage of life. They had had hard lives, compared with us, and I don't suppose many of them had so many years to go. Things are different now.

Our street, indeed our suburb, is going through something similar to what happens in Emerald Street. People are moving out, houses are being demolished, blocks sub-divided, apartments being built. Those of us left are well into retirement and things have changed for good, and not necessarily for the better.

This is a well constructed, well written book. To use the words of one of the characters, the scenarios feel very "authentic."

I have enjoyed it very much. ( )

A pleasant novel about neighbours who become dear and long-lasting friends, about love, and loss, and about ageing and acceptance of the retirement years. The author has created lovely characters whose lives intertwine and provide a supportive network for each other. Set mostly in Perth, Western Australia in 2014. ( )