I think just about everybody can relate to embellishing the facts a little when giving an account of their life. Whether it be at a school reunion, on Facebook or the annual Christmas letter that makes its way to family and friends. Angela Gillespie has faithfully sent out a cheerful Christmas letter for the past 33 years with funny anecdotes about life on a remote sheep station in South Australia. But this year she has hit a roadblock. Life is far from the rosy picture she has created and in a moment of therapeutic madness she pens a "warts and all" account of what is really happening with her husband Nick and their four children.
Of course Angela doesn't intend to send the email, but in a moment of helpfulness Nick presses send (without knowing what the letter contains). Suddenly the Gillespie's dirty laundry is on display for all the 100 recipients (as well as the many more it is virally forwarded onto).
Of course Angela doesn't intend to send the email, but in a moment of helpfulness Nick presses send (without knowing what the letter contains). Suddenly the Gillespie's dirty laundry is on display for all the 100 recipients (as well as the many more it is virally forwarded onto).
Naturally enough the consequences are immediate and far reaching. Nick and the children are understandably hurt and confused by Angela's rantings and the small community they live in is suddenly very interested in just what is happening with the Gillespies.
Hello From The Gillespies is told in Monica McInerney's usual warm and engaging style. Once again she examines the dynamics of family life in a realistic yet entertaining way but also probes deeper onto the more serious topics of drought, depression and bullying. It also gives a voice to the fantasy life many of us create but never admit to.
All in all this is an entertaining family saga. I especially enjoyed the character of Ig the much younger "surprise" sibling, who brought a great balance to the three female sisters. Monica McInerney fans will not be disappointed by this latest installment.
Hello From The Gillespies is told in Monica McInerney's usual warm and engaging style. Once again she examines the dynamics of family life in a realistic yet entertaining way but also probes deeper onto the more serious topics of drought, depression and bullying. It also gives a voice to the fantasy life many of us create but never admit to.
All in all this is an entertaining family saga. I especially enjoyed the character of Ig the much younger "surprise" sibling, who brought a great balance to the three female sisters. Monica McInerney fans will not be disappointed by this latest installment.
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