The shop assistant at The Lane told me that this was similar to Lessons in Chemistry, so I was keen to read it. Clearly she hasn’t read either of them (or read one but not the other?). They are absolutely nothing alike!
Here’s the blurb …
It’s winter in Sydney and the lives of two strangers have fallen apart. Newly separated and in need of a distraction, Clare agrees to help her neighbour Louisa with a funeral catering business that has bitten off more than it can chew. Chris, an emergency doctor, has witnessed too many deaths but still feels compelled to attend the occasional wake.
When Clare and Chris meet, the good in their lives is slowly illuminated. After all, the thing about death is that it makes life matter.
Funny, moving, wise and hopeful, The Wakes is an irresistible debut novel about old friends, lost love, good food and new beginnings.
I enjoyed it, not as much as Lessons in Chemistry though. It’s a story of being blind-sided and then picking up the pieces and getting on with things, only to realise that your life is better now. It is also about grief and loss and making the most of each day. There are some funny bits, definitely emotional bits, and I really want to try the amazing chicken sandwiches (how good could a chicken sandwich be?).
A review