So it's book week here - 3 days in, you may be forgiven for not getting the message yet!
Stay With Me by Maureen McCarthy is a great read.
I reviewed her book The Convent earlier in the year, which I really enjoyed. I shied away from this title for a while because it is centred around escaping from domestic violence and one has to feel robust to dive into such a topic.
McCarthy handles the subject matter with sensitivity and strength. She reveals enough but not so much that you're left quivering in a corner and things are done in layers throughout the novel. The novel opens with the escape, and because of your personal investment in Tess's success right from the first page there is a lot of heart racing. You might want to make sure you've got a bit of time so you can cope getting through the first bit and into the story.
There is some sexual imagery in the book but it is very early on and not dwelt on. There are also descriptions of domestic violence so that might also be an important warning for some readers.
What I adore about this book is the way in which the relationship between the 2 main characters, who are strangers at the beginning of the book, unfolds. It feels real and McCarthy avoids the temptation to put it on high speed. I also love that the potential hot guy/love interest of the book is disabled and scarred. It's a nice change to fall in love with a non-ideal looking character.
This is a moving, pacey and well written read. It is easy to see why McCarthy has so many great titles under her belt. She's a writer to love.
Details - Allen & Unwin, April 2015, RRP $22.99
love you more than finding beauty in unexpected places xxx
