No love lost
Caught in obsession and dysfunction, an unlikeable trio are strangely entertaining.
Elspeth Sandys was married to the late Maurice Shadbolt, and echoes of their relationship can be heard in her latest novel, OBSESSION (Upstart, $34.99). The foreword teases us with the supposedly true news that the novel manuscript has been found among the possessions of a well-known poet, who has committed suicide. Poet Andrew narrates for us the story of his novelist friend Dick and his affair with and subsequent stormy marriage to Tessa, who struggles to find her creative voice amid Dick’s abusive behaviour. Andrew becomes obsessed with Tessa, who inexplicably remains devoted to the dreadful Dick. It’s a love triangle minus the love, and between characters with few redeeming features, which at times makes it hard to care enough to keep reading. However, it is entertainingly written, and as every reality-TV producer knows, dysfunctional relationships are compelling. As long as you’re prepared not to like anyone in it, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Sarah Dunant has established a reputation for scholarly novels set in the Italian Renaissance that highlight the role of women, as courtesans, nuns and political pawns, such as Lucrezia Borgia. Dunant’s latest novel, IN THE NAME OF THE FAMILY
(Hachette, $37.99), is the second instalment in the story of the Borgias’ brutal rise to power, and its cast includes young diplomat Niccolo Machiavelli, whose surname is still to become a synonym for scheming. The set-up promises treachery, intrigue and first-class despicable behaviour, yet somehow, Dunant makes it dull. The characters are flat and frustratingly dormant. Machiavelli does nothing but observe, and his insights aren’t particularly insightful. Lucrezia is so passive that you crave to poison her yourself. And
Pope Alexander is a Renaissance Trump – you can’t fathom how the bloated egomaniac got where he is. Disappointing.
When Charlotte was a social worker in Britain, she abducted an abused toddler and was eventually granted custody. Five years on, she’s living in New Zealand with her husband, their two small children and Chloe, now eight. Their Hawke’s
Bay vineyard is financially strapped and Chloe’s behaviour has become so destructive that Charlotte fears for her family’s safety. Author Susan Lewis is known for tackling topical issues, and fans should enjoy YOU SAID FOREVER (Century, $37).
Her efforts to incorporate all her research means she loses authorial presence, and the novel reads more like an extended magazine article. But there’s integrity in Lewis’ intent, and the writing is appealing. Those who know Hawke’s Bay should get a kick out of seeing familiar places, and some prominent locals, in print.