READING IDEAS FOR THE WEEK

Little Nothings by Julie Mayhew, Raven Books, £13.99

This cleverly written novel from Julie Mayhew shines a light on the complexities of female friendship in a refreshing, witty and honest way. Protagonist Liv has always struggled to make friends and had resigned herself to living life as an outsider. Deeply reflective and self-critical, she believes that she is incapable of having meaningful relationships with other women, until she meets Binnie and Beth at a baby class.

Finally discovering the comfort and joy of female companionship, Liv revels in her new friends, until one day Ange is introduced into the group, upsetting the new dynamics.

It soon becomes apparent that there is a fierce competitiveness between Liv and Ange, and their relationship becomes characterised by sly digs and a determination to ‘prove’ something to the other.

When Liv’s husband loses his job and the couple fall into financial ruin, Ange decides to pay for the two to come on a group holiday with Binnie, Beth and their families.

Embittered by shame, but unwilling to miss out, Liv agrees to join the holiday, which doesn’t quite go as planned.

From the beginning, I was unsure where the plot was heading.

The compelling psyche of Liv, her inability to understand functioning relationships with those around her, including her husband and daughter, underpins the entire narrative, and her characterisation was both relatable and unsettling.

There is a compelling element of raw truth in the way Liv analyses her interactions with her friends – the deep lack of self-worth, coupled with an eagerness to belong, makes for a fascinating interpretation of the dynamics of female friendship.

The author cleverly throws in tit-bits of information that are seemingly insignificant until the final few pages of the novel, when they draw each thread of the story together into one explosive ending.

This almost genre-defying novel encompasses physiological thriller and holiday romance in one deeply engaging story.

It’s the perfect summer holiday read.