INVEST IN REST
Many people believe the firmer the mattress, the better it is for them, especially if they have a bad back. However, research has shown that a soft, comfortable, yet supportive mattress leads to a better sleep. Amanda Balech from Harvey Norman Mattresses recommends taking the advice of knowledgeable in-store staff to help you choose the right one for you and lying on as many mattresses as you can. And when you get a new mattress, replace your pillow too. “Firstly you need to think about how you like to sleep, side, back or both? Then consider your build — for pillow height — and how firm your mattress is,” explains Nigel Maddern from Dentons. Harvey Norman Mattresses, harveynorman.com.au Dentons, (03) 9887 0001, dentons.com.au
For readers too young to remember, let me explain. An au pair was a young woman who had just left school, wanted to see the world, and was ready to assist busy parents by looking after their children. The right agency could whisk you off to a chateau in the Dordogne or you could find yourself riding bareback in the Camargue. Downes herself was au pair to a warm and wonderful couple in midwest France. Their gorgeous home has been ‘borrowed’ for the setting. Downes hastens to assure us, however, that her characters are nothing like her former employers. The heroine, Emily, hopes to become an actress in London. Fat chance. So off she goes to a secluded paradise to help out Scott whose jargon grates with every utterance (he uses that phony ‘what do you think/want?’ ploy). His wife Nina evokes mixed feelings. They have a seven-year-old daughter with dyed hair and tinted contact lenses who doesn’t speak and doesn’t want to be touched. Courage, Emily, you can do this. Wonderful big scenes, a natural born bard.
THE SATAPUR MOONSTONE
Sujata Massey, Allen & Unwin, $29.99
Close your eyes. Travel back to 1922. Location Bombay and beyond in Gujarati province. I don’t know about you, but the only pictures which sprang to mind were Gandhi and his campaign for Indian independence. A riffle through Wikipedia, the Salt March and the reek of mothballs at vice-regal balls. Well, you won’t need any of that. In Massey’s new novel other matters have top priority. We’re looking at a family feud in a fictional princely state, which the Brits supervise, but with a light touch. In living memory