Enjoyable, but a little confused
Tonight we are dining at The Feathers at Hedley on the Hill which is rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trip Adviser, and demonstrates why not to judge a book by its cover. This apparently simple village pub serves culinary delights created by owner and chef, Rhian Cradock. Sourcing
local produce, Rhian focuses on a small menu which changes regularly and repeatedly feature in local and national dining
awards.
During our meal, served by a friendly, and helpful waitress and washed down by a
smooth Shiraz, we review The Husband’s Secret.
For a pleasant change, all the Hussies are happy with this easy read
and its page turning plot. But lurking between these pages is some controversy. Unlike The Feathers, this book is a relatively superficial delight.
Set in Australia, one of the central characters is a
successful Tupperware Consultant. Yes,
Tupperware. There must be few less
glamourous roles. Although the story required
something suitable for a mother mixing work with parenting, other
direct sales products could have fit the bill without the drudgery evoked by equipment concerned with storing wilting lettuce.
Jewellery, clothes, make-up,
stationery, any of these would have sufficed and avoided conjuring up the negative images we associated with Tupperware.
The story ends with an unexpected surprise which confuses its
central theme. Delight in this shock ending was undermined by sincere frustration at the failure to fully develop this story line.
On one level its a book about secrets and the consequences of opening Pandora’s Box. But it also explores the
nature of love and relationships between lovers, between spouses, and between
parents and their children. Both topics
are common themes and this book treats them well but offers little originality.
However, Liane Moriarty has also created an original and exciting theme which is revealed late and is sadly under developed.
This is the shameful and tragic secret of this book - it is confused, dealing with too many issues and ultimately failing to fully
develop the potential of its unique plot line.
Perhaps the author should have taken a leaf out of Rhian’s recipe book
at The Feathers? Focus on providing
something different from the usual, and do it to the best of your ability. Don't be distracted by offering too much and let the quality win over quantity. Unfortunately Liane Moriarty's menu is less polished.
The Hussies have taken their own culinary skills to a new level, offering book themed cake decorations to celebrate one members' achievement. A big Hussy thank you with a nod to Mary Berry - she would be so proud!
 |
| Anyone got a Tupperware container to keep this fresh? Oh dear - a definite spoiler for The Hussie's Secret |
This is our book for March, it won the 2013 Costa book award and we will be reviewing it at the end of the month. Give us a whirl!
