My thoughts on Hello From The Gillespies – Monica McInerny

Hi All,

This category of my blog is for people who love to read!

I recently discovered another great Author, Monica McInerney, after reading her latest book, Hello from the Gillespies.

Monica is Australian born, living in Dublin. Her voice is very candid…not unlike my own voice. This made me wonder if we Aussie’s have a certain ‘tone’ to our writing as I’ve noticed this similarity in several Aussie authors.

Hello from the Gillespies reminded me of a family Christmas update letter I always look forward from one of my English cousins, The Marshalls. It’s also something I’d love to do myself however, December being my busiest time of year, I just never seem to get around to it.

In this case, the protagonist, Angela, writes her annual Christmas letter, only this time, instead of sharing the year’s highlights, she finds herself blurting out their familial, dysfunctional truths. The email is sent to 100 friends, family and colleagues…

…by accident!

Have you ever had that omg feeling when you realise your email has gone to the wrong person…well, times that by 100. In fact, times it by 1,000. Angela’s email goes ‘somewhat’ viral and is forwarded on…and on and on.

I found the plot ‘clever’ and relatable to the times we live in. I loved most of the characters, although Angela’s husband was a little irritating and frustrating much of the time – I don’t do ‘morose’ well. Her three daughters and son were quirky and interesting.

I don’t want to give away too much so I’ll allow the ‘jacket blurb’ below to encourage you to buy the book.

I’ve since read, Lola’s Secret and At Home With The Templetons,  by the same author. Both were charming, engaging reads although too long despite the fact that I LOVE long books – I never want the story to end. Monica does break the ‘word count’ rule with most of her novels which is fine by me so long as the plot is strong enough with lots of twists and turns to hold your interest. Being an avid, speedy reader myself, the latter really isn’t an issue for me so my long suffering friend, Sarah, who works at the local library has yet another author added to my ever growing list.

Let me know if you’ve read any great books lately. I’m always looking for new authors and I LOVE page turners!

Happy reading all, take care, Viv x

Hello from the Gillespies (jacket blurb)

For more than thirty years, Angela Gillespie has sent friends and family around the world an end-of-the-year letter titled ‘Hello from the Gillespies’. It’s always been cheery and full of good news. This year, Angela surprises herself – she tells the truth . . .

The Gillespies are far from the perfect family that Angela has made them out to be. Her husband is coping poorly with retirement. Her 32-year-old twins are having career meltdowns. Her third daughter, badly in debt, can’t stop crying. And her ten-year-old son spends more time talking to his imaginary friend than to real ones.

Without Angela, the family would fall apart. But when Angela is taken from them in a most unexpected manner, the Gillespies pull together – and pull themselves together – in wonderfully surprising ways . . .