Franny Calderwood is a widowed 65-year-old who lives a secluded life pottering around in her art studio – not surprising, given her ‘if I don’t admit it, it’s not real’ attitude towards her love affair with alcohol, and her penchant for avoiding everyone in her life. She seems to need only the company of her two dogs, Whisky and Soda, a stuffed cat, bottomless drinks, and the many photos of her late husband Frank. But when a troubled young family moves in next door, Franny finds she can’t wisecrack her way out of their life all that easily… Jacquie Byron captures the universal feeling of loneliness with such care, humour, and honesty that one cannot help but root for Franny with every page.
Reviewed by Mindful Puzzles Editorial Assistant, Michaela Hook.
