A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson - February 28, 2022

 Present were Beth, Betty, Colette, Janet, Linda, Marg, Michèle and Shirley. We discussed Betty's book choice, A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson.

Mary Lawson is a Canadian author living in Great Britain. This is her fourth novel, all having received rave reviews. It was on the long list for the 2021 Booker Prize. We read her first book Crow Lake in 2003 and The Other Side of the Bridge in 2009.  

The story takes place in a small, fictional Northern Ontario town called Solace and through 3 main characters tells a story of grief, remorse and love. Clara, a young girl of 8, waits by the window for her sister Rose who has run away from home. Elizabeth Orchard lives next door and is in hospital. She wills her house to Liam, a divorced man in his 30s who has left Toronto, his family and job.  

Clara is longing for her sister to come home. Her parents, wanting to protect her, won't talk to her and explain why Rose has left. She takes care of Elizabeth Orchard's cat while she is in hospital. Elizabeth is in hospital and knows she is probably dying and tries to make amends for past actions.  She wills her home to Liam and as the story progresses, we learn of the drama between Liam and Elizabeth.  

Almost all of our members enjoyed the book and appreciated Mary Lawson's writing and how well she develops the characters in her stories. Some of our members would have liked more description of the town and the surrounding Northern Ontario scene. It was, as a couple of our members said, a nice light read, in which you could easily find yourself engrossed in the story and the characters. Some felt it was a sad story but others felt it finished on a positive note with Clara being the link whose attitude allowed some optimism to emerge.  

Thank you Betty for a good choice.  It is always good to read again an author that we so much enjoyed.