Our conversations were wide-ranging, but one particular chat popped into my mind recently as I read an excerpt from the book I’m reviewing today: The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh.
My parents were discussing who might pass away first and what effect it would have on everyone. Mum said she hoped Dad was the first to go because he’d be hopeless on his own.
I waded straight into the conversation and told Dad he’d better not even think of bringing another woman into the house if Mum went first because I’d toss her out on her ear. Mum thought this was hilarious, while Dad looked at Mum with a ‘what’s she going on about, love?’ look!
We all had a good laugh about it afterwards, I can assure you.
This scenario rears its head early in The Orphans, which is set in Adelaide and rural South Australia.
The central female character, Fleur Appleby, is the much-loved adopted daughter of undertaker Henry Appleby and his wife, Mae.
The three lived a blissful existence in Adelaide in the 1920s and 1930s, until the untimely death of Mae from influenza and the unexpected arrival not long after of Fleur’s new stepmother, Irma.
Fleur’s life is turned upside down and the two become mortal enemies, with Henry caught in the middle.
Early in the book, the central male character, Tom Catchlove, crosses paths with Fleur as Henry arranges Tom’s mother’s funeral after her death in childbirth. The children — aged eight and 10 — make an indelible impression on each other and the effects are played out as The Orphans unfolds.
The main characters of Fleur and Tom are endearing, and Fiona McIntosh manages to skilfully inject unusual aspects into their stories, especially with Fleur.
She has been allowed to help her father in the mortuary from an early age and he then unwittingly becomes somewhat of a pioneer in his trade, as his daughter becomes the first woman in Australia to become proficient in all its aspects. This prompts comments and raises eyebrows wherever they go.
The book does include explanations of mortuary processes and techniques — there aren’t many — so if you’re a bit squeamish, just skip over those bits. I found them to be entirely appropriate and beautifully handled.
The Orphans is a story about family, love, misunderstanding, cruelty and redemption. I loved it and recommend it to you.
The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh is published by Penguin Books Australia.
Jan Deane is a Shepparton local and a journalist with more than 30 years’ experience. Each fortnight her column Books and More will appear in the Riv. Jan would love to hear from readers. Email her at books.more@mmg.com.au
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