Jessica Davidson is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her two year old son Eeny, when she comes face to face with a new student named Mia at her kids' primary school. Stunned by the physical resemblance to her own children, it doesn't take much investigating to realise that Mia is in fact her biological child - the end result of a donated embryo after her own IVF treatment years before.
Mia's existence creates an immediate turmoil in Jessica's life as she struggles with the reality that "her" daughter is so tantalisingly close, yet at the same time off limits. The situation is further complicated when Jessica realises that Mia's home life is not ideal. Far from the stable marriage that the embryo was donated into, Mia's mother Carolyn is now divorced and living with a football star, known for his volatile behaviour. Trying to reignite a flagging modeling career, she is often absent, leaving Mia at home alone. Knowing she is stepping into a minefield, Jessica offers to babysit Mia - which then introduces a further complication as she and her other children quickly form a strong attachment with Mia.
The book is written in an engaging and easy to read style and has a good pace and rhythm. The small town setting is an accurate representation of contemporary Australia, as are the dynamics of the people within it.
Sisters of Spicefield examines a topic that must be a reality for a growing number of families, given the expanding use of IVF technology and egg/embryo donation. Fran Cusworth manages the complex issues raised in the novel with empathy and insight, presenting an outcome that is realistic, yet uncertain - as must surely be the case for any family in the throes of a similar situation.
No comments:
Post a Comment