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Last Chance Cafe
Margot detests shopping malls. Any distraction is welcome, and the woman who has chained herself to the escalator, shouting about the perils of consumerism, is certainly that. She recognises Dot immediately - from their time campaigning for women's rights, and further back still, to the heyday of the Sydney Push when Margot married Laurence. Dot is in despair at the abandonment of the sisterhood, at the idea of pole dancing as empowerment and the sight of five year-olds with false eyelashes and padded bras. She's still a fierce campaigner, but these days she isn't sure where to direct her rage. Margot's despair is quieter; a haunting resentment that her youthful ambitions have always been shelved to attend to the needs of others. And as the two women turn to the past for solutions for the future, Margot's family is in crisis. Laurence sets off on a journey in a bid to repress his grief, daughter Lexie loses the job that has been her life for twenty years, and her younger sister Emma hides her pain with shopping binges that plunge her into debt. Liz Byrski assembles a fallible cast of characters who are asking the questions we ask ourselves. What does it mean to grow older? Are we brave enough to free ourselves from the pressure to stay young? And is there ever a stage in life when we can just be ourselves?
378 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
33 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Liz Byrski
30 books201 followersLiz Byrski is a writer and broadcaster with more than 40 years experience in the British and Australian media. She is the author of eleven non-fiction books and five novels, and her work has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines.
In the nineties Liz was a broadcaster and executive producer with ABC Radio in Perth and later an advisor to a minister in the Western Australian State Government; she now lectures in Professional and Creative Writing at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, and has PhD in writing with a focus on feminist popular fiction.
Liz was born in London and spent most of her childhood in Sussex. As an only child she spent a lot of time alone, much of it buried in books. She began her working life as a secretary and later moved into journalism working as a reporter on a local newspaper until she took up freelance writing when her children were born. Before moving to Western Australia she also worked as an appeals organiser for Oxfam.
After moving to Perth with her family in 1981 she once again established a freelance career writing for Australian publications including The Australian, Homes and Living, Cosmopolitan and Weekend News.
Liz lives between Perth and Fremantle and in addition to enjoying the company of family and friends, she spends most of her time reading, writing and walking. She has two adult sons and twin grandsons.
In the nineties Liz was a broadcaster and executive producer with ABC Radio in Perth and later an advisor to a minister in the Western Australian State Government; she now lectures in Professional and Creative Writing at Curtin University of Technology in Perth, and has PhD in writing with a focus on feminist popular fiction.
Liz was born in London and spent most of her childhood in Sussex. As an only child she spent a lot of time alone, much of it buried in books. She began her working life as a secretary and later moved into journalism working as a reporter on a local newspaper until she took up freelance writing when her children were born. Before moving to Western Australia she also worked as an appeals organiser for Oxfam.
After moving to Perth with her family in 1981 she once again established a freelance career writing for Australian publications including The Australian, Homes and Living, Cosmopolitan and Weekend News.
Liz lives between Perth and Fremantle and in addition to enjoying the company of family and friends, she spends most of her time reading, writing and walking. She has two adult sons and twin grandsons.
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February 21, 2025
EXCERPT: 'Don't you think it's quite bizarre that here we are, old lovers, old friends, eating chocolate and waiting for the medication and bedpans to take over our lives? But we are still friends. I think that's rather splendid.' She laughs loudly and the heads turn again. 'Back then, if someone had shown us what we'd be doing today we'd never have believed them. We never thought about getting old. You don't, do you? You just assume you'll always be young because that's how you feel inside, it's how we still feel.'
She is right of course, Laurence thinks later as he makes his way down in the lift and out into the hospital carpark, walking along behind a couple, hands in the back pockets of each other's jeans, kissing - almost eating each other - as they walk; eighteen or nineteen perhaps. A generation who, like every generation before them, think they invented sex. We were all like that once, Laurence thinks, all testosterone and bodily fluids and that incredible flush of power and confidence that came from knowing you could have it whenever you wanted it. Now it's personal alarms and incontinence pads to look forward to.
ABOUT 'LAST CHANCE CAFE': Margot detests shopping malls. Any distraction is welcome, and the woman who has chained herself to the escalator, shouting about the perils of consumerism, is certainly that. She recognises Dot immediately - from their time campaigning for women's rights, and further back still, to the heyday of the Sydney Push when Margot married Laurence. Dot is in despair at the abandonment of the sisterhood, at the idea of pole dancing as empowerment and the sight of five year-olds with false eyelashes and padded bras. She's still a fierce campaigner, but these days she isn't sure where to direct her rage. Margot's despair is quieter; a haunting resentment that her youthful ambitions have always been shelved to attend to the needs of others. And as the two women turn to the past for solutions for the future, Margot's family is in crisis. Laurence sets off on a journey in a bid to repress his grief, daughter Lexie loses the job that has been her life for twenty years, and her younger sister Emma hides her pain with shopping binges that plunge her into debt. Liz Byrski assembles a fallible cast of characters who are asking the questions we ask ourselves. What does it mean to grow older? Are we brave enough to free ourselves from the pressure to stay young? And is there ever a stage in life when we can just be ourselves?
MY THOUGHTS: Liz Byrski is my happy place. Her books are always relevant and thought provoking. In Last Chance Cafe she tackles the problems of aging, the sexploitation of young girls (that opened my eyes!), consumerism, adoption and infidelity partly set against a backdrop of the 'swinging sixties' and the accompanying women's movement.
I loved all the characters, but perhaps Phyllida is the one who resonated most with me and was one of the two characters who experienced the most personal growth. None of the characters is perfect, and that's one of the things I love about them. Everyone is struggling with something, and most of them putting on a front or hiding behind something or someone else.
Byrski writes with humor and realism. She says what we're thinking. Both plot and dialogue are realistic and relevant. What I like most is that we get to really know the characters on her books. We know what they think, what they feel, what their dreams, aspirations and fears are. She takes the things that worry or annoy us and puts them into perspective. She's also very good at pointing out that there's no time like now to take your dreams off hold and work on making them a reality.
Friendship plays a huge role in this book. Some of the characters have been friends for years; others are newly introduced to the group. Some characters are glad of enduring friendships, other learn the value of having friends.
There's a little mystery worked into the plot. I thought I had it sorted but, as usual, I was way off base.
As usual, I really enjoyed Byrski's Last Chance Cafe, and I am looking forward to picking up her next title.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
THE AUTHOR: Liz was born in London and spent most of her childhood in Sussex. As an only child she spent a lot of time alone, much of it buried in books. She began her working life as a secretary and later moved into journalism working as a reporter on a local newspaper until she took up freelance writing when her children were born. Before moving to Western Australia she also worked as an appeals organiser for Oxfam.
After moving to Perth with her family in 1981 she once again established a freelance career writing for Australian publications including The Australian, Homes and Living, Cosmopolitan and Weekend News.
Liz lives between Perth and Fremantle and in addition to enjoying the company of family and friends, she spends most of her time reading, writing and walking. She has two adult sons and twin grandsons.
I own my copy of Last Chance Cafe by Liz Byrski
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She is right of course, Laurence thinks later as he makes his way down in the lift and out into the hospital carpark, walking along behind a couple, hands in the back pockets of each other's jeans, kissing - almost eating each other - as they walk; eighteen or nineteen perhaps. A generation who, like every generation before them, think they invented sex. We were all like that once, Laurence thinks, all testosterone and bodily fluids and that incredible flush of power and confidence that came from knowing you could have it whenever you wanted it. Now it's personal alarms and incontinence pads to look forward to.
ABOUT 'LAST CHANCE CAFE': Margot detests shopping malls. Any distraction is welcome, and the woman who has chained herself to the escalator, shouting about the perils of consumerism, is certainly that. She recognises Dot immediately - from their time campaigning for women's rights, and further back still, to the heyday of the Sydney Push when Margot married Laurence. Dot is in despair at the abandonment of the sisterhood, at the idea of pole dancing as empowerment and the sight of five year-olds with false eyelashes and padded bras. She's still a fierce campaigner, but these days she isn't sure where to direct her rage. Margot's despair is quieter; a haunting resentment that her youthful ambitions have always been shelved to attend to the needs of others. And as the two women turn to the past for solutions for the future, Margot's family is in crisis. Laurence sets off on a journey in a bid to repress his grief, daughter Lexie loses the job that has been her life for twenty years, and her younger sister Emma hides her pain with shopping binges that plunge her into debt. Liz Byrski assembles a fallible cast of characters who are asking the questions we ask ourselves. What does it mean to grow older? Are we brave enough to free ourselves from the pressure to stay young? And is there ever a stage in life when we can just be ourselves?
MY THOUGHTS: Liz Byrski is my happy place. Her books are always relevant and thought provoking. In Last Chance Cafe she tackles the problems of aging, the sexploitation of young girls (that opened my eyes!), consumerism, adoption and infidelity partly set against a backdrop of the 'swinging sixties' and the accompanying women's movement.
I loved all the characters, but perhaps Phyllida is the one who resonated most with me and was one of the two characters who experienced the most personal growth. None of the characters is perfect, and that's one of the things I love about them. Everyone is struggling with something, and most of them putting on a front or hiding behind something or someone else.
Byrski writes with humor and realism. She says what we're thinking. Both plot and dialogue are realistic and relevant. What I like most is that we get to really know the characters on her books. We know what they think, what they feel, what their dreams, aspirations and fears are. She takes the things that worry or annoy us and puts them into perspective. She's also very good at pointing out that there's no time like now to take your dreams off hold and work on making them a reality.
Friendship plays a huge role in this book. Some of the characters have been friends for years; others are newly introduced to the group. Some characters are glad of enduring friendships, other learn the value of having friends.
There's a little mystery worked into the plot. I thought I had it sorted but, as usual, I was way off base.
As usual, I really enjoyed Byrski's Last Chance Cafe, and I am looking forward to picking up her next title.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
THE AUTHOR: Liz was born in London and spent most of her childhood in Sussex. As an only child she spent a lot of time alone, much of it buried in books. She began her working life as a secretary and later moved into journalism working as a reporter on a local newspaper until she took up freelance writing when her children were born. Before moving to Western Australia she also worked as an appeals organiser for Oxfam.
After moving to Perth with her family in 1981 she once again established a freelance career writing for Australian publications including The Australian, Homes and Living, Cosmopolitan and Weekend News.
Liz lives between Perth and Fremantle and in addition to enjoying the company of family and friends, she spends most of her time reading, writing and walking. She has two adult sons and twin grandsons.
I own my copy of Last Chance Cafe by Liz Byrski
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
December 28, 2016
The last thing Margot wanted to be doing on a Saturday morning was dragging herself around the shopping center, but seeing as she needed an outfit for her sister's golden anniversary she didn't have much option. Whilst attempting to weave her way through all the other shoppers, Margot hears quite a bit of yelling going on. She soon finds out where all the noise is coming from and makes her way over to the escalators. Once Margot reaches the escalators, she recognizes a woman named Dot who she knew back in the 1960's. Dot has chained herself to the escalators and Margot knows she needs to get Dot out of there before all hell breaks loose.
Margot felt all she ever did was listen to everyone else's problems and try and help them, but Margot had her own problems and she was tired of putting herself last. From when her kids were young all Margot ever wanted to do was to work towards becoming a writer, but something always got in the way and her dream was put on hold. It was now time for Margot put herself first and make a dream come true, but will Margot's dream of being a writer finally come true?
Last Chance Cafe was a really enjoyable and entertaining read. Recommended.
Margot felt all she ever did was listen to everyone else's problems and try and help them, but Margot had her own problems and she was tired of putting herself last. From when her kids were young all Margot ever wanted to do was to work towards becoming a writer, but something always got in the way and her dream was put on hold. It was now time for Margot put herself first and make a dream come true, but will Margot's dream of being a writer finally come true?
Last Chance Cafe was a really enjoyable and entertaining read. Recommended.
May 11, 2015
“…from childhood to our dotage is there ever a time in a woman’s life when it’s okay for her to look the age she is?”
Last Chance Café is the sixth book by Australian author, Liz Byrski. At almost seventy, Margot is sure it is too late to return to her youthful dream of becoming a writer, a dream derailed by pregnancy, marriage, children and divorce. But encountering Dot, a fierce campaigner for women’s rights and a friend from those youthful days, and getting involved in a new campaign, reignites the passion to write.
Margot’s ex-husband, Laurence temporarily escapes to Spain to avoid dealing with a major upheaval in his life; Margot’s sister, Phyllida is faced with a major change in her own life, and some shocking revelations about the husband she thought she knew; Margot’s daughters, Lexie and Emma both have their own challenges to overcome. But this extended family and their close friends manage to (eventually) pull together and accept each other’s support and love, while becoming an integral part of a worthwhile cause.
Byrski gives the reader characters of the type we encounter every day, a setting that feels familiar, natural dialogue and a realistic plot. Perhaps what Byrski writes is chic lit for the mature woman (some have cleverly coined the term “hen lit”), but she always touches on interesting and relevant issues. In this novel, as well as ageing, she touches on the sexualisation of young girls, and the power of market forces on female image. She also takes the reader back to Sydney in the fifties and sixties, the era of the Push. She even manages to include a bit of intrigue: just who is the father of the boy adopted long ago? This is another excellent offering from Liz Byrski and readers will look forward to In The Company of Strangers.
Last Chance Café is the sixth book by Australian author, Liz Byrski. At almost seventy, Margot is sure it is too late to return to her youthful dream of becoming a writer, a dream derailed by pregnancy, marriage, children and divorce. But encountering Dot, a fierce campaigner for women’s rights and a friend from those youthful days, and getting involved in a new campaign, reignites the passion to write.
Margot’s ex-husband, Laurence temporarily escapes to Spain to avoid dealing with a major upheaval in his life; Margot’s sister, Phyllida is faced with a major change in her own life, and some shocking revelations about the husband she thought she knew; Margot’s daughters, Lexie and Emma both have their own challenges to overcome. But this extended family and their close friends manage to (eventually) pull together and accept each other’s support and love, while becoming an integral part of a worthwhile cause.
Byrski gives the reader characters of the type we encounter every day, a setting that feels familiar, natural dialogue and a realistic plot. Perhaps what Byrski writes is chic lit for the mature woman (some have cleverly coined the term “hen lit”), but she always touches on interesting and relevant issues. In this novel, as well as ageing, she touches on the sexualisation of young girls, and the power of market forces on female image. She also takes the reader back to Sydney in the fifties and sixties, the era of the Push. She even manages to include a bit of intrigue: just who is the father of the boy adopted long ago? This is another excellent offering from Liz Byrski and readers will look forward to In The Company of Strangers.
January 15, 2013
Margot was at the shopping centre with the dreaded task of finding herself an outfit to wear to her sister Phyllida’s golden wedding anniversary. Being a Saturday morning, the place teemed with people, something she didn’t enjoy at all. When she heard a commotion coming from the direction of the escalators, she hurried over to see what was going on. She was horrified to see someone she recognised from the days back in the 1960s, when a group of them would campaign for women’s rights. Dot was chained to the escalator, shouting about consumerism and making a nuisance of herself. With security guards heading her way, Margot knew she needed to act, fast!
Margot had problems of her own…her ex-husband Laurence was on a sabbatical to try to come to terms with a life-shattering event he’d told no-one about; her daughters Emma and Lexie both had dramas in their lives which they were trying to deal with, and Phyllida, well she was about the go through a major upheaval which would rock her to the core. All through this, Margot was feeling resentful about everyone coming to her with their problems, and her not being appreciated for who she was…she’d had enough, she had had to put her thoughts of becoming a writer on hold when the family was young…it was her turn now!
Dot and Margot, along with Phyllida and a whole cast of characters make this delightful book a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There is much more to this story than first meets the eye, and with mystery, intrigue and a little suspense thrown in for good measure, I found it a really great read.
Margot had problems of her own…her ex-husband Laurence was on a sabbatical to try to come to terms with a life-shattering event he’d told no-one about; her daughters Emma and Lexie both had dramas in their lives which they were trying to deal with, and Phyllida, well she was about the go through a major upheaval which would rock her to the core. All through this, Margot was feeling resentful about everyone coming to her with their problems, and her not being appreciated for who she was…she’d had enough, she had had to put her thoughts of becoming a writer on hold when the family was young…it was her turn now!
Dot and Margot, along with Phyllida and a whole cast of characters make this delightful book a thoroughly enjoyable experience. There is much more to this story than first meets the eye, and with mystery, intrigue and a little suspense thrown in for good measure, I found it a really great read.
April 10, 2011
Give this book to the older woman in your life, whether your mum, grandma, or yourself :-) wonderful story about sisterhood across generations, feminism, activism, and enjoying getting older!
February 29, 2016
I enjoyed this novel, it grew on me and quite literally I warmed to it - particularly as the characters unraveled their secrets. Each character went through a transition, from 'what has always been' to 'what may life hold now' Loved this aspect of it as it was a positive voice for healthy ageing - whether that be physically, mentally or emotionally. It was also an opportunity to highlight the negative impact of media, advertising and community perceptions can have on young adults body image and self esteem. A nice little package of friendship, enduring relationships, social change with a strong message of not letting life slip by without ensuring that we end up who we want to be.
September 6, 2023
A very entertaining tale, I do love a tale about older women realising they've still got time left to do some interesting things, even if there lives have been fairly circumscribed before. Dot, Margot & Phyllida are in their 70s when life starts pushing them towards change in different ways. They are supported by a cast of younger family & friends who are also managing the rollercoaster of life. It's a lot easier to cope with change when you have the support of loved ones. I really enjoy Byrski's work.
August 25, 2019
3 1/2 as its like drinking a mug of warm cocoa. Can't really fault it as it gives the expected comfort.
September 28, 2016
Thank fuck that's finished. What a tedious read that was. I almost didn't finish it but I kept hoping it would get better. It didn't.
There are several stories all connected into one via family and friends but there was only one interesting storyline (Donald's) - and that was only after he died! The characters seemed flat, two-dimensional and just not interesting. I really didn't care for any of them and just wished something, anything would happen. I found myself skimming over pages of rehashed waffle. JUST GET ON WITH THE FREAKING STORY! If I wanted a boring snippet of everyday family life, I wouldn't need to read. This is supposed to be escapism to something other than what you already have.
Not highly recommended which is unfortunate for an Australian author.
There are several stories all connected into one via family and friends but there was only one interesting storyline (Donald's) - and that was only after he died! The characters seemed flat, two-dimensional and just not interesting. I really didn't care for any of them and just wished something, anything would happen. I found myself skimming over pages of rehashed waffle. JUST GET ON WITH THE FREAKING STORY! If I wanted a boring snippet of everyday family life, I wouldn't need to read. This is supposed to be escapism to something other than what you already have.
Not highly recommended which is unfortunate for an Australian author.
February 10, 2025
Not too bad. Older family members and friends looking back to the time when they were protesting womens' rights etc, intertwined with some who still are, younger people who are starting out and hidden things from the past coming to light.
December 6, 2024
A wonderful read for mature women, as they face things that younger people can't even imagine. The characters are so real they feel like old friends. The author has brought them to life and then has them deal with regret, guilt, death plus consumerism and the treatment of young women and girls. Humourist and inspiring.
December 23, 2013
The only time in my life I ever lose my natural confidence, and replace it with “you don’t scare me” bravado, is on entering the super smart shop (oops sorry boutique) where size 12 is bordering on obese, and my more generous proportions are a downright insult! I was even told once, after asking for said size 12, “We only cater to small, feminine women here”.
Enter Margo. Like me her size 12 days are long gone, but she really must have something to wear to her sister’s party! That’s when a smile of recognition tells me I’m going to enjoy Last Chance Café. The second happy smile is reading there is a woman in the shopping centre, chaining herself to the escalator protesting about consumerism. Meet Dot a mere child of 70 plus, who has tilted at windmills her whole life and can’t understand why the days of a good protest have passed. Turns out Margo and Dot knew each other back in the 60’s, members of the sisterhood fighting for women’s rights. They lost touch when one turned left, the other turned right … and now read on.
Liz Byrski writes about recognizable people with recognizable lives, so much so that I wondered if she had “found my letters and read each one out loud”. I recognized people, places and events, with not a super hero in sight. Dot, Margot, Lawrence, their friends, family, loves and lovers are clearly drawn, they are people we know, only the names have been changed. This book raises serious questions relating to the sexualising of children, the quest for youth, the wife versus the mistress, and it asks questions we ask ourselves, e.g “Is walking the catwalk in false eyelashes and miniature copies of designer clothes acceptable at 4 years of age?”
Importantly the main characters are mature aged people just like the Starts at Sixty members, mature not old. They invite you to laugh and cry with them, not at them; they are not the comic relief, they are the story.
Enter Margo. Like me her size 12 days are long gone, but she really must have something to wear to her sister’s party! That’s when a smile of recognition tells me I’m going to enjoy Last Chance Café. The second happy smile is reading there is a woman in the shopping centre, chaining herself to the escalator protesting about consumerism. Meet Dot a mere child of 70 plus, who has tilted at windmills her whole life and can’t understand why the days of a good protest have passed. Turns out Margo and Dot knew each other back in the 60’s, members of the sisterhood fighting for women’s rights. They lost touch when one turned left, the other turned right … and now read on.
Liz Byrski writes about recognizable people with recognizable lives, so much so that I wondered if she had “found my letters and read each one out loud”. I recognized people, places and events, with not a super hero in sight. Dot, Margot, Lawrence, their friends, family, loves and lovers are clearly drawn, they are people we know, only the names have been changed. This book raises serious questions relating to the sexualising of children, the quest for youth, the wife versus the mistress, and it asks questions we ask ourselves, e.g “Is walking the catwalk in false eyelashes and miniature copies of designer clothes acceptable at 4 years of age?”
Importantly the main characters are mature aged people just like the Starts at Sixty members, mature not old. They invite you to laugh and cry with them, not at them; they are not the comic relief, they are the story.
December 22, 2012
Margot and Dot were once active members of a women's rights group back in the 1960s, but gradually lost touch after Margot got married and settled into family life. Their friendship is renewed after Margot sees a (still protesting) Dot staging a one woman demonstration at a shopping mall in Sydney. Age has apparently done little to dampen Dot's passion for life and standing up for what she believes in, which causes Margot to examine her own suburban life and leaves her wondering if life has passed her by in regard to her own ambitions.
There are many other dramas going on in this delightful story - Margot's ex-husband Laurence is struggling to come to terms with a life changing event, her sister Phylidia learns a painful truth about her husband and both her daughters are caught up in their own crises. Amidst all this, Margot cannot quell her long buried desire to be a writer.
It is refreshing to read a story that not only has older women as the main characters but that portrays them in an interesting and positive way. Margot and Dot are strong, well-rounded characters with a lot of depth, highlighting the fact that people do not become boring or lose passion for life just because they get older.
There are plenty of elements to keep the story moving in Last Chance Cafe. Well written in an easy and engaging style, it kep me interested right until the last page.
A really enjoyable read for any age group, although older women may relate to it more strongly.
There are many other dramas going on in this delightful story - Margot's ex-husband Laurence is struggling to come to terms with a life changing event, her sister Phylidia learns a painful truth about her husband and both her daughters are caught up in their own crises. Amidst all this, Margot cannot quell her long buried desire to be a writer.
It is refreshing to read a story that not only has older women as the main characters but that portrays them in an interesting and positive way. Margot and Dot are strong, well-rounded characters with a lot of depth, highlighting the fact that people do not become boring or lose passion for life just because they get older.
There are plenty of elements to keep the story moving in Last Chance Cafe. Well written in an easy and engaging style, it kep me interested right until the last page.
A really enjoyable read for any age group, although older women may relate to it more strongly.
September 15, 2013
Liz Byrski is not a bad writer. She does good detail and good dialogue. My only criticism is her plots; if you've read one of her books, then you've kind of read them all. She doesn't vary much in her storylines.
But I do reserve her books for my holiday reading. They are what I read when I'm having a good relax on the beach because I find there is not a lot of effort required to read them. 3★
But I do reserve her books for my holiday reading. They are what I read when I'm having a good relax on the beach because I find there is not a lot of effort required to read them. 3★
January 17, 2012
Great book.Characters are real and believable and involve you in their lives. It also has a lot to say about the image of women and young girls portrayed in the media. You can read more about it on my blog http://orangedale.livejournal.com/ I have read a number of Liz's books and enjoyed them all, but this is my favourite.
December 23, 2017
Enjoyed this very much. Four women from different walks of life come together. A story of friendship, support and love between these women and their diverse stories
July 10, 2018
Always enjoy her books. Love the fact that the characters are my age and live where I do
August 26, 2018
It is seven years since I first read this book, and the themes of ageing, women and their friends and family, and the sexualisation by media of young girls are just as relevant.
April 18, 2022
“‘But does it have a happy ending?’ Emma asks. Margot hesitates. ‘I think…I hope it has a satisfying resolution,’ she says.” Last Chance Cafe not only has a satisfying end it also has a very satisfying beginning and middle. The first 1/4 or so introduces all characters and once you have them all sorted out in your mind the story really begins. Strong women role models with a history of friendship, activism (to varying degrees) and intertwined lives with second and now even third generation family stories outlined. The character portrayals and relationships are beautifully written and very plausible. A very worthwhile read and refreshing to see the pivotal characters being 70+, independent and embracing life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2022
A very enjoyable holiday read. While highlighting various serious issues around the the insecurities of aging, unfulfilled dreams, relationships, trust, deception it is ultimately about friendship and supporting each other. However, the resolution of the "dramas" are predictable and to be honest the characters are rather saccharine to be truly believable and everything is resolved in a nice neat package by the end. This is not necessarily bad but just be aware if you prefer something more realistic.
February 8, 2023
I’m surprised to make it to the end of this book because I found it a slow, tedious read. The female characters do far too much reflection on their life changing realizations and self-empowerment journeys (ra-ra the sisterhood) and the male characters are woefully underdeveloped. And I mostly hate central characters who are writing a book, it just feels like the author is being self-indulgent or lazy.
I’m sympathetic to the messages about feminism, friendship and positive aging but that doesn’t mean they make an interesting story.
I’m sympathetic to the messages about feminism, friendship and positive aging but that doesn’t mean they make an interesting story.
April 17, 2020
4.5★s
I greatly appreciate Liz Byrski's books. She writes about female characters who feel real, and whose issues and circumstances are founded in real life circumstances. There is also a social issue which runs as a sub-plot.
In Last Chance Café there is a contemporary issue which I feel quite strongly about, and which held my interest above and beyond the main narrative.
All in all, a very well structured and well written novel, with a well thought out ending.
I greatly appreciate Liz Byrski's books. She writes about female characters who feel real, and whose issues and circumstances are founded in real life circumstances. There is also a social issue which runs as a sub-plot.
In Last Chance Café there is a contemporary issue which I feel quite strongly about, and which held my interest above and beyond the main narrative.
All in all, a very well structured and well written novel, with a well thought out ending.
June 8, 2024
I'm not usually a fan of the Liz Byrski style, but thought I'd give it a go. And it was readable. So many characters and storylines, but too much happening for me, and not enough of it interesting or deep enough. I got past half way and it felt like a soapy... One drama opened up, resolved, moved on to the next. I prefer a longer based storyline I think. I got more than halfway but lost interest in finishing it.
December 12, 2021
This one took longer than I thought - post lockdown distractions definitely got in the way - but about halfway through a tantalising secret started to be revealed and I couldn’t put it down. As always, relatable characters and an intriguing plot, as well as focus on an issue that is just a relevant now as it was ten years ago when this title was first published.
May 28, 2017
It took me a long time to read this book, not because it was not interesting but I didn't have much time to read. It was good to read about Margot and her family and meeting up again with Dot, a close friend from her younger years.
March 17, 2021
Delightful story of old friendships, secrets found out, dubious neighbours and the usual angst so many of us feel in relation to growing older, and the world around us. A story of growth, betrayal, deceit and friendship.
August 13, 2021
It’s the first of Liz Byrski’s books I’ve read, & will definitely not be the last….
I absolutely LOVED this book. I didn’t want it to end….I could totally relate to it & it continually put a smile on my face….
I too am at a stage in my Life, where I’m reflecting on the past etc etc….
A MUST READ….
I absolutely LOVED this book. I didn’t want it to end….I could totally relate to it & it continually put a smile on my face….
I too am at a stage in my Life, where I’m reflecting on the past etc etc….
A MUST READ….
April 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this. A story about a group of connected friends as they age. I've also read Gang of four by the same author - will look out for others.
August 21, 2018
A good read, I've read a lot of Liz Byrski's books and have enjoyed them all. although I found this one was not one of her better ones.
November 19, 2018
This book is a nice read with family relationships and positive messages.
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