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Food, Sex and Money
It’s almost forty years since they left the convent and went their separate ways, but now the old school friends are planning to meet again.
Bonnie, shattered by the death of her husband, is back in Australia after decades in Europe, and she’s discovering that while financial security eliminates worry, she seems not to have a life.
Fran, long divorced, is a struggling freelance food writer, battling to balance her diet, her bank balance and her relationship with her adult children.
And Sylvia, marooned in a long and sterile marriage to an ambitious Anglican minister, and facing a crisis that will crack her world wide open.
They had almost forgotten how it feels confide in women friends, but back together again, sharing their past lives, their secrets, their aspirations and their deepest fears Sylvia, Fran and Bonnie embark on a creative venture that will challenge everything they thought they knew about themselves and will change their lives for ever.
Bonnie, shattered by the death of her husband, is back in Australia after decades in Europe, and she’s discovering that while financial security eliminates worry, she seems not to have a life.
Fran, long divorced, is a struggling freelance food writer, battling to balance her diet, her bank balance and her relationship with her adult children.
And Sylvia, marooned in a long and sterile marriage to an ambitious Anglican minister, and facing a crisis that will crack her world wide open.
They had almost forgotten how it feels confide in women friends, but back together again, sharing their past lives, their secrets, their aspirations and their deepest fears Sylvia, Fran and Bonnie embark on a creative venture that will challenge everything they thought they knew about themselves and will change their lives for ever.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
47 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Liz Byrski
30 books198 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 19, 2013
Food, Sex & Money is the second novel by Australian author and journalist, Liz Byrski. When Bonnie Logan’s husband, Jeff dies in their Zurich home, she seeks refuge in her childhood home in Melbourne. Bonnie’s return from Europe is a catalyst for a series of events that change the lives of her family and those of Fran and Sylvia, friends she has not seen for almost forty years. Fran Whittaker is an overweight, divorced mother of two who has made a life as a food writer. Sylvia Fleming has spent thirty seven years as Mrs Reverend Colin Fleming, giving up a promising career in fashion design for her husband’s vocation. Bonnie’s mum, Irene Masters is feeling somewhat oppressed by her daughter’s presence, so she welcomes Bonnie’s grand plan for the old boat shed, as do, eventually, Fran and Sylvia. Byrski fills her novel with characters so real, you feel you will run into them in the supermarket or café. Their dialogue is realistic and comfortingly local and the plot has a few twists to keep it interesting. In just over a year, Byrski‘s characters face a reunion, the deaths of loved ones, a birth, a divorce and a new business, and in doing so, find their own strength and independence. Byrski manages an excellent portrayal of the slide into dementia, both from the view of the one afflicted and of the family and friends. Byrski touches on plenty of topics: religion, faith and apostasy, lesbianism, grief, loss and depression, pregnancy, ageism, adultery, regret and loneliness, geriatric sex and Hepatitis C. It is wonderful to find an author who is writing Aussie chick lit with realistic over-fifties characters and I look forward to more Liz Byrski novels.
January 4, 2017
Another great book by Liz Byrski. Really good to have strong stories about women over 50.
May 3, 2020
Updated Review:
So, it's a funny story but I have just written a review and I now discover it was a re-read!! I have zero recollection of ever having read it. Granted it's five years since I first read it I am so surprised I didn't get any memory recall at all. So much so that in the review I've just written I wrote that it had languished on my shelves unread for years. Apparently not LOL. And what's even funnier is, that I think I enjoyed it more second time around :D :D :D Anyway, since it's written, here's my second review.
For many years Women's Fiction was my staple reading diet. I couldn't get enough of these books. Often they would be predictable but I didn't care because I felt comfortable reading them and I found myself happily enjoying the characters and their relationships. It was during this phase of my reading life that I purchased Food, Sex & Money by Liz Byrski. Unfortunately it languished on my shelves, unread, for years and if not for a reading challenge during the current lock downs would probably still be sitting there. It turned out, this one was not predictable and this little taste test proved I haven't entirely lost my appetite for this books of this genre.
The story revolved around three Australian women in their mid fifties. Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia had been best friends at school but it'd been decades since they'd seen each other. Each of the women were going through some tough times and the rekindling of their friendship was mutually beneficial. These characters were everyday kind of women, dealing with all manner of family issues. Bonnie, recently widowed was struggling to deal with her grief. Sylvia, in a stifling marriage was dissatisfied with her life, and Fran worked too hard yet still had financial issues which lead to binge eating, poor body image and low self esteem. I loved getting to know these women, meeting their families, seeing how they dealt with both the good and bad changes taking place in their lives. The cycle of life was evident as Fran became a first time grandmother but also had to deal with losing a parent. There were various romances but despite the title there was not a big focus on sex. This was a lovely story, one in which I related to the characters. One which made me laugh and caused a couple of sneaky tears. It was plausible, totally enjoyable and the good news for me is that I'm pretty sure I have another two of her books on my shelves here somewhere. (Hopefully I haven't already read and forgotten these ones!!)
One of my recent finds in a fill a bag for $5 deal, I liked the sound of this book and the fact that it was an Australian author (Australian based anyway)was an added incentive. This was not a book that I would rave about but it was a lovely read. I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story. I was bored at any time but nor did I feel any suspense about what might or might not happen. I had a range of emotions, including tears once or twice so you can't ask for much more than that. I don't know what genre this would be - Chicklit I suppose - but not really romance. I mean there was romance but there was so much more. Essentially it was the book of three school friends reunited after almost 40 years apart. It was the story of their lives, of their families - their parents, their partners, their children and even their grand children. It was about friendship but it was about business, about religion, relationships, sexuality, health and about loss and grief. It wasn't a happily ever after kind of story although the ending was positive. It was more of reality based story of the lives of three generations of three families. Some ended up good, some sad, some indifferent. I'm not exactly sure if the word poignant applies but that's a word that comes to mind. I won't specifically seek out Liz Byrski titles but if I happen to see them, I'm pretty sure they'll go into the collection.
So, it's a funny story but I have just written a review and I now discover it was a re-read!! I have zero recollection of ever having read it. Granted it's five years since I first read it I am so surprised I didn't get any memory recall at all. So much so that in the review I've just written I wrote that it had languished on my shelves unread for years. Apparently not LOL. And what's even funnier is, that I think I enjoyed it more second time around :D :D :D Anyway, since it's written, here's my second review.
For many years Women's Fiction was my staple reading diet. I couldn't get enough of these books. Often they would be predictable but I didn't care because I felt comfortable reading them and I found myself happily enjoying the characters and their relationships. It was during this phase of my reading life that I purchased Food, Sex & Money by Liz Byrski. Unfortunately it languished on my shelves, unread, for years and if not for a reading challenge during the current lock downs would probably still be sitting there. It turned out, this one was not predictable and this little taste test proved I haven't entirely lost my appetite for this books of this genre.
The story revolved around three Australian women in their mid fifties. Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia had been best friends at school but it'd been decades since they'd seen each other. Each of the women were going through some tough times and the rekindling of their friendship was mutually beneficial. These characters were everyday kind of women, dealing with all manner of family issues. Bonnie, recently widowed was struggling to deal with her grief. Sylvia, in a stifling marriage was dissatisfied with her life, and Fran worked too hard yet still had financial issues which lead to binge eating, poor body image and low self esteem. I loved getting to know these women, meeting their families, seeing how they dealt with both the good and bad changes taking place in their lives. The cycle of life was evident as Fran became a first time grandmother but also had to deal with losing a parent. There were various romances but despite the title there was not a big focus on sex. This was a lovely story, one in which I related to the characters. One which made me laugh and caused a couple of sneaky tears. It was plausible, totally enjoyable and the good news for me is that I'm pretty sure I have another two of her books on my shelves here somewhere. (Hopefully I haven't already read and forgotten these ones!!)
One of my recent finds in a fill a bag for $5 deal, I liked the sound of this book and the fact that it was an Australian author (Australian based anyway)was an added incentive. This was not a book that I would rave about but it was a lovely read. I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story. I was bored at any time but nor did I feel any suspense about what might or might not happen. I had a range of emotions, including tears once or twice so you can't ask for much more than that. I don't know what genre this would be - Chicklit I suppose - but not really romance. I mean there was romance but there was so much more. Essentially it was the book of three school friends reunited after almost 40 years apart. It was the story of their lives, of their families - their parents, their partners, their children and even their grand children. It was about friendship but it was about business, about religion, relationships, sexuality, health and about loss and grief. It wasn't a happily ever after kind of story although the ending was positive. It was more of reality based story of the lives of three generations of three families. Some ended up good, some sad, some indifferent. I'm not exactly sure if the word poignant applies but that's a word that comes to mind. I won't specifically seek out Liz Byrski titles but if I happen to see them, I'm pretty sure they'll go into the collection.
May 27, 2010
Loved it, loved it, loved it. And now, thanks to Ms Byrski, I now have three new friends - Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia.
Somebody described this book as a coming-of-age novel for ladies of a certain age, and it definitely is that, but so much more. At times you almost feel that Liz Byrski has been peeking, but, no, you realise she is merely a fantastic holder-upper (can I say that?) of mirrors to the largest age group in our society.
Somebody described this book as a coming-of-age novel for ladies of a certain age, and it definitely is that, but so much more. At times you almost feel that Liz Byrski has been peeking, but, no, you realise she is merely a fantastic holder-upper (can I say that?) of mirrors to the largest age group in our society.
November 3, 2018
I love Liz Byrski's books - stories of women at all ages and stages of their lives - and this one is no exception.
February 20, 2017
Loving Liz Byrski's books!!
January 5, 2013
A lovely story about three fifties+ women first floundering and then triumphantly taking control of their lives. Inspiring and heart-warming. I was at first startled by how much the author resorted to "telling" the characters' emotions, usually regarded as a no-no in fiction writing. But by some alchemy Byrski turned it to her advantage. The density of feeling and thought process the characters undergo could never have been "shown" in the space of a single book else! Very readable. I'd recommend it to any woman.
March 18, 2022
A re-read before taking it to book group. This is an enjoyable and inspiring book for every woman over 50, plus some men and open-minded younger women.
There are both good and bad things that have previously happened, or will happen in the book's time-frame, to these three women. Some women may find parts challenging but overall it is a joyful read.
There are both good and bad things that have previously happened, or will happen in the book's time-frame, to these three women. Some women may find parts challenging but overall it is a joyful read.
October 21, 2012
Liz Byrski is my new favourite author!!I can really connect with her style of writing, and the way she portrays all her characters throughout the storyline is so enjoyable. I can't believe I'm only discovering her books now. I can't wait to read the next one.
July 26, 2024
Absolutely loved it! One of my all time favourite reads.
January 4, 2014
I love that this book is set in Melbourne so I can visualise the various settings. I have read this a few times before but enjoyed it as much as ever this time around.
November 23, 2019
Yet another breezy entertaining novel about inter generational relationships and the mysteries of aging. In this novel the lives of 3 school friends are suddenly meshed after a long period of no communication. The 3 women are at a crossroads when the request arrives that they meet for coffee to catch up.
This is a great holiday read.
Carinya
This is a great holiday read.
Carinya
February 12, 2025
A story of women’s friendship, mothers and daughters and finding yourself no matter the age. Strong, richly drawn and sometimes annoying and irritating characters were authentic and believable…some solid male characters too but they were not the focus of this celebration of women and their relationships.
September 29, 2025
This was a re-read after finding this copy in a street library. I'm a big Liz Byrski fan. I love the way she champions older women. This one is showing a few signs of the times but the themes of friendship, family, loss, grief, and love are perrenial.
June 28, 2018
very tender and enjoyable book. will definitely read more of Liz's.
July 27, 2018
Loved it. Women in their mid-fifties finding new challenges - great.
September 3, 2018
The best book yet by Liz Byrski, absolutely loved it.
November 11, 2018
Although I enjoyed this book, I didn't think it was as good as the other Liz Byrski which I've read. This wouldn't be the first book of this author to read.
February 16, 2019
3.5. A good read but the book felt overly padded and overwritten. Great characters though that really come to life on the page.
December 7, 2019
3.5 A good holiday read. Took me a while to remember who was related to whom and who was a friend of whom. Good insights into life changes and families.
April 26, 2022
Really enjoyed it, especially as I am a woman of Bpnnie, Fran & Sylvia's age.
June 19, 2022
A really good read. You can completely relate to the characters and their experiences.
July 13, 2022
Loved this book. It proved that we all need close friends. They always have our backs & are our voice of reason.
January 30, 2023
I enjoyed the first Liz Byrski book that I read but after a few books, they feel rather formulaic.
October 31, 2025
3 and a half stars - I enjoyed this but it dragged at times. I've read lots of Liz Bryski's books, starting with "In the Company of Strangers" which I read when it came out several years ago and it's still one of my favourites. Having loved Strangers so much any Liz Bryski has LOTS to live up to. This one didn't rise to my expectations but it's an early Liz book and her style and polish has grown with each new novel.
While enjoying this I felt that with as much going on it lost some power at times then it got back on track - maybe it was just my mind not focussing as it needed to.
Liz Bryski is one of Australia's best at Women's Fiction, depicting women of various ages rising to challenges of all kinds.
While enjoying this I felt that with as much going on it lost some power at times then it got back on track - maybe it was just my mind not focussing as it needed to.
Liz Bryski is one of Australia's best at Women's Fiction, depicting women of various ages rising to challenges of all kinds.
October 26, 2014
I met some new friends recently, Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia – each woman is unique but I found each of them have characteristics I recognise in my friends and myself. It was good to add them to Margot, Dot, Connie, Flora and oh so many more I’ll collectively call, Liz’s Ladies.
My first experience with Liz’s Ladies was in Last Chance Cafe and I had the feeling in the words of the song that she “found my letters and read each one out loud”. Since this first experience I have read most of her novels (just keeping a couple in reserve) and each one although telling very different stories has borne out the authors powers of observation.
It is superfluous to ask where Liz Byrski finds the women she writes about; her knowledge of women comes from being one (a redundant statement if I’ve ever heard one) and her observation of those around her. When we spoke to Liz earlier this year in the Starts at Sixty Google hangout, we asked if her friends ever recognised themselves.
Her answer was interesting; apparently, no one asks, “Is that me”, but frequently asks, “Is that Karen/Mary/Sally (insert name at will)”. Liz’s Ladies are composed however, of many women, which is why we recognise ourselves in some but not all the character’s traits.
Of all the stories Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia tell in this novel, three particularly resonate with me:
• the death of Bonnie’s baby and the “just get over it” attitude which surrounds her;
• Sylvia’s resentment, as the wife of a minister, that she was expected to prepare something “special” for the ladies of the parish at the expense of being the “special one”;
• Fran’s undervaluing of her own worth, whilst being so accepting of the foibles of others.
Each of these women, and the men and women around them, grow throughout Food Sex & Money in real and tangible ways, strengthened and supported by their friendship. As usual, each life is examined with compassion and a total lack of judgement, spiced up with a good pinch of humour.
My first experience with Liz’s Ladies was in Last Chance Cafe and I had the feeling in the words of the song that she “found my letters and read each one out loud”. Since this first experience I have read most of her novels (just keeping a couple in reserve) and each one although telling very different stories has borne out the authors powers of observation.
It is superfluous to ask where Liz Byrski finds the women she writes about; her knowledge of women comes from being one (a redundant statement if I’ve ever heard one) and her observation of those around her. When we spoke to Liz earlier this year in the Starts at Sixty Google hangout, we asked if her friends ever recognised themselves.
Her answer was interesting; apparently, no one asks, “Is that me”, but frequently asks, “Is that Karen/Mary/Sally (insert name at will)”. Liz’s Ladies are composed however, of many women, which is why we recognise ourselves in some but not all the character’s traits.
Of all the stories Bonnie, Fran and Sylvia tell in this novel, three particularly resonate with me:
• the death of Bonnie’s baby and the “just get over it” attitude which surrounds her;
• Sylvia’s resentment, as the wife of a minister, that she was expected to prepare something “special” for the ladies of the parish at the expense of being the “special one”;
• Fran’s undervaluing of her own worth, whilst being so accepting of the foibles of others.
Each of these women, and the men and women around them, grow throughout Food Sex & Money in real and tangible ways, strengthened and supported by their friendship. As usual, each life is examined with compassion and a total lack of judgement, spiced up with a good pinch of humour.
September 18, 2016
Another crowd pleaser.
August 18, 2014
Love love loved this book, have read three other books by Liz Byrski and also enjoyed them, but this is the best so far in my opinion. Each time I put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. A great read for all women, especially in the 45+ age group. I could relate to the three main characters, with all three being very different and having lived different lives and thinking there was a little bit of me in each one of them. A great and easy read, totally recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews