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The Little Clothes
Audrey Mendes is a clever lawyer but has never made partner. Her weeks are filled with long hours in the office, visits to her ageing parents, trivia nights at the local and evenings at home with her pet rabbit, Joni.
When Audrey tries to buy wine at the pub she is ignored and walks out without paying. One thing leads to another, and soon she starts rebelling in small and creative ways against a world in which she is unseen – until a painful reminder from her childhood pushes her into a reckoning.
All the while there’s a potential romance and an eccentric new neighbour to deal with. And why does Audrey buy extravagant baby clothes when she doesn’t have a child?
Wry, humorous and provocative, this is an affectionate novel about sorting out the past, grabbing onto life and claiming your place in it.
When Audrey tries to buy wine at the pub she is ignored and walks out without paying. One thing leads to another, and soon she starts rebelling in small and creative ways against a world in which she is unseen – until a painful reminder from her childhood pushes her into a reckoning.
All the while there’s a potential romance and an eccentric new neighbour to deal with. And why does Audrey buy extravagant baby clothes when she doesn’t have a child?
Wry, humorous and provocative, this is an affectionate novel about sorting out the past, grabbing onto life and claiming your place in it.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2024
19 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 1, 2024
The Little Clothes is the first novel by Australian author, Deborah Callaghan. At almost thirty-nine, despite her seniority, hard work and dedication, Audrey Mendes has again been passed over for partnership. Apparently, she’s “not a team player”, perhaps a product of her tendency to speak directly, without any filter, her low tolerance for superficiality, and her impatience with the political and social machinations at work.
Audrey is still single, lives alone with her white Rex rabbit, Joni, goes to Trivia Night at the pub on Tuesdays, has Sunday lunch with her parents, and regularly buys baby clothes which she keeps in a new wardrobe in her spare room. But when she is ignored, disregarded, relegated to a menial task once too often, she begins to react in tiny, subversive ways, and the results are unexpected.
The heartthrob of trivia night brings a girlfriend, emphasising in her mind, Audrey’s single status; family lunch, always a reminder of her sorely-missed dead brother, also recalls a traumatic incident from her youth when diaries are brought home; engagement, wedding and baby celebrations at work remind her of the ongoing activities of a serial sexually-harassing senior colleague; and a new neighbour, a single man with a prison record, ex-crim friends and a muscular mastiff, has her worried for her safety.
But her small acts of rebellion have far-reaching effects: people sit up and take notice. One impulsive act, though, might just bring her undone…
Callaghan gives the reader an interesting cast of complex characters, the sort encountered in various walks of life, from which they will likely pick some as favourites and others to despise. Most will consider Audrey lucky to have Eustace for a father, a necessary counter for her callous mother, and Maggie for a friend. Callaghan’s debut is thought-provoking and blackly funny, and more from this author will be eagerly anticipated.
Audrey is still single, lives alone with her white Rex rabbit, Joni, goes to Trivia Night at the pub on Tuesdays, has Sunday lunch with her parents, and regularly buys baby clothes which she keeps in a new wardrobe in her spare room. But when she is ignored, disregarded, relegated to a menial task once too often, she begins to react in tiny, subversive ways, and the results are unexpected.
The heartthrob of trivia night brings a girlfriend, emphasising in her mind, Audrey’s single status; family lunch, always a reminder of her sorely-missed dead brother, also recalls a traumatic incident from her youth when diaries are brought home; engagement, wedding and baby celebrations at work remind her of the ongoing activities of a serial sexually-harassing senior colleague; and a new neighbour, a single man with a prison record, ex-crim friends and a muscular mastiff, has her worried for her safety.
But her small acts of rebellion have far-reaching effects: people sit up and take notice. One impulsive act, though, might just bring her undone…
Callaghan gives the reader an interesting cast of complex characters, the sort encountered in various walks of life, from which they will likely pick some as favourites and others to despise. Most will consider Audrey lucky to have Eustace for a father, a necessary counter for her callous mother, and Maggie for a friend. Callaghan’s debut is thought-provoking and blackly funny, and more from this author will be eagerly anticipated.
June 14, 2024
This is one of those books that lifts you up then throws you down without a second thought. I read it in a couple of sittings.
Audrey Mendes is a lawyer, daughter and friend who everyone relies on but few truly appreciate. In fact it's worse than not being appreciated - they take her for granted and often abuse her good nature. Audrey is getting to the point where she's had enough. All it will take is a wander down memory lane to when she was 12.
Audrey's story is shocking in parts and made me seethe with impotence in others at the way she is treated. Her mother is one of the most thoughtlessly callous characters I've come across in a while and the other people in her life are little better. Some of the situations she encounters are like nails down a chalkboard at times. I've not wished for a main character to come out on top quite so badly as I did for Audrey.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not sure if this is a debut but I'd definitely read more by this author. Her characterisations are excellent.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bedford Square Publishers for the advance review copy.
Audrey Mendes is a lawyer, daughter and friend who everyone relies on but few truly appreciate. In fact it's worse than not being appreciated - they take her for granted and often abuse her good nature. Audrey is getting to the point where she's had enough. All it will take is a wander down memory lane to when she was 12.
Audrey's story is shocking in parts and made me seethe with impotence in others at the way she is treated. Her mother is one of the most thoughtlessly callous characters I've come across in a while and the other people in her life are little better. Some of the situations she encounters are like nails down a chalkboard at times. I've not wished for a main character to come out on top quite so badly as I did for Audrey.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Not sure if this is a debut but I'd definitely read more by this author. Her characterisations are excellent.
Thankyou to Netgalley and Bedford Square Publishers for the advance review copy.
August 1, 2024
The Little Clothes is the first novel by Australian author, Deborah Callaghan. The audio version is narrated by Jo Van Es. At almost thirty-nine, despite her seniority, hard work and dedication, Audrey Mendes has again been passed over for partnership. Apparently, she’s “not a team player”, perhaps a product of her tendency to speak directly, without any filter, her low tolerance for superficiality, and her impatience with the political and social machinations at work.
Audrey is still single, lives alone with her white Rex rabbit, Joni, goes to Trivia Night at the pub on Tuesdays, has Sunday lunch with her parents, and regularly buys baby clothes which she keeps in a new wardrobe in her spare room. But when she is ignored, disregarded, relegated to a menial task once too often, she begins to react in tiny, subversive ways, and the results are unexpected.
The heartthrob of trivia night brings a girlfriend, emphasising in her mind, Audrey’s single status; family lunch, always a reminder of her sorely-missed dead brother, also recalls a traumatic incident from her youth when diaries are brought home; engagement, wedding and baby celebrations at work remind her of the ongoing activities of a serial sexually-harassing senior colleague; and a new neighbour, a single man with a prison record, ex-crim friends and a muscular mastiff, has her worried for her safety.
But her small acts of rebellion have far-reaching effects: people sit up and take notice. One impulsive act, though, might just bring her undone…
Callaghan gives the reader an interesting cast of complex characters, the sort encountered in various walks of life, from which they will likely pick some as favourites and others to despise. Most will consider Audrey lucky to have Eustace for a father, a necessary counter for her callous mother, and Maggie for a friend. Callaghan’s debut is thought-provoking and blackly funny, and more from this author will be eagerly anticipated.
Audrey is still single, lives alone with her white Rex rabbit, Joni, goes to Trivia Night at the pub on Tuesdays, has Sunday lunch with her parents, and regularly buys baby clothes which she keeps in a new wardrobe in her spare room. But when she is ignored, disregarded, relegated to a menial task once too often, she begins to react in tiny, subversive ways, and the results are unexpected.
The heartthrob of trivia night brings a girlfriend, emphasising in her mind, Audrey’s single status; family lunch, always a reminder of her sorely-missed dead brother, also recalls a traumatic incident from her youth when diaries are brought home; engagement, wedding and baby celebrations at work remind her of the ongoing activities of a serial sexually-harassing senior colleague; and a new neighbour, a single man with a prison record, ex-crim friends and a muscular mastiff, has her worried for her safety.
But her small acts of rebellion have far-reaching effects: people sit up and take notice. One impulsive act, though, might just bring her undone…
Callaghan gives the reader an interesting cast of complex characters, the sort encountered in various walks of life, from which they will likely pick some as favourites and others to despise. Most will consider Audrey lucky to have Eustace for a father, a necessary counter for her callous mother, and Maggie for a friend. Callaghan’s debut is thought-provoking and blackly funny, and more from this author will be eagerly anticipated.
March 7, 2025
DNF but skimmed through to see if it got better but it’s not for me. Audrey was just nasty but also had a lot of issues too. You’ll either hate her or feel sorry for her or a bit of both, many do ike this. Perhaps I should have read a couple of reviews but I generally don’t before reading a book.
April 9, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ while I thought the author did a good job at unpacking the protagonist’s past and issues, I just didn’t like her or enjoy the story 😅
May 26, 2024
1 star for the most disturbing book I’ve read
I really really wanted to love this book. The cover was bright and colourful and very inviting but sadly the contents was just not for me. I actually found this book quite disturbing. There were no likeable characters and it should come with some serious trigger warnings. It was sexist and the way the men spoke about and to women was disgusting. I did not want to finish it but I kept pushing through in the hope it would get better, but it just didn’t. I’m sorry but I would not recommend at all, I am totally disturbed after reading and have to go read a cosy romcom now to cleans my reading brain
I really really wanted to love this book. The cover was bright and colourful and very inviting but sadly the contents was just not for me. I actually found this book quite disturbing. There were no likeable characters and it should come with some serious trigger warnings. It was sexist and the way the men spoke about and to women was disgusting. I did not want to finish it but I kept pushing through in the hope it would get better, but it just didn’t. I’m sorry but I would not recommend at all, I am totally disturbed after reading and have to go read a cosy romcom now to cleans my reading brain
July 16, 2024
I’m still a bit in shock after reading this. I was a bit nervous when I started, probably because of a review that gave it one star and said it was too disturbing. Isn’t that the whole point? I hope that same person doesn’t read Strange Sally Diamond – I found some parallels in the way the story starts out quite humorous, and then becomes very dark indeed. Yes it was hard to read at times, but life isn’t all Mills & Boon and Barbara Cartland. I actually read it in two sittings in the end.
Anyway, as I was saying, there is a lot of humour to start with. Audrey can be very sarcastic and inappropriate. ‘You’re so funny Audrey,’ everyone tells her, even if she doesn’t mean to be. But she’s not a team player they tell her.
Pros in her life: it’s quite simple really. She’s a very good lawyer, (though never made a partner, or given her own office – see team player), she owns her own house with a nice garden, and has an adorable pet rabbit called Joni (after Joni Mitchell).
Negatives in her life: well, her brother Henry died and her mother always loved him more (though her father adores her), she has a new ‘nayba’ called Greg who is very dodgy, as are his friends, and he keeps an aggressive dog he calls ‘Shit-for-brains’ or Maximus. She’s scared stiff of both. And he seems to be stalking her. Then there’s TV Tom on the pub trivia team – don’t even get me started – her boss Alec who seems to sleep with or have slept with everyone in the office including Audrey, and has more kids than Boris Johnson, and her own lack of relationships/kids.
But as she re-evaluates her life, memories come flooding back about things that happened when she was a child, and the way her family dealt – or rather didn’t deal – with it. It impacted on her whole life (one thing she did at school really upset me), and I think ultimately resulted in her lack of self-worth. Poor Audrey. I was rooting for her all the way through, though she did make some bad choices. And why is it called The Little Clothes? It’s to do with something that she collects throughout the book, but I’ll leave you to find out.
And yes, I admit it, I did take a peak at the ending to see if Joni was OK.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
Anyway, as I was saying, there is a lot of humour to start with. Audrey can be very sarcastic and inappropriate. ‘You’re so funny Audrey,’ everyone tells her, even if she doesn’t mean to be. But she’s not a team player they tell her.
Pros in her life: it’s quite simple really. She’s a very good lawyer, (though never made a partner, or given her own office – see team player), she owns her own house with a nice garden, and has an adorable pet rabbit called Joni (after Joni Mitchell).
Negatives in her life: well, her brother Henry died and her mother always loved him more (though her father adores her), she has a new ‘nayba’ called Greg who is very dodgy, as are his friends, and he keeps an aggressive dog he calls ‘Shit-for-brains’ or Maximus. She’s scared stiff of both. And he seems to be stalking her. Then there’s TV Tom on the pub trivia team – don’t even get me started – her boss Alec who seems to sleep with or have slept with everyone in the office including Audrey, and has more kids than Boris Johnson, and her own lack of relationships/kids.
But as she re-evaluates her life, memories come flooding back about things that happened when she was a child, and the way her family dealt – or rather didn’t deal – with it. It impacted on her whole life (one thing she did at school really upset me), and I think ultimately resulted in her lack of self-worth. Poor Audrey. I was rooting for her all the way through, though she did make some bad choices. And why is it called The Little Clothes? It’s to do with something that she collects throughout the book, but I’ll leave you to find out.
And yes, I admit it, I did take a peak at the ending to see if Joni was OK.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
August 4, 2024
So much to unpack after reading this.
At first I thought Audrey was just a little 'left-of-centre' but as the book progressed I became overwhelmed with sadness and worry. Worry for how her behaviours were becoming dangerous and her mental health was deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Oh, and her mother! Don't get me started. Wow!
I was so angry.
This woman was a mess. A walking danger to herself and no-one noticed or cares enough to stop their own life to intervene.
Not an easy book as the subject matter could be triggering for some. * Sexual abuse, paedophilaia, suicide to name a few of the matters bought up in the book.
Would make for a great bookclub discussion as i need to debrief after reading this one.
At first I thought Audrey was just a little 'left-of-centre' but as the book progressed I became overwhelmed with sadness and worry. Worry for how her behaviours were becoming dangerous and her mental health was deteriorating at an alarming rate.
Oh, and her mother! Don't get me started. Wow!
I was so angry.
This woman was a mess. A walking danger to herself and no-one noticed or cares enough to stop their own life to intervene.
Not an easy book as the subject matter could be triggering for some. * Sexual abuse, paedophilaia, suicide to name a few of the matters bought up in the book.
Would make for a great bookclub discussion as i need to debrief after reading this one.
July 29, 2024
Different, new and revealing. I really enjoyed the way this novel was written, and the climax of the ending was very clever. Audrey is a character that needed to be written. Well done, Deborah!
July 4, 2024
Audrey is a 38 year-old lawyer, the kind of person who placidly goes through life unnoticed , sticking to the rules and accepting whatever she gets from others. From a lack of attention while growing up in the shadow of her brother,being taken for granted at work by colleagues and her low-life boss Audrey feels like the invisible woman. With a private life revolving around visits to her parents, a pub quiz night and Joni,her faithful rabbit, a small act of rebellion escalates into a series. Audrey's behaviour becomes more and more extreme as still under the radar she disrupts the lives of those who have taken her for granted.
This is an amazing book, not least when forgotten things from Audrey's past are revealed and an already fine piece of writing acquires a lot more depth and explains some of her strange behaviour. Nothing in Audrey's life seems to go right, very few people in her life have treated her right and as things go from bad to worse there's a very real sense of her completely unravelling in a very bad way as the story heads towards its conclusion.
Insightful,moving,sometimes shocking,the characters are well-drawn and believable,an exceptional read.
This is an amazing book, not least when forgotten things from Audrey's past are revealed and an already fine piece of writing acquires a lot more depth and explains some of her strange behaviour. Nothing in Audrey's life seems to go right, very few people in her life have treated her right and as things go from bad to worse there's a very real sense of her completely unravelling in a very bad way as the story heads towards its conclusion.
Insightful,moving,sometimes shocking,the characters are well-drawn and believable,an exceptional read.
December 26, 2024
Quirky and bonkers
The cover art, blurb and recommendations did not prepare me for this strange and discombobulating read. I loved this book and loved Audrey Mendez - I haven’t encountered a character like her before
Brutal things happen to Audrey, both in her past and present - but she’s a bit like Buster Keaton - there’s a tragicomic dignity to how she manages to get up, clean herself off (often quite literally) and extract herself from a mess just in the nick of time - only to step into the next fuck up. Hilarious and breath taking in equal measure…
The cover art, blurb and recommendations did not prepare me for this strange and discombobulating read. I loved this book and loved Audrey Mendez - I haven’t encountered a character like her before
Brutal things happen to Audrey, both in her past and present - but she’s a bit like Buster Keaton - there’s a tragicomic dignity to how she manages to get up, clean herself off (often quite literally) and extract herself from a mess just in the nick of time - only to step into the next fuck up. Hilarious and breath taking in equal measure…
June 27, 2024
3.56 ⭐️'s
February 4, 2025
Really enjoyed this but felt like the ending was more rushed than it needed to be. 3.5 stars
February 9, 2025
Oh to be a woman.
December 16, 2024
An incredibly funny and deeply disturbing book, THE LITTLE CLOTHES takes you on a journey with the wonderfully politically incorrect Audrey who personifies our best and worst impulses. This is a smartly written book that will stay with you long after the heart-stopping climax. A brilliant debut.
January 18, 2025
What was the point of this book?
September 1, 2025
Audrey is a great character.
So funny.
So sad.
I love character driven books. And this one has guts!
Don't read this if you only like pretty people.
So funny.
So sad.
I love character driven books. And this one has guts!
Don't read this if you only like pretty people.
June 1, 2024
Audrey Mendes is a 38 year old lawyer, and she's tired of never being seen. Not by her mother who always favoured her brother, her colleagues who always want her to help fix their lives whilst never asking about hers and her boss who works her to the bone but refuses to make her a partner in the company. Her social life consists of trips to visit her parents, a Tuesday trivia night with relative strangers, and quiet nights at home with her rabbit Joni. One night, she's unable to attract the attention of the bartender and walks out without paying for her wine, and this small rebellion slowly leads to more spurred on by her invisibility and safe nature. Soon, a painful memory begins to surface, and Audrey realises she needs to fix it in order to sort her life out.
I felt this was quite a heartbreaking story following Audrey's life and the way she suffered from so much trauma and how that affected the rest of her life. This also had some humour and genuine friendship thrown in, and I liked watching as her relationship with her mother slowly got stronger. I liked Audrey as a character she was brazen and wasn't afraid to say exactly what she was thinking even if no one was actually listening to her. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend.
I felt this was quite a heartbreaking story following Audrey's life and the way she suffered from so much trauma and how that affected the rest of her life. This also had some humour and genuine friendship thrown in, and I liked watching as her relationship with her mother slowly got stronger. I liked Audrey as a character she was brazen and wasn't afraid to say exactly what she was thinking even if no one was actually listening to her. I really enjoyed this and highly recommend.
June 7, 2024
The Little Clothes is one of those books that hovers on the brink of Contemporary Sad Girl and Weird Girl fiction while never quite tipping over into either. The antagonist Audrey is, to most people, invisible. She’s often forgotten, hardly noticed, overlooked. This means she can nick the occasional bottle of wine or fountain pen without consequences and people forget seeing or meeting her. She’s pushing 38 and single, her mother is overbearing and yet barely thinks of her except as a sibling in the shadow of her dead golden-boy older brother.
Interestingly, it’s the opposite at her work. A reliable and conscientious lawyer, Audrey is constantly taken advantage of and relied upon whilst being run over by the more extroverted players at her firm. She has the solace of a loving father and a solid best friend, but she still buys expensive baby clothes for a baby she doesn’t have.
I ended up really liking Audrey, her exceedingly blunt way of dealing with idiotic people appealed to me. She was relatable and human and probably representative of most childless, well-educated, middle class white women of her age.
The author has her dealing with a lot of different stresses including the tried-and-true plot device of Repressed Childhood Trauma; but while she goes fairly far off the rails the reader is still able to root for her to correct and get back on track with her life.
Recommended if you enjoy books of this genre.
Interestingly, it’s the opposite at her work. A reliable and conscientious lawyer, Audrey is constantly taken advantage of and relied upon whilst being run over by the more extroverted players at her firm. She has the solace of a loving father and a solid best friend, but she still buys expensive baby clothes for a baby she doesn’t have.
I ended up really liking Audrey, her exceedingly blunt way of dealing with idiotic people appealed to me. She was relatable and human and probably representative of most childless, well-educated, middle class white women of her age.
The author has her dealing with a lot of different stresses including the tried-and-true plot device of Repressed Childhood Trauma; but while she goes fairly far off the rails the reader is still able to root for her to correct and get back on track with her life.
Recommended if you enjoy books of this genre.
July 4, 2024
The Little Clothes - Deborah Callaghan💭📖
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audrey Mendes is a lawyer, daughter, and friend who everyone counts on but hardly anyone truly appreciates. Actually, it’s worse than that – they take her for granted and often treat her poorly. Audrey’s had enough, and a trip down memory lane to when she was 12 might just push her over the edge.
This book is a wild ride that lifts you up and then throws you down without warning. I tore through it in just a couple of days. Her story is shocking at times and made me so angry and sad for how she’s treated. Her mom is one of the most heartless characters I’ve read about and the other people in her life aren’t much better at all. Some of the situations she faces are like nails on a chalkboard but I couldn’t look away. It was like a car crash waiting to happen. I was constantly rooting for Audrey throughout the whole book and just wanted her to come out on top in every situation.
I really enjoyed this book and I’d definitely read more by this author, although I’m not sure if this is a debut. There were parts I didn’t like which resulted in the 3 stars but overall, it was a good read but I wouldn’t be running back for a re-read. I would like to say that the cover art is stunning and would definitely catch your eye in a bookshop.
Big thank you Bedford Square Publishers for the advance review copy and I’m so pleased to say happy release day, you can now get this book from your book retailers 💘💘
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audrey Mendes is a lawyer, daughter, and friend who everyone counts on but hardly anyone truly appreciates. Actually, it’s worse than that – they take her for granted and often treat her poorly. Audrey’s had enough, and a trip down memory lane to when she was 12 might just push her over the edge.
This book is a wild ride that lifts you up and then throws you down without warning. I tore through it in just a couple of days. Her story is shocking at times and made me so angry and sad for how she’s treated. Her mom is one of the most heartless characters I’ve read about and the other people in her life aren’t much better at all. Some of the situations she faces are like nails on a chalkboard but I couldn’t look away. It was like a car crash waiting to happen. I was constantly rooting for Audrey throughout the whole book and just wanted her to come out on top in every situation.
I really enjoyed this book and I’d definitely read more by this author, although I’m not sure if this is a debut. There were parts I didn’t like which resulted in the 3 stars but overall, it was a good read but I wouldn’t be running back for a re-read. I would like to say that the cover art is stunning and would definitely catch your eye in a bookshop.
Big thank you Bedford Square Publishers for the advance review copy and I’m so pleased to say happy release day, you can now get this book from your book retailers 💘💘
August 26, 2025
1.5. Unfortunately I didn’t like this one much at all. I liked the first 50 pages or so - a lot of promise! - but it went downhill quite rapidly for me.
1. The childhood trauma of the MC seemed quite random, unnecessary (and I don’t mean in its detail etc - I’m really not averse to dark things at all. I mean for the story and her character), and just sort of…. didn’t go anywhere.
2. Characters’ actions seemed random and characters seemed to change depending on what the author needed to happen or wanted to happen - e.g. Nadine and Sue
3. I don’t really know who the MC is. She seems contradictory but in ways that don’t make sense. Her actions are also confusing but are written as if they make sense, much of the time. Why does she collect tiny clothes? And if she wants to be seen, why does she steal things and lie about it? What’s the connection?! I guess I just didn’t get this.
4. The ending was unnecessarily rushed.
5. What was the point of the neighbour, exactly?
Overall, it felt like the author was throwing a lot of stuff at the wall and seeing what stuck. And what’s left is quite random, and it doesn’t all come together. There’s a better book in here about small rebellion when you’re invisible that I wish I’d read instead.
1. The childhood trauma of the MC seemed quite random, unnecessary (and I don’t mean in its detail etc - I’m really not averse to dark things at all. I mean for the story and her character), and just sort of…. didn’t go anywhere.
2. Characters’ actions seemed random and characters seemed to change depending on what the author needed to happen or wanted to happen - e.g. Nadine and Sue
3. I don’t really know who the MC is. She seems contradictory but in ways that don’t make sense. Her actions are also confusing but are written as if they make sense, much of the time. Why does she collect tiny clothes? And if she wants to be seen, why does she steal things and lie about it? What’s the connection?! I guess I just didn’t get this.
4. The ending was unnecessarily rushed.
5. What was the point of the neighbour, exactly?
Overall, it felt like the author was throwing a lot of stuff at the wall and seeing what stuck. And what’s left is quite random, and it doesn’t all come together. There’s a better book in here about small rebellion when you’re invisible that I wish I’d read instead.
July 10, 2024
Audrey Mendes is 38, a successful lawyer living in Sydney with her pet rabbit Joni. She has complex relationships with her family-particularly her mum, her work colleagues -all vying for promotion and her trivia group The East Enders. Socially awkward, Audrey just doesn’t seem to quite fit in. She feels invisible, unseen and unheard and sets about trying to change this. She starts stealing small things from a variety of places because she can, because no one would believe she would or could. She feels not interesting enough to even be suspected. The book is very funny in parts, none of the characters seem to have a filter for tact or diplomacy, but poignant and heartbreaking in others. Literally I laughed and cried during this book especially around the little clothes themselves. There are a number of difficult and dark themes behind the brightly coloured positive looking cover but the author balances these cleverly and sensitively with lighter touches. I loved the character of Maggie, Audrey’s friend from childhood. I found this an excellent book and a sequel would work well. I would be really interested in where Audrey goes next in her life.
October 9, 2024
I did not like this book. Was totally unprepared for some reveals but that wasn't what made me not like it. The MC is unlikeable, stupid at times and I just couldn't understand half her actions.
She lets men treat her like crap, never stands up for herself with anyone, not even towards the end. The only reason one of the men got his comeuppance at all was because of his own actions and not hers. I do get that what she went through as a child has probably dictated her actions throughout her life but still! She doesn't show any growth as the book progressed and just kept letting situations happen to her.
The writing was done very well, its obvious the author can write. But I just couldn't like this book and maybe its because I couldn't connect with the MC? She's meant to be a lawyer and reading between the lines a pretty damn good one, so why did she act stupid most of the time? I guess the old adage is true, just cause you've got book smarts doesn't mean that you've got street smarts.
But if the book cover grabs you, give it a read. Others have read it and have enjoyed it immensely, I'm probably just an outlier.
She lets men treat her like crap, never stands up for herself with anyone, not even towards the end. The only reason one of the men got his comeuppance at all was because of his own actions and not hers. I do get that what she went through as a child has probably dictated her actions throughout her life but still! She doesn't show any growth as the book progressed and just kept letting situations happen to her.
The writing was done very well, its obvious the author can write. But I just couldn't like this book and maybe its because I couldn't connect with the MC? She's meant to be a lawyer and reading between the lines a pretty damn good one, so why did she act stupid most of the time? I guess the old adage is true, just cause you've got book smarts doesn't mean that you've got street smarts.
But if the book cover grabs you, give it a read. Others have read it and have enjoyed it immensely, I'm probably just an outlier.
November 6, 2024
Bonkers and desperately sad
Audrey feels invisible. She works hard yet is overlooked for partnership in the law firm, visits her parents yet her mum considers that her only planned children are dead, and can’t even get served a couple of bottles of wine at the pub. So she steals them.
As her frustration with the world and the other people in it grows, so does her habit of stealing things, and she begins to rebel in other, more noticeable ways - Not that anyone attributes them to Audrey.
And then there are the little clothes. And the brand new furniture to store them in. Where does this obsession come from?
This was just as strange a story as I expected from the blurb, but also desperately sad, as Audrey uncovers the truth about her past and begins to understand what exactly was kept from her all these years.
She was a hard character to like, but I did appreciate how she starts to set boundaries and stand up for herself during the course of the story, although there are ups and downs along the way. I was ultimately on her side.
I thought this was a well written book, and I especially liked Audrey’s dialogue as she became more and more sassy!
I would recommend
Audrey feels invisible. She works hard yet is overlooked for partnership in the law firm, visits her parents yet her mum considers that her only planned children are dead, and can’t even get served a couple of bottles of wine at the pub. So she steals them.
As her frustration with the world and the other people in it grows, so does her habit of stealing things, and she begins to rebel in other, more noticeable ways - Not that anyone attributes them to Audrey.
And then there are the little clothes. And the brand new furniture to store them in. Where does this obsession come from?
This was just as strange a story as I expected from the blurb, but also desperately sad, as Audrey uncovers the truth about her past and begins to understand what exactly was kept from her all these years.
She was a hard character to like, but I did appreciate how she starts to set boundaries and stand up for herself during the course of the story, although there are ups and downs along the way. I was ultimately on her side.
I thought this was a well written book, and I especially liked Audrey’s dialogue as she became more and more sassy!
I would recommend
June 25, 2024
Audrey is a lawyer in her last year of her 30s.
She has friends and work colleagues and the odd casual relationship. She is undervalued in all parts of her life. She is not seen nor heard and not appreciated. Her dad must be the only one who truly loves and cares for her. One day, she goes to the pub and is waiting to be served and doesn't, so she goes behind the bar and steals a few bottles. From this, her journey is a difficult one seeking answers from work, personal life, and wanting to feel appreciated. She has a dry sense of humour, where her colleagues just don't understand her. Her actions can be odd, to be honest. However, the people around her are so harsh and inconsiderate that you can understand her behaviour at times. I didn't like her mum and her boss much - she had to toughen up!
I was raring for her to speak up and push her boundaries with everyone.
This, on the whole, was a wonderful story of an average 39 year old woman wanting to feel loved and valued.
TW rape, abuse
She has friends and work colleagues and the odd casual relationship. She is undervalued in all parts of her life. She is not seen nor heard and not appreciated. Her dad must be the only one who truly loves and cares for her. One day, she goes to the pub and is waiting to be served and doesn't, so she goes behind the bar and steals a few bottles. From this, her journey is a difficult one seeking answers from work, personal life, and wanting to feel appreciated. She has a dry sense of humour, where her colleagues just don't understand her. Her actions can be odd, to be honest. However, the people around her are so harsh and inconsiderate that you can understand her behaviour at times. I didn't like her mum and her boss much - she had to toughen up!
I was raring for her to speak up and push her boundaries with everyone.
This, on the whole, was a wonderful story of an average 39 year old woman wanting to feel loved and valued.
TW rape, abuse
July 4, 2024
So glad I picked this up!
I was instantly drawn into this novel with its catching blurb and bright cover. I wanted to know more Audrey and her seemingly eccentric life and let me tell you, you're going to want to know more too! Audrey is a character that you relate too and also want to protect at all costs, after basically being taken advantage of her whole life she's had enough. While this seems like a happy go lucky story about a woman finally standing up for herself be prepared for a shock!
I really enjoyed where this author took this novel, it was unique, interesting and shocking, it quite literally had me gasping out loud a handful of times. We get the full scope with peeks into her pasts that build a bigger picture of her quirks and why she is the way she is, and even though this character goes a bit off the rails Deborah still has you wanting nothing but the best for this woman. A book I will mots definitely be recommending to everyone!
I was instantly drawn into this novel with its catching blurb and bright cover. I wanted to know more Audrey and her seemingly eccentric life and let me tell you, you're going to want to know more too! Audrey is a character that you relate too and also want to protect at all costs, after basically being taken advantage of her whole life she's had enough. While this seems like a happy go lucky story about a woman finally standing up for herself be prepared for a shock!
I really enjoyed where this author took this novel, it was unique, interesting and shocking, it quite literally had me gasping out loud a handful of times. We get the full scope with peeks into her pasts that build a bigger picture of her quirks and why she is the way she is, and even though this character goes a bit off the rails Deborah still has you wanting nothing but the best for this woman. A book I will mots definitely be recommending to everyone!
May 20, 2024
The Little Clothes by Deborah Callaghan follows the ups and downs of Audrey Mendes' life. Audrey works in a law firm but despite her hard work, she is constantly overlooked for promotion. Her lack of confidence, especially in a social setting, is deemed to be her problem. This also impacts on her relationships with her family and friends. She constantly overreacts to situations which lead to funny but also very sad events. Audrey is also prone to a bit of thieving.
As the story progresses Callaghan slowly exposes the traumas from Audrey's life. There are moments of humour balanced by moments of great sadness. Just how much of Audrey's problems are the result of her early life?
This is a tale of overcoming problems and finally putting yourself first. An easy read.
Thanks to Better Reading and Penguin for my paperback copy.
As the story progresses Callaghan slowly exposes the traumas from Audrey's life. There are moments of humour balanced by moments of great sadness. Just how much of Audrey's problems are the result of her early life?
This is a tale of overcoming problems and finally putting yourself first. An easy read.
Thanks to Better Reading and Penguin for my paperback copy.
July 9, 2024
In The Little Clothes, we follow our main character, Audrey, a 38 year old lawyer, who wanders through life pretty much unnoticed. She's a stickler for the rules, doesn't talk back, never stands up for herself and is taken for granted by everyone.
That is until one small act of rebellion ( walking out of a bar without paying for her wine ), turns into another and another in a spiral of havoc for herself, friends and family as she completely unravels.
It's quite a shocking story in parts and will make you angry at the way Audrey is treated by various people, especially her mother.
It's a piece full of raw emotion and feeling.
It's insightful, it's brave and it's incredibly well written with believable characters of decent depth.
I read this in two sittings.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
#fatguyreading #bookstagammers #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagram
That is until one small act of rebellion ( walking out of a bar without paying for her wine ), turns into another and another in a spiral of havoc for herself, friends and family as she completely unravels.
It's quite a shocking story in parts and will make you angry at the way Audrey is treated by various people, especially her mother.
It's a piece full of raw emotion and feeling.
It's insightful, it's brave and it's incredibly well written with believable characters of decent depth.
I read this in two sittings.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
#fatguyreading #bookstagammers #bookstagramuk #bookstagrammer #bookstagram
May 22, 2024
The Little Clothes by Debra Callaghan is a book that sneaks up on you, starting softly and building to a crescendo. It is insidious and emotive as the reader bears witness to Audrey being ignored, excluded, and irritated. Audrey’s awkwardness is endearing and her audacity shocking yet exhilarating. What will she do next? She is a cork bobbing up and down in a choppy sea as her treatment by others, both past and present, pushes her behaviour to extremes. But she gets away with it all because 'no one sees me … I’m not a challenge or a threat. I’m useful’ she explains.
Your heart will go out to Audrey, and you will be delighted by the details and quirkily described observations. The grazing board was ‘a fleeting table-to-bin amusement’. Love it!
Your heart will go out to Audrey, and you will be delighted by the details and quirkily described observations. The grazing board was ‘a fleeting table-to-bin amusement’. Love it!
May 25, 2024
A quirky story about Audrey and her chaotic life. Full of contradictions and confusions about life and the way she lives it and the decisions she makes. At times you cringe, cheer her on, want her to stop, feel her pain or just need her to take a breath and ask for help. There are many people in Audrey’s life who complicate and confuse her, but we can all relate to many of them I am sure. Written in a light hearted, fast paced way, the underlying messages are really what I believe the author wants us to consider. Our past experiences need resolving, everyone has a story, and everyone is important and everyone is different.
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