Spin Cycle

Laundry Series #1

by Ilsa Evans

Ever had one of those weeks when you've been soaked, put through the ringer & hung out to dry?On Monday morning, this twice-divorced mother of three was bemoaning her boring life that left her feeling deflated and unhappy. By the end of the week she wishes that was all she had to worry about.

In the space of seven days her life is picked up and spun around when she discovers her mother's getting married again (for the fourth time), her older sister is pregnant again (for the fifth time), her younger sister lands the perfect boyfriend (who is very fanciable), her sister-in-law is running a brothel, her new next-door neighbour is going to be her ex-ex husband. Oh, and she's been arrested, her best friend's gone missing and the pets keep dying.

All in the same week she sacks her therapist because she thinks she can work it all out for herself. But can she? And how can she work it all out if she doesn't even know what it is she wants to work out?

336 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

About the author

Ilsa Evans is an Australian author. She has written across several genres from light fiction (such as the books that make up the 'laundry series') to more gritty social realism. Two of her books, Broken and Sticks and Stones stem from the findings of a PhD on the long-term effects of family violence that Ilsa completed in 2005. Ilsa teaches creative writing and carries out public speaking when she is not writing. She lives in the Dandenong Ranges east of Melbourne with her children, assorted pets and several uninvited possums.

Reviews

[Veronica-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book that was funny in all the right places. Using lots of wry humour combined with a down-to-earth realism of everyday life, the reader is left with little choice but to reflect on one's own daily happenings. Ilsa Evans explores the heart of what really matters, with truthful dialogue between friends and family even when it hurts or is unpleasant at times. This is both a nod to the fact that we all have issues we need to work on but is also expertly told with an extremely hilarious style. I would recommend this book.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a humorous and heartwarming story. The frustrations of the protagonist were relatable and entertaining, and the conclusion was uplifting.

[Dianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

The calamities just kept coming in this book and it became a bit wearing after a while. I'm surprised the protagonist could get out of bed under the weight of it all! There are hints of darker things like domestic violence, but I suppose they're not delved into the maintain the lighter tone to the storyline. The ending came about pretty abruptly, considering the leisurely pace of the rest of the book, but in the end the characters had become endearing.

[Deb Bodinnar · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want a good amusing read, grab this book and start being amused!! Whenever you read one of Ilsa's "fun" books you find someone that is so much like someone in your own family it's scary. Going straight onto the sequel novel Drip Dry....

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magnificent Australian author.
What a delightful read.
Great story, great family, great comedy...................something we can all relate to in here!!!
loved it!

[Katrina Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book some years ago. It is hilariously funny and as I still remember it, it must have been good!