All We Need

by Magdalena McGuire, Unknown Author

Three women. A baby rescued from the sea. Lives forever changed.

When Sapphie, a passionate environmentalist, goes on a camping trip in the bush, she miraculously rescues a baby from the sea. The baby belongs to Candace, a charity worker struggling with new motherhood. The act of rescue throws these strangers together and inspires an intense friendship. Candace’s best friend Alexia, a legal academic, has her reservations about the unconventional new woman in their lives. When Alexia investigates Sapphie’s background, she discovers … nothing. As far as the internet is concerned, Sapphie doesn’t exist. This compels Alexia to What is Sapphie hiding?

As the novel dives into the turbulent waters of love, duty and control, the women must navigate the powerful currents of their fears and desires to discover who they really are.

All We Need is whip-smart fiction that shines a light on how we live today. It holds a mirror to contemporary parenting, economic insecurity, sibling rivalry, the environment, gender divides and the joy of dress-ups. Acutely observed, funny and tender, this tell-your-friends-about-it book will keep you gripped until the last page.

PRAISE FOR ALL WE NEED
‘All We Need is a clever and compassionate story brimming with truth about the beautiful mess that is contemporary life.’ – Melanie Cheng, author of The Burrow

‘This book may be all you need right now - spend some quality time with these wonderful characters who will remind you of why all the best things in life are always worth fighting love and loyalty, hope and healing.’ – Ceridwen Dovey, author of Mothertongues

‘richly layered with vivid imagery, texture, sensory description, talismans, costumes, and bountiful nature’ – Kali Napier, author of The Secrets at Oceans Edge

Paperback

About the author

Magdalena McGuire was born in Poland, grew up in Darwin, and now lives in Melbourne with her husband and son. Her short fiction has been published by The Big Issue, Margaret River Press, The Bristol Prize anthology and elsewhere. In 2016 she won the Impress Prize for New Writers. In 2017 she won Mslexia's Short Fiction Competition, judged by Deborah Levy. Home Is Nearby is her debut novel.

Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Friendship is the cornerstone of existence.
They can form and remain from a young age, they can come at critical stages of life like at university, parenthood, work or social activities.
The shifting sands of friendship and family bonds come under the spotlight in this great narrative.
Candace and Alexia met at university and have become best friends.
On a camping trip the unthinkable happens.
Baby Pia has escaped the tent and is missing.
Nature loving, hippy and single mum Sapphie finds Pia down by the ocean early one morning.
Once reunited a strange or perhaps obligatory bond forms with Candace and Sapphie.
Alexia finds it strange and possibly threatening and does some online snooping.
The pathway to friendship has its ups and downs, it threatens, it uncovers elements of truth and it cements commonality.
A journey all the ladies undertake.
A Melbourne location is the background for this intriguing and at times intense story.
The stressful introduction of the characters seamlessly and organically grows into a well developed friendship in a realistic and relatable way.
Like in life a host of other connections and sore points enhance the read.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is about three women, their lives, their roles as mothers, partners, daughters, friends. They are all different but they are all connected.

I was very intrigued by this book, it was easy to read and kept me engaged but it was a very character driven story, which I’m not really used to.

This novel is about every day life, the struggles of work and parenting, financial struggles and comparing yourself to others. There’s a hint of temptation, jealousy and strong friendships made.

This book reminds us that no one really has an easy life, we all struggle in different ways and no one has a perfect life. Basically, life is messy.

Thank you so much for the early copy @ultimopress.

[Lisa]

I really liked Home is Nearby (see my enthusiastic review at https://anzlitlovers.com/2019/03/19/h...) but All We Need just couldn't hold my interest. Boring, neurotic characters, who are too stoned to supervise their kid on a camping trip.

I don't rate books I don't finish.

[Julia S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and feel grateful to have experienced it. All we need is a beautifully written work, full of insight and quiet wisdom. The author’s pacing allows the story to unfold in a way that invites deep reflection. Every detail feels intentional, and that gentleness gives the reader space to connect meaningfully with the characters and their journeys.

I really enjoyed the portrayal of the three women – Sapphie, Candace and Alexia. All from different walks of life, with different experiences and perspectives. The characters felt authentic and relatable, and watching the way that their relationships evolve throughout the pages of this book, showed how people can learn from one another, grow together, and offer support in unexpected ways. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all interconnected—that community and compassion are essential parts of being human.

Thank you to Better Reading for the preview copy!

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Now this was a difficult one to summarise or review. The write up made this different.

A camping adventure and a baby dare say toddler really escapes the tent and finds the water. A stranger collects the child and before you know it a reunion of the parents. From here it became pretty big standard and dull. They keep in touch but no huge twist or super exciting bits happen just 3 families in a normal world going their own ways.

Thank you to Better Reading for the preview copy via Ultimo Press

[Rebecca Fung · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a beautiful cover and so clever!

All We Need is a difficult book to review and a difficult one even to blurb. The blurb, I found, was misleading. It hints at a certain dark mystery involving Sapphie as if this is the biggest part of the book and we're set up to think that we'll be investigating Sapphie throughout. That's not what the book is about at all. It's a slice of life book.

We start with Candace musing on how, if we were told at a point in our lives that certain people would be the ones who'd be really important to us later in life, we'd be very surprised by the omissions and additions. It's a "life philosophy" that's a theme in the book though the exploration of it is not very wide or deep.

However it may resonate with readers especially older people. How many people have looked back at photos (I hear people say this especially of wedding photos) and say that they no longer keep in touch with most of these people? I have heard so many say they look at their wedding photos and they don't see anyone who made up the wedding party (except for their spouse). They don't keep in contact with many of their guests. Yet those people were the most important people in their lives at the time. Right then they would not have envisaged that they wouldn't play a big role in each others' lives ten years later.

So in the story, Candace knows Alexia and a chance event throws them together with Sapphie.

Their lives get increasingly more tangled.

I felt the book got off to a good start and the opening chapters were well-paced, enjoyable and intriguing.

The story describes a few events that bring them together - it is a slice of life story. It is a quiet story. There's a lot of discussing things like weird songs the kids sang or using phones and stuff like that. The problem I had with it was that it seemed a bit random - a slice of life but why these slices? There did not seem to be a real meaning holding the thread together except that the women interact. I didn't feel strongly that the women resolved an issue or made some meaningful headway except that at the beginning they didn't know Sapphie and later on they obviously knew each other better. Naturally a story does not have to be about physically defeating a foe, going on a geographical journey or obtaining something physical - but emotionally or spiritually defeating, reaching a goal, or obtaining a desired result ... I did not feel this happened. Perhaps in a subplot, it happened for Candace and her sister but not in the main.

There were plenty of incidents that held a lot of promise. These included conflicts and tragedies and this is beyond the scary incident of the almost lost child at the beginning that brings the women together. However instead of (as many authors would) trying to squeeze these for all the emotional stakes possible, McGuire seems to try to play these down. The drama subsides quite easily and the plots don't go the full length. Some may like that McGuire is not melodramatic but it also may leave many to feel that this is not that compelling. The tension is not there.

There are some very nice observations of family life and modern life that people can relate to, well-written, but I felt they needed a bit more to push them into making an impact. Candace, Sapphie and Alexia are distinct and well-portrayed characters as are other secondary characters. The portrait is good and spending time with the characters may be enough for some but I felt that there needed to be a bit more in terms of tension to make the story more compelling.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel from my friend Magdalena McGuire positively sings. The writing is poetically lyrical. The intertwining themes pulse underneath the plot at a steady thrum, loosely held but always there. The characters all have their own breath and life and inner monologue. The book is full of sensual moments - eating a blueberry, smelling a eucalyptus, riding on a full tram, the feel of dirt on the hands. And it is deeply embedded in place - beautiful, hectic Melbourne. The differing characters of St Kilda, Fawkner, Yarra Bend and more are all represented with their unique charms. There are unexpected sprinklings of humour and the children are holistically drawn, not just backdrop.

A baby (toddler) escapes from a tent while the parents sleep and is rescued in the surf by Sapphie, a single mother. A loner who works in a health food store, this brings her into the orbit of Candace (the mother and a policy officer at a social services agency) and her best friend Alexia, also a mother of two children and a successful professor of contract law. This unlikely threesome weave their stories together, working to fix what is broken and this is the heart of this beautiful piece of literature. Things happen but the real story is the inner journey and the ways that women support one another with deep friendships. Just a gorgeous, gorgeous story. It will leave you glowing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as an ARC from Better Reading Preview. My review:
A wonderfully written novel covering the power of women and female friendships but also how the work of women in the home can begin to pull us away from who we are and were.
There are themes of the impact of toxic masculinity, coercive control, family trauma and the use of financial control and manipulation but written in a compassionate and considered manner.
The idea throughout the book that the important people in our lives and ‘on our list’ will change over time and that support and care can come from the most unexpected people resonated powerfully with this reader. The novel reflects relationship changes over time - friendships can deepen or disappear, siblings can change immensely from childhood into adulthood, as well as children as they mature and develop. Walking the tightrope of parenthood to support a child be their best selves not allow yourself to be taken advantage of or hurt by them as they mature and choose the direction of their lives and relationships.
This great read is hard to put down as it gently moves the reader through serious concepts without inflicting trauma, allowing for reflection and appreciation of the paths our lives can unwittingly take us.

[Lesley Olariu · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel. Like life, it seemed a bit random and haphazard…..lots that I could relate to having once lived in a Melbourne as a student and young wife and mother, but then other parts that seemed quite incomprehensible. Alexia is career driven with vague longings and family issues that niggle, her protege Candace, (whose young baby becomes the catalyst for the three way friendship around which the book revolves) is struggling to find her happy place, and Sapphie also a young mum has a secret that is destroying her sense of peace and safety.Together they navigate their way through a myriad of challenges, both personal and professional, learning that true friendship requires give and take and the strength to do the right thing even at a possible cost to oneself.
The writing is clear, vivid and descriptive, drawing the reader into the moment so that even when I found some of the behaviour odd, I could empathise and see why particular characters might act as they did.
Thanks to Better Reading for the preview copy.

[Kathy Soltan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about 3 women that explores the ties of friendship, as well as their private battles and fears. The premise of how Candace met Sapphie was also unusual. I was a bit concerned that we were going to stray into postnatal depression or Azaria Chamberlain territory, but instead we saw two lovely, giving people reluctantly became firm friends. Of course the seemingly confident, highly driven Alexia feels quite threatened by this coupling, as Sapphie gives Candace a different perspective on life and appears to be more in sync with her friend- there are values and a way of living that Alexia does not share or could dare imagine. But ultimately, they are all holding back from showing their true selves out of fear, even to the people who love them the most. Therefore it was beautiful to watch each come into her own when they realised what they really wanted was to be their own authentic selves with no pretence. And then they could attain that elusive missing piece of the puzzle - peace and contentment. Highly recommended, a great holiday read.

[Marg · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘All We Need’ is set in the present time, located in Melbourne and centred around three young women, their families and their day to day lives. Candace and Alexia met at university where Alexia became Candace’s mentor for the Women in Law program and their friendship has been maintained ever since.
The opening chapters find Candace and Alexia, long with their partners and children, on a camping weekend.
When Candace’s daughter disappears the next morning, she is found having been rescued on the nearby beach by Sapphire. The three women meet up for a play date and a threesome develops and whilst Sapphire appears to be holding back Candace seems to be drawn to her.
All three are dealing with young children plus their own daily challenges but a bond is form and is tested at various times.
The various situations the trio face and the handling of delicate and tragic situations is very well written. Thank you to Better Reading for copy received

[Karina Bryer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when three women’s lives become entangled by a near tragedy? “All We Need” is a dive into relationships forged by this shared experience. The story follows the lives of three women thrown together by circumstance and how this chance event has an impact on their view of themselves and what they consider important in their lives. For readers, it is a reminder that in our fast-paced, modern society we still need companionship and the love of others to make it through. Magdalena McGuire has written a touching tale with believable characters. It explores a range of issues which occur in families up and down suburban streets around Australia. While not necessarily offering solutions, we are left with the feeling that the three main characters have ended up in a better place.

Thanks to @BetterReading for the chance to preview this book.

[Kes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting from the blurb; I assumed there’d be a bit of intrigue and maybe dark secrets or people hiding who they are. It was actually a fairly sedate suburban tale, with almost no tension, drama or even… events. The most exciting part by far was the near-drowning baby in the first few chapters, after that it was just a quite lovely story of female friendship developing between some mothers in different life stages and situations. It was easy to read and I really enjoyed it, but it was not what I was expecting! I enjoyed the characters (although the “baby” was maybe not very realistic for whatever age it was supposed to be).

Also the giveaway of the “twist” was hugely coincidental and not very believable.

[Kali Napier · Rating 5 out of 5]

"All We Need" has curses, gifts that come at a cost, and spells to keep children from harm. And like many fairytales, the arrival of a stranger begins to unravel desperately made bargains. Candace and Alexia’s longstanding friendship is thrown into chaos from the moment Sapphie enters their story, rescuing Candace’s infant. In the ensuing pages, their lives become tangled as they learn who they can trust and what they can control, what’s fair and who’s good, and the shifting negotiations they must make with their partners, families, children, and themselves to survive motherhood. And can they believe what they see?
Magdalena McGuire’s new novel is richly layered with vivid imagery, texture, sensory description, talismans, costumes, and bountiful nature, building to a magical scene straight out of a fairytale, but one strongly rooted in the real world of social media, the housing crisis, and job insecurity.

With thanks to the author and Ultimo Press for the ARC.

[Elaine]

Not sure how to rate this book as I found it tough to read. The main 3 women - it is about their lives as individuals, wives, daughters, mothers, employees, friends. How they react to situations, each other, their children, tragedies and to sum up life in general. Are they as women strong, weak, indifferent or combinations of all. Loved the hidden faces on the cover. If you’re looking for a book to entertain you with lots of humour or a good mystery this is not the book but still worth the read to compare your life with these women. Thank you #Betterreading @betterreading for sending me the book.

[Janet Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently received a copy of All we need by Magdalena McGuire thanks to #BRPreview @betterreading.au. it's a very interesting storyline about a baby being found floundering on shore alone and distressed. It is about people coming into you life right when needed, even if you don't know it, and the influences both positive and negative they can bring into your life. It's a tale about reinvention, renewing relationships and letting go of past hurts and mistakes and moving on to a brighter future filled with hope optimism, acceptance and self love. A very empowering storyline about the fact that although feeling trapped there's always opportunities for a new life if you take a risk. Loved it.

[Wendy Loud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review:
‘Two’s company, three’s a crowd’, may have been Alexia’s thinking when Sapphie entered wedged between the lives of herself and best friend Candace and in the most extraordinary way.
The changing self images and hopes of all three women are explored within this novel, leading all of them to question who they really are.
Each has their own families, children and lives to juggle along the way following a traumatic incident at a beach campsite.
Alexia battles with resentment and conflicting emotions around the evolving of Candace and Sapphie’s friendship with the feeling of losing control of her own relationship.
Enjoy this complex weave.

[Julie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for the copy.
I’m not quite sure how to feel about All We Need by Magdalena McGuire published by Ultimo Press. It follows three women as they navigate life, motherhood, friendship, work, love and shows how complicated it all can be. The first chapter deeply resonated with me, but I found it heavy and hard to sit with. I believe some of the themes within the book could be too close to home and wasn’t the escape that I love when reading. It is not a light or easy read so maybe not the right pick if you're after something to read whilst having a cup of tea on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
- Julie

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

All We Need is a captivating look at women’s friendships and family life through the eyes of three very different, but wonderfully engaging characters: Candace, Alexia and Sapphie.

Thrown together via a dramatic incident on a camping trip, these three women will become an integral part of each other’s lives. Through the struggles of motherhood, family relationships, financial and career pressures and past secrets, they will each reassess themselves and what they want for their future.

“Other people’s needs are like Arlo’s creations: they keep getting bigger and bigger, and no matter how much work she does, she can never get it down to a manageable size.”

The above quote from Alexia really resonated with me, perfectly illustrating the balancing act that many mothers perform while trying to be everything to everyone and forgetting their own needs in the process. Out of the three, Alexia was the woman I most related to as she tried to be the fixer and the perfect parent. Her need to try and fix her friend Candace’s life came from a place of love, but still had her pushing Candace in directions that were not really what she wanted.

Sapphie brought a whole new dynamic to the group as a single mum, with a more alternative type outlook on parenting. I loved getting to know more about her and what brought her to where she was now. Her actions when she first met Candace on the camping trip also added some mystery and tension to this story.

Overall this was a beautiful and honest story with its realistic portrayal of women’s lives, my only negative was that the back cover blurb was a little misleading.

[Book My Imagination · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a lovely look at friendships, both new and old.
At motherhood and the worries of raising children.
It looks at ties that bind friendship and reveals how strong they actually can be and how they can grow, even through initial moments of mistrust.

I found it to be rich and warm, easing me through the differing views of 3 women who come together through a moment of tense fears.
Showing the realness of who we are today with our ability to search for any information online, to the feeling of a potential housing crisis, to escaping a situation that threatens everything you love.
And to the enduring power of friendships old and new.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this thoughtful and beautifully written novel. It explores motherhood, identity and the emotional tier of family in a gentle but powerful way. I was especially drawn to.Sapphie - her mysterious past and the way she affects the other characters added a real depth to the story.
It’s not a fast paced read, but it gave me time to really connect with the characters. I appreciated that it didn’t wrap things up too neatly- it felt true to life.
Thanks to Better Reading I was lucky enough to win a copy.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

All we need is centered around three women – Candace, Alexia and Sapphie. Candace and Alexia have a long standing friendship and Sapphie enters their lives after a near tragic event on a camping trip. A tale of navigating female friendships and family life. This was a read that flowed easily whilst keeping you interested throughout. I also enjoyed that it was set in Melbourne, always adds an extra touch for me. Thank you to Better Reading and Ultimo Press for the chance to read and review.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to start and what to share. This story is convoluted to say the least. Three women’s lives become entwined when a baby goes missing on a camping holiday. Two have been friends for many years and the third, Sapphie, finds the baby leading to a new relationship with Candice and Alexia. There are so many topics touched on in this story; relationships, fear, jealousy, who are the important people in our lives and does that change as time moves on, family dynamics, how we choose to live our lives, and so it goes on. Despite that it is quite an easy read. Magdalena has woven the topics skilfully without any huge dramas, other than the missing baby. I enjoyed this story, it is well written and makes you reflect on your own friendships over your life.
Many thanks to Better Reading for a copy of the book.