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The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer
Two women abduct and hide out with their four-year-old granddaughter Avery, who they suspect is being harmed. They both love Avery ... shame they can't stand each other. A wise and witty novel for readers of Sophie Green and Brooke Davis. What would you do to protect a child?
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in gaol for supposedly contravening a family violence order, and Daniel has full-time care of their four-year-old daughter, Avery.
When Shirley suspects that Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth to abduct their own granddaughter, even though the two women can't stand each other. They are joined on the run across country Victoria by Winnie, Shirley's own 89-year-old tech-savvy mother, and Harthacnut, Beth's miniature schnauzer.
The abduction gives rise to crises both personal and social, as Shirley's large and interfering family - including her toxic son - struggle to come to terms with her actions, amid a whirl of police investigation and media excitement. This heartfelt, wise, witty and wholly original novel explores the lengths we may go to for those we love, and the unintended damage folded into daily life.
'fantastic, fresh and unexpected' - Cassie Hamer, author of After the Party
'combines controversy and compassion' - Olivia Wearne, author of The Grand Tour
'I loved this story of women's lives - many different ages and kinds of women - and its deep, compassionate understanding of ordinary life forced to become extraordinary. I laughed over and over as Evans' sharp wit brought her characters to vivid life ' - Pamela Hart, author of Digging Up Dirt
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in gaol for supposedly contravening a family violence order, and Daniel has full-time care of their four-year-old daughter, Avery.
When Shirley suspects that Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth to abduct their own granddaughter, even though the two women can't stand each other. They are joined on the run across country Victoria by Winnie, Shirley's own 89-year-old tech-savvy mother, and Harthacnut, Beth's miniature schnauzer.
The abduction gives rise to crises both personal and social, as Shirley's large and interfering family - including her toxic son - struggle to come to terms with her actions, amid a whirl of police investigation and media excitement. This heartfelt, wise, witty and wholly original novel explores the lengths we may go to for those we love, and the unintended damage folded into daily life.
'fantastic, fresh and unexpected' - Cassie Hamer, author of After the Party
'combines controversy and compassion' - Olivia Wearne, author of The Grand Tour
'I loved this story of women's lives - many different ages and kinds of women - and its deep, compassionate understanding of ordinary life forced to become extraordinary. I laughed over and over as Evans' sharp wit brought her characters to vivid life ' - Pamela Hart, author of Digging Up Dirt
429 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
25 people are currently reading
766 people want to read
About the author
Ilsa Evans
17 books64 followersIlsa 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 4, 2021
This is a delightful mixture of a serious family drama with a humorous account of two grannies going on the run with their four year old granddaughter, Avery.
Avery’s parents Daniel and Cleo are separated but normally share custody of Avery. However, Cleo is currently in jail for breaching a family violence order, so Daniel has been looking after Avery on his own. When his mother Shirley sees bruises on Avery’s body, she becomes concerned that the child is being abused and when her husband refuses to take any action, decides to take Avery away somewhere she can keep her safe. Cleo’s mother Beth insists on coming as well, along with her dog and Shirley’s mother Winnie.
When Avery is reported missing, the media have a field day with the story of two grannies and a great-grandmother on the run with a child and the police’s inability to find them. The three women are great characters. Beth is super organised and judgmental while Shirley is more laissez faire and often a bit overwhelmed with life, using liberal glasses of wine to help her cope. The two have never got on well, so spending time cooped up together in suboptimal accommodation was never going to be easy. Winnie is the delightful, surprise pick of the bunch. At 89, she often feels overlooked, but is wise and witty, somewhat snarky and surprisingly tech savvy, with more than a few tricks up her sleeve to help keep them ahead of the police.
Despite the humorous nature of the grannies’ escapade, the issue of child abuse is handled seriously and with sensitivity by the author. Although Beth and Shirley both side with their own child when it comes to discussing what went wrong with their marriage, they now have time to recognise and reflect on their children’s flaws and that neither are blameless. They also come to accept, and even like, each other better and to some extent recognise their own flaws. Overall, Ilsa Evans has written an entertaining plot with original and interesting, if flawed, characters in a humorous situation, while somehow not playing down the seriousness of the issue at the heart of the novel.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read
Avery’s parents Daniel and Cleo are separated but normally share custody of Avery. However, Cleo is currently in jail for breaching a family violence order, so Daniel has been looking after Avery on his own. When his mother Shirley sees bruises on Avery’s body, she becomes concerned that the child is being abused and when her husband refuses to take any action, decides to take Avery away somewhere she can keep her safe. Cleo’s mother Beth insists on coming as well, along with her dog and Shirley’s mother Winnie.
When Avery is reported missing, the media have a field day with the story of two grannies and a great-grandmother on the run with a child and the police’s inability to find them. The three women are great characters. Beth is super organised and judgmental while Shirley is more laissez faire and often a bit overwhelmed with life, using liberal glasses of wine to help her cope. The two have never got on well, so spending time cooped up together in suboptimal accommodation was never going to be easy. Winnie is the delightful, surprise pick of the bunch. At 89, she often feels overlooked, but is wise and witty, somewhat snarky and surprisingly tech savvy, with more than a few tricks up her sleeve to help keep them ahead of the police.
Despite the humorous nature of the grannies’ escapade, the issue of child abuse is handled seriously and with sensitivity by the author. Although Beth and Shirley both side with their own child when it comes to discussing what went wrong with their marriage, they now have time to recognise and reflect on their children’s flaws and that neither are blameless. They also come to accept, and even like, each other better and to some extent recognise their own flaws. Overall, Ilsa Evans has written an entertaining plot with original and interesting, if flawed, characters in a humorous situation, while somehow not playing down the seriousness of the issue at the heart of the novel.
With thanks to Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for a copy to read
December 22, 2022
EXCERPT: 'I have a theory,' began Beth.
'Oh, god!' said Shirley. 'Not another one!'
Beth sent her a brief frown. 'No, hear me out. I have a theory that in thirty years we'll be sitting where your mother is now. Celebrating our ninetieth birthdays. We'll have been carted over from the retirement village and we'll be surrounded by wheelchairs and walking sticks and those Zimmerframe things. And also family. Just like now.' She wiped at the window, clearing away the condensation from her breath. 'Your Sam will still be running around organising everything, and Alex will have settled himself somewhere with a beer, and Hamish will be tending the bar, and Cleo will still probably be finding her way.'
'And Daniel?' asked Shirley in a low voice.
Beth hesitated, but only for a second. 'Yes,even your rotten Daniel. And also Avery, who'll probably have children of her own, and Caitlin and Charlie. All grown up. And you know what? People will be arguing, and others will be estranged, and still others will be taking sides when they maybe shouldn't. Some will be happy and some will be sad. They'll have mortgages and marriage issues. Some will be unemployed. All of them will have regrets in one way or the other. Maybe wishing they'd made better choices. And it doesn't matter.' She shrugged. 'Because, well, that's life.'
ABOUT 'THE UNUSUAL ABDUCTION OF AVERY CONIFER': Two women abduct and hide out with their four-year-old granddaughter Avery, who they suspect is being harmed. They both love Avery ... shame they can't stand each other. A wise and witty novel for readers of Sophie Green and Brooke Davis.
What would you do to protect a child?
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in gaol for supposedly contravening a family violence order, and Daniel has full-time care of their four-year-old daughter, Avery.
When Shirley suspects that Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth to abduct their own granddaughter, even though the two women can't stand each other. They are joined on the run across country Victoria by Winnie, Shirley's own 89-year-old tech-savvy mother, and Harthacnut, Beth's miniature schnauzer.
The abduction gives rise to crises both personal and social, as Shirley's large and interfering family - including her toxic son - struggle to come to terms with her actions, amid a whirl of police investigation and media excitement. This heartfelt, wise, witty and wholly original novel explores of the lengths we may go to for those we love, and the unintended damage folded into daily life.
MY THOUGHTS: Relationships are an endless source of fascination for me. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is the story of mothers in their role as grandmothers (and one great-grandmother) doing what they do best - nuture and protect.
Of course, as someone once famously said, 'you can't please all of the people all of the time,' and yet mothers constantly try as they do their best for their families. And these mothers certainly upset more than one person in their efforts to keep Avery safe and give Daniel a much needed wake up call.
Daniel is a character who is easy to dislike. He's one of those 'entitled' people, one who never takes responsibility for anything, who believes that he is treated unfairly, and - need I go on? You know the sort. He's manipulative and needy and controlling. What makes him so different from his brother and sister? Who knows, but he is different, very different.
But the crux of the story is what brings together two women who previously couldn't stand each other. Beth thinks Shirley is common; Shirley thinks Beth is stuck up; and Winnie thinks they both need to get over themselves. Shirley is worried that Winnie is in the early stages of dementia but Beth has a sneaking admiration for Winnie - she is capable of being sneaky and thinking on her feet.
I admired these three women for having the courage of their convictions. They tried to do the right thing the right way, but when that failed they took matters into their own hands. We need more women like these three. You only have to look at the skyrocketing child abuse numbers to know why.
An inspiring story told with empathy, pathos and humour.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheUnusualAbductionofAveryConifer #NetGalley
I: #islaevansauthor @harlequinaus
T: @islaevans @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #sliceoflife
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Isla Evans for review. I'm only sorry that I waited so long to read this little gem. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmdMIF9La...
'Oh, god!' said Shirley. 'Not another one!'
Beth sent her a brief frown. 'No, hear me out. I have a theory that in thirty years we'll be sitting where your mother is now. Celebrating our ninetieth birthdays. We'll have been carted over from the retirement village and we'll be surrounded by wheelchairs and walking sticks and those Zimmerframe things. And also family. Just like now.' She wiped at the window, clearing away the condensation from her breath. 'Your Sam will still be running around organising everything, and Alex will have settled himself somewhere with a beer, and Hamish will be tending the bar, and Cleo will still probably be finding her way.'
'And Daniel?' asked Shirley in a low voice.
Beth hesitated, but only for a second. 'Yes,even your rotten Daniel. And also Avery, who'll probably have children of her own, and Caitlin and Charlie. All grown up. And you know what? People will be arguing, and others will be estranged, and still others will be taking sides when they maybe shouldn't. Some will be happy and some will be sad. They'll have mortgages and marriage issues. Some will be unemployed. All of them will have regrets in one way or the other. Maybe wishing they'd made better choices. And it doesn't matter.' She shrugged. 'Because, well, that's life.'
ABOUT 'THE UNUSUAL ABDUCTION OF AVERY CONIFER': Two women abduct and hide out with their four-year-old granddaughter Avery, who they suspect is being harmed. They both love Avery ... shame they can't stand each other. A wise and witty novel for readers of Sophie Green and Brooke Davis.
What would you do to protect a child?
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in gaol for supposedly contravening a family violence order, and Daniel has full-time care of their four-year-old daughter, Avery.
When Shirley suspects that Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth to abduct their own granddaughter, even though the two women can't stand each other. They are joined on the run across country Victoria by Winnie, Shirley's own 89-year-old tech-savvy mother, and Harthacnut, Beth's miniature schnauzer.
The abduction gives rise to crises both personal and social, as Shirley's large and interfering family - including her toxic son - struggle to come to terms with her actions, amid a whirl of police investigation and media excitement. This heartfelt, wise, witty and wholly original novel explores of the lengths we may go to for those we love, and the unintended damage folded into daily life.
MY THOUGHTS: Relationships are an endless source of fascination for me. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is the story of mothers in their role as grandmothers (and one great-grandmother) doing what they do best - nuture and protect.
Of course, as someone once famously said, 'you can't please all of the people all of the time,' and yet mothers constantly try as they do their best for their families. And these mothers certainly upset more than one person in their efforts to keep Avery safe and give Daniel a much needed wake up call.
Daniel is a character who is easy to dislike. He's one of those 'entitled' people, one who never takes responsibility for anything, who believes that he is treated unfairly, and - need I go on? You know the sort. He's manipulative and needy and controlling. What makes him so different from his brother and sister? Who knows, but he is different, very different.
But the crux of the story is what brings together two women who previously couldn't stand each other. Beth thinks Shirley is common; Shirley thinks Beth is stuck up; and Winnie thinks they both need to get over themselves. Shirley is worried that Winnie is in the early stages of dementia but Beth has a sneaking admiration for Winnie - she is capable of being sneaky and thinking on her feet.
I admired these three women for having the courage of their convictions. They tried to do the right thing the right way, but when that failed they took matters into their own hands. We need more women like these three. You only have to look at the skyrocketing child abuse numbers to know why.
An inspiring story told with empathy, pathos and humour.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.1
#TheUnusualAbductionofAveryConifer #NetGalley
I: #islaevansauthor @harlequinaus
T: @islaevans @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #contemporaryfiction #familydrama #sliceoflife
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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA, via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Isla Evans for review. I'm only sorry that I waited so long to read this little gem. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CmdMIF9La...
September 1, 2021
This is a story about mothers and their relationships with their children. Family members from four generations chat and argue, get along with each other or fall out, some of them in big ways! Most significant are four year old Avery, her two grandmothers, Shirley and Beth, and her wonderful great grandma, Winsome or, as she prefers, Winnie.
When it appears that Avery is being abused by her father, Shirley steals her away and, with Beth and Winnie's aid, hides her while they wait for her mother to be released from prison. It is not as complicated as it sounds once you read all the details! The author deals with the possible abuse fairly and presents Avery very realistically. There is a lot of drama and also a lot of humour as they attempt their disappearances, pursued by both the media and the police.
It was all very readable and very entertaining. This is the first book I have read by this Australian author and I will look out for more now.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
When it appears that Avery is being abused by her father, Shirley steals her away and, with Beth and Winnie's aid, hides her while they wait for her mother to be released from prison. It is not as complicated as it sounds once you read all the details! The author deals with the possible abuse fairly and presents Avery very realistically. There is a lot of drama and also a lot of humour as they attempt their disappearances, pursued by both the media and the police.
It was all very readable and very entertaining. This is the first book I have read by this Australian author and I will look out for more now.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 17, 2021
Despite the cosy looking cover and title of this book it covers some heavier topics. How lovely though to get another book set in Australia, in Victoria no less, the state that I grew up in.
Avery Conifer is a bubbly 4 year old whose mother, Cleo, is serving a four month jail sentence for repeated breaches of an AVO brought by her ex husband. Everyone was shocked at the sentence so the child is left in the care of her father who seems to be doing a less than stellar job of looking after her. Shirley Conifer, Avery’s paternal grandmother notices some bruises on the girl but her son Daniel, Avery’s father, has a plausible explanation. But when Shirley gets Avery dumped on her doorstep one afternoon so Daniel can go on a date and she notices a couple of nasty welts on her bottom and what looks like a cigarette burn she realises that something needs to be done.
Beth Patterson is Avery’s maternal grandmother and visits her daughter in jail every week. She is surprised to learn that Avery has not been brought to visit her mother for weeks. Very early one morning Beth is shocked to find Shirley on her doorstep (the two are not exactly friends) claiming she has kidnapped Avery and that Beth should come with them. Oh and Shirley’s mother - the 89 year old Winsome (Winnie) Cuthbertson is along for the adventure. The plan is to stay in hiding for the next 6 weeks and 6 days until Cleo is released from jail, all in the interests of protecting Avery. This is all at the start of the book so not spoilery.
The rest of the book tells the story of how the grannies manage to stay in hiding. But it is about so much more than that. The three older women have to learn to get along with each other and learn from each other. It turns into quite the bonding exercise. Along the way we hear some unpleasant truths about parenting and about all the different types of guilt that women tend to burden themselves with - consciously or unconsciously and we learn about the benefits of forgiveness.
Shirley and Beth and quite different people and got on each other’s nerves a lot to start with but as the angles got sanded away they started to rub along a lot better. A lot of this due, of course, to ensuring that Avery’s welfare came first. But for me, the star of the show was Winnie! Don’t write this 89 year old lady off yet. She is full of surprises, not least of which is her technological fluency which baffles the younger women. She is also brutally blunt at times when it is necessary. I’d love to be like Winnie if I ever get to that age.
Another serious aspect of the story was that, technically, the women had broken the law as Daniel had reported his daughter missing while he had legal custody of her. How does that get resolved? You’ll have to read the book to find out. The writing was brisk and witty and had quite a few laugh out loud moments. It was filled with pathos, humour, guilt and, most of all, love. A lovely heartwarming read. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Avery Conifer is a bubbly 4 year old whose mother, Cleo, is serving a four month jail sentence for repeated breaches of an AVO brought by her ex husband. Everyone was shocked at the sentence so the child is left in the care of her father who seems to be doing a less than stellar job of looking after her. Shirley Conifer, Avery’s paternal grandmother notices some bruises on the girl but her son Daniel, Avery’s father, has a plausible explanation. But when Shirley gets Avery dumped on her doorstep one afternoon so Daniel can go on a date and she notices a couple of nasty welts on her bottom and what looks like a cigarette burn she realises that something needs to be done.
Beth Patterson is Avery’s maternal grandmother and visits her daughter in jail every week. She is surprised to learn that Avery has not been brought to visit her mother for weeks. Very early one morning Beth is shocked to find Shirley on her doorstep (the two are not exactly friends) claiming she has kidnapped Avery and that Beth should come with them. Oh and Shirley’s mother - the 89 year old Winsome (Winnie) Cuthbertson is along for the adventure. The plan is to stay in hiding for the next 6 weeks and 6 days until Cleo is released from jail, all in the interests of protecting Avery. This is all at the start of the book so not spoilery.
The rest of the book tells the story of how the grannies manage to stay in hiding. But it is about so much more than that. The three older women have to learn to get along with each other and learn from each other. It turns into quite the bonding exercise. Along the way we hear some unpleasant truths about parenting and about all the different types of guilt that women tend to burden themselves with - consciously or unconsciously and we learn about the benefits of forgiveness.
Shirley and Beth and quite different people and got on each other’s nerves a lot to start with but as the angles got sanded away they started to rub along a lot better. A lot of this due, of course, to ensuring that Avery’s welfare came first. But for me, the star of the show was Winnie! Don’t write this 89 year old lady off yet. She is full of surprises, not least of which is her technological fluency which baffles the younger women. She is also brutally blunt at times when it is necessary. I’d love to be like Winnie if I ever get to that age.
Another serious aspect of the story was that, technically, the women had broken the law as Daniel had reported his daughter missing while he had legal custody of her. How does that get resolved? You’ll have to read the book to find out. The writing was brisk and witty and had quite a few laugh out loud moments. It was filled with pathos, humour, guilt and, most of all, love. A lovely heartwarming read. Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin Australia for the much appreciated ARC which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
February 10, 2022
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Aussie author Ilsa Evans was a very entertaining read and I must say going into this book I was a little unsure if I would like it even though I had read many great reviews on it.
This is a well-written book about family drama with a few laugh out loud moments which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review. Highly recommended.
This is a well-written book about family drama with a few laugh out loud moments which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’m looking forward to reading more by this author in the future. With thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my digital copy to read and review. Highly recommended.
September 14, 2021
Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson didn’t much like one another, but they had four-year-old granddaughter, Avery in common. Beth’s daughter Cleo, who was married to Daniel, Shirley’s son, was currently in jail over breeching an AVO, leaving the care of Avery to Daniel. As Shirley slowly became more suspicious, the day arrived that she took Avery to Beth’s place and between them they planned Avery’s abduction. Shirley’s tech-savvy eighty-nine-year-old mother, Winnie, declared she was joining them.
With photographic evidence of Avery’s injuries, the three women set off, embarking on a journey not for the faint hearted. Deciding to remain on the run until Cleo was released from prison was their best option, as it meant Daniel wouldn���t have control over Avery. But when the police became involved, the three women, along with Avery and Beth’s miniature schnauzer, knew things were serious and they needed a place to hunker down for the remaining weeks. But would it be possible to stay out of sight for that long? To not use their phones or credit cards to give themselves away?
Sam (Shirley’s daughter) and Hamish, plus Alex (Shirley’s son) and Hannah, also Brendan, Shirley’s aggrieved husband, along with Daniel, were all interviewed by the police, with the media picking the story up. It was a free-for-all, a media scrum – and Winnie kept a close eye on it. Would the police be able to catch up with the wayward grannies, a little girl and a dog?
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a laugh out loud, extremely well written, look at child abuse and what grandmothers and mothers would do for their children. The harm is mild in this case, but obviously still not tolerated, and the actions of the three women brilliant. Aussie author Ilsa Evans has written a heartwarming, heartfelt novel filled with wisdom, humour, and much debating between everyone involved. I loved Winnie! She’s dry, smart, switched on, and of course Avery is all kinds of cute. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With photographic evidence of Avery’s injuries, the three women set off, embarking on a journey not for the faint hearted. Deciding to remain on the run until Cleo was released from prison was their best option, as it meant Daniel wouldn���t have control over Avery. But when the police became involved, the three women, along with Avery and Beth’s miniature schnauzer, knew things were serious and they needed a place to hunker down for the remaining weeks. But would it be possible to stay out of sight for that long? To not use their phones or credit cards to give themselves away?
Sam (Shirley’s daughter) and Hamish, plus Alex (Shirley’s son) and Hannah, also Brendan, Shirley’s aggrieved husband, along with Daniel, were all interviewed by the police, with the media picking the story up. It was a free-for-all, a media scrum – and Winnie kept a close eye on it. Would the police be able to catch up with the wayward grannies, a little girl and a dog?
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a laugh out loud, extremely well written, look at child abuse and what grandmothers and mothers would do for their children. The harm is mild in this case, but obviously still not tolerated, and the actions of the three women brilliant. Aussie author Ilsa Evans has written a heartwarming, heartfelt novel filled with wisdom, humour, and much debating between everyone involved. I loved Winnie! She’s dry, smart, switched on, and of course Avery is all kinds of cute. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2022
The adventures of wacky mad-cap older folks are a balm to all the stresses of this year. Beth and Shirley are very Odd Couple: the cynic and the optimist, the conscientious planner and the free thinker. But Winnie, the sneaky and snarky great-grandmother, is my favourite of the lot. They all come together to save the day in this heart-warming and up-lifting read.
My full review of The Unusual Abduction Of Avery Conifer is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
My full review of The Unusual Abduction Of Avery Conifer is up now on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
September 8, 2021
Avery Conifer is a much loved four year old, only her mother is in jail and her father is a bit of a dickhead. Fortunately, Shirley Conifer her grandmother, uncharacteristically decides to take action and 'kidnap' her grand-daughter to keep her safe. She goes straight to Beth, Avery's maternal grandmother to seek guidance. Although Shirley and Beth cannot stand each other, but their love for Avery prevails and the two, along with Shirley's 89 year old mother, Winnie decide to protect Avery at any cost.
The book deals with subject of child abuse and neglect in a very human way. The abuse and neglect are not severe, and although the book is quite humorous in places it does not at all excuse nor glamourise the issue of child protection.
I loved the character's and how their stories all unfolded. From Shirley, Beth and Winnie, to Cleo (Avery's mother in prison), Samanatha (Shirley's daughter) and Elsa (the policewoman trying to find them). There are some true laugh out load moments as well a few tears to be shed while reading this.
I can highly recommend this book and this very talented Australian author.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
The book deals with subject of child abuse and neglect in a very human way. The abuse and neglect are not severe, and although the book is quite humorous in places it does not at all excuse nor glamourise the issue of child protection.
I loved the character's and how their stories all unfolded. From Shirley, Beth and Winnie, to Cleo (Avery's mother in prison), Samanatha (Shirley's daughter) and Elsa (the policewoman trying to find them). There are some true laugh out load moments as well a few tears to be shed while reading this.
I can highly recommend this book and this very talented Australian author.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this digital ARC.
January 28, 2022
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**4.5 stars*
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans. (2021).
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in jail for supposedly breaching a restraining order while Daniel cares for their 4-year-old daughter Avery. When Shirley suspects Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth's help to abduct their granddaughter despite their dislike of each other. They are joined on the run by Shirley's 89-year-old tech-savvy mum Winnie, and Beth's small dog. The abduction creates personal and social issues as Shirley's large and interfering family struggle to understand her actions, amid police investigation and media excitement.
I had seen and heard about this book a few times, all positive things, so was quite keen to read it. I can say that it definitely didn't disappoint; I really enjoyed it. I thought this novel put a spotlight on something that occurs more than what people may think - grandparents forced into a position of protecting their grandchildren. The story manages to capture the seriousness of this issue while including some light and witty moments, along with some emotional scenes. I liked that the character perspectives often changed which allowed the reader to experience the overall reactions towards and ramifications of Shirley and Beth's actions. The character of Winnie truly was a highlight; the woman was an utter riot.
Overall: a fabulous book I would happily recommend; I'm glad my first book of 2022 was a great read.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
**4.5 stars*
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer by Ilsa Evans. (2021).
Beth's daughter Cleo and Shirley's son Daniel used to be married. Now Cleo is in jail for supposedly breaching a restraining order while Daniel cares for their 4-year-old daughter Avery. When Shirley suspects Daniel is harming Avery, she enlists Beth's help to abduct their granddaughter despite their dislike of each other. They are joined on the run by Shirley's 89-year-old tech-savvy mum Winnie, and Beth's small dog. The abduction creates personal and social issues as Shirley's large and interfering family struggle to understand her actions, amid police investigation and media excitement.
I had seen and heard about this book a few times, all positive things, so was quite keen to read it. I can say that it definitely didn't disappoint; I really enjoyed it. I thought this novel put a spotlight on something that occurs more than what people may think - grandparents forced into a position of protecting their grandchildren. The story manages to capture the seriousness of this issue while including some light and witty moments, along with some emotional scenes. I liked that the character perspectives often changed which allowed the reader to experience the overall reactions towards and ramifications of Shirley and Beth's actions. The character of Winnie truly was a highlight; the woman was an utter riot.
Overall: a fabulous book I would happily recommend; I'm glad my first book of 2022 was a great read.
September 8, 2021
This was a great book set in Australia written by an Australian author. Its a story about how far would you go to protect a child. A serious subject suspected child abuse plays a huge part of this book when the grannies take matters into their own hands.
This book focuses on mother/daughter/son relationships. I especially loved the relationship with Winnie and Shirley. Its a book about toxic relationships. The father of Daniel seems oblivious to the whole situation and tends to take a back seat. Its a book about having to get along with people you dont necessarily like in order to help a child.
My favourite character would have to be Winnie. I loved the way she was up to date with todays technology and able to keep them in hiding because of it and her sense of humour.
This book was very entertaining and had me laughing out loud. The wit and was just perfect.
This book focuses on mother/daughter/son relationships. I especially loved the relationship with Winnie and Shirley. Its a book about toxic relationships. The father of Daniel seems oblivious to the whole situation and tends to take a back seat. Its a book about having to get along with people you dont necessarily like in order to help a child.
My favourite character would have to be Winnie. I loved the way she was up to date with todays technology and able to keep them in hiding because of it and her sense of humour.
This book was very entertaining and had me laughing out loud. The wit and was just perfect.
August 11, 2021
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a stand-alone novel by Australian author, Ilsa Evans. To say that Elizabeth Patterson is surprised when Shirley Conifer turns up on her doorstep at 5.40am on a Sunday morning with their granddaughter, Avery, would be an understatement. And when she learns why they are there, she is incandescent with anger.
That Shirley has come to her at all is unexpected: rather than not getting on, they actively despise each other. But her motivation is concern for four-year-old Avery, and Shirley knows that Beth’s feeling in that regard is as strong as her own. Later it is pointed out to Beth just how difficult it must be for Shirley to concede that her own son represents a danger to his daughter.
With an eye on the long term, Shirley manages to talk Beth out of her initial impulse to call the police, and within hours, they have headed to a beachside AirBnB and sent Avery’s father, Daniel an ultimatum: seek counselling and live with Avery under the watchful eye of his parents. Beth is fairly confident that the man who put her daughter, Avery’s mother, into prison, will not agree, so makes contingency plans with military precision.
Soon they are on the run, with Beth’s salt-and-pepper miniature schnauzer and Shirley’s eighty-nine-year-old mother, Winnie, along for the ride, an Amber Alert on Facebook, and the cops, specifically DS Elsa Kaltenbrunner and her partner, DC Rebecca Flanagan, on their tail. Elsa is convinced that the matter will be quickly and efficiently sorted out, but she has perhaps underestimated the strength of feeling this trio of grandmothers has for young Avery.
In the process of reaching their hideaway, the grannies learn that anonymity cannot be found in an international airport, or on a city street, especially given how prolific mobile phones are. Then, confined together with a four-year-old, these three women discover a great deal about each other and themselves, about motherhood and the myriad of feelings and emotions it entails.
Evans gives the reader a tale that has elements of slapstick, but also addresses several topical issues, including ageism, the influence of breakfast TV, and trial by social media. Multiple narrators each contribute: snippets, or larger parts of the story. The dialogue, especially anything uttered by Winnie and Avery, is often entertaining. Her characters have depth and appeal, and all are very humanly flawed, giving this tale the seal of authenticity. Funny and thought-provoking, a delightful read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia
That Shirley has come to her at all is unexpected: rather than not getting on, they actively despise each other. But her motivation is concern for four-year-old Avery, and Shirley knows that Beth’s feeling in that regard is as strong as her own. Later it is pointed out to Beth just how difficult it must be for Shirley to concede that her own son represents a danger to his daughter.
With an eye on the long term, Shirley manages to talk Beth out of her initial impulse to call the police, and within hours, they have headed to a beachside AirBnB and sent Avery’s father, Daniel an ultimatum: seek counselling and live with Avery under the watchful eye of his parents. Beth is fairly confident that the man who put her daughter, Avery’s mother, into prison, will not agree, so makes contingency plans with military precision.
Soon they are on the run, with Beth’s salt-and-pepper miniature schnauzer and Shirley’s eighty-nine-year-old mother, Winnie, along for the ride, an Amber Alert on Facebook, and the cops, specifically DS Elsa Kaltenbrunner and her partner, DC Rebecca Flanagan, on their tail. Elsa is convinced that the matter will be quickly and efficiently sorted out, but she has perhaps underestimated the strength of feeling this trio of grandmothers has for young Avery.
In the process of reaching their hideaway, the grannies learn that anonymity cannot be found in an international airport, or on a city street, especially given how prolific mobile phones are. Then, confined together with a four-year-old, these three women discover a great deal about each other and themselves, about motherhood and the myriad of feelings and emotions it entails.
Evans gives the reader a tale that has elements of slapstick, but also addresses several topical issues, including ageism, the influence of breakfast TV, and trial by social media. Multiple narrators each contribute: snippets, or larger parts of the story. The dialogue, especially anything uttered by Winnie and Avery, is often entertaining. Her characters have depth and appeal, and all are very humanly flawed, giving this tale the seal of authenticity. Funny and thought-provoking, a delightful read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harlequin Australia
September 2, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish, there is a lot of family drama and emotion when two grandmothers, Shirley Conifer and Beth Patterson unite to abduct their four year old granddaughter, Avery for her protection, and here starts a journey that will have you turning the pages there are laughs along the way as well as serious discussions and lots of nurturing and support.
Avery is the daughter of Daniel and Cleo Conifer they are estranged and Cleo is in prison for contravening an AVO and Daniel has the full time care of Avery but when Daniel takes her to Shirley’s for a visit and she has bruises Shirley is worried. Shirley decides it is time to take action and conscripts Avery’s other grandmother Beth to help and also brings along her own mother eighty nine year old Winnie and Beth brings along her dog Harthacnut a miniature Schnauzer and the journey to protect Avery begins.
The Abduction is reported to the police and the media get involved the need to keep a low profile and out of the limelight doesn’t always go as planned but their journey across Victoria is helped along by Winnie who knows a lot more than anyone ever gave her credit for, disguises and planning play a big part in their hope to stay under the radar for the next seven weeks, time spent together also brings these women a lot closer together than they were at the start.
I loved this story it opens up a lot about families, it makes them all see truths that they may not have before, as they came together for the love of Avery and found themselves as well. There was a lot of nurturing and caring along the way and they would became firm friends. There were lots of laughs, frustrations and wine along the way as well, I loved Winnie so much and the way she helped them all she is so witty, Avery is a delightful little girl and as for Shirley and Beth they both I think became better in themselves especially Shirley.
This is a story that I would highly recommend, it is written beautifully with lots of caring and love as MS Evens brings these characters to life, there were lots of cheers coming from me for them all, I thought the ending was so good and there are so many fabulous characters that added so much to the story, I did love this one.
My thanks to Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Avery is the daughter of Daniel and Cleo Conifer they are estranged and Cleo is in prison for contravening an AVO and Daniel has the full time care of Avery but when Daniel takes her to Shirley’s for a visit and she has bruises Shirley is worried. Shirley decides it is time to take action and conscripts Avery’s other grandmother Beth to help and also brings along her own mother eighty nine year old Winnie and Beth brings along her dog Harthacnut a miniature Schnauzer and the journey to protect Avery begins.
The Abduction is reported to the police and the media get involved the need to keep a low profile and out of the limelight doesn’t always go as planned but their journey across Victoria is helped along by Winnie who knows a lot more than anyone ever gave her credit for, disguises and planning play a big part in their hope to stay under the radar for the next seven weeks, time spent together also brings these women a lot closer together than they were at the start.
I loved this story it opens up a lot about families, it makes them all see truths that they may not have before, as they came together for the love of Avery and found themselves as well. There was a lot of nurturing and caring along the way and they would became firm friends. There were lots of laughs, frustrations and wine along the way as well, I loved Winnie so much and the way she helped them all she is so witty, Avery is a delightful little girl and as for Shirley and Beth they both I think became better in themselves especially Shirley.
This is a story that I would highly recommend, it is written beautifully with lots of caring and love as MS Evens brings these characters to life, there were lots of cheers coming from me for them all, I thought the ending was so good and there are so many fabulous characters that added so much to the story, I did love this one.
My thanks to Harlequin AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
September 17, 2021
In The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer Ilsa Evans explores the conundrum faced by grandparents to intervene or not when they fear their grandchild may be being neglected or abused.
Shirley Conifer has been noticing bruises on four year old Avery. She confronts her son, Daniel, and he retaliates by not allowing her to see Avery. When the next time Avery is dropped off she sees more bruising she can't not interfere, deciding she must hide Avery until she can talk Daniel into getting help. With her eighty-nine year old mother and four year old Avery she goes to see Beth, Avery's other grandmother, and they hatch a plan to keep Avery safe.
Child abuse is a difficult subject however it is handled sensitively and offset with humour as the two grandmother and great-grandmother try to get along for Avery's sake.
This is a story about family; mother's and their children. Daniel is a narcissist, charismatic and a good manipulator and the idea of nature or nurture is explored as Shirley feels all the guilt over his behaviour. Beth's daughter Cleo is serving a four month prison term for breaching an IVO, Beth wonders where she went wrong.
As the women hide out they slowly start to understand each other. Beth is self-righteous and hilariously judgemental whilst Shirley is meek, always apologising. I felt 89 year old Winnie was the star of the story. Sharp as a tack and totally tech savvy. Winnie was happy to be ignored. She could do all sorts of things, being ignored was her super power. Winnie's antics had me laughing again and again. Whereas this feeling of invisibility was upsetting to Shirley.
"In some ways it was to her benefit if people underestimated her. Or even thought that she was senile" - Winnie
Ilsa Evans smashes the ageist stereotypes in this book.
Told from multiple points of view, thirteen in all. However each character is gradually introduced so it doesn't overwhelm. I did notice though that they were all women. The males in the book were generally backseat observers.
I really enjoyed this family drama filled with laugh out loud moments and characters I could truly connect with. Ilsa draws on her experiences on the board of a women and children's refuge to create real characters in compelling situations.
I also enjoyed the exploration of the relationship between the two grandmothers and the different mother / daughter relationships taking place throughout the novel. Even the subtle look at DS Elsa Kaltenbrunner's relationship with her mother.
*I received a copy from the publisher
Shirley Conifer has been noticing bruises on four year old Avery. She confronts her son, Daniel, and he retaliates by not allowing her to see Avery. When the next time Avery is dropped off she sees more bruising she can't not interfere, deciding she must hide Avery until she can talk Daniel into getting help. With her eighty-nine year old mother and four year old Avery she goes to see Beth, Avery's other grandmother, and they hatch a plan to keep Avery safe.
Child abuse is a difficult subject however it is handled sensitively and offset with humour as the two grandmother and great-grandmother try to get along for Avery's sake.
This is a story about family; mother's and their children. Daniel is a narcissist, charismatic and a good manipulator and the idea of nature or nurture is explored as Shirley feels all the guilt over his behaviour. Beth's daughter Cleo is serving a four month prison term for breaching an IVO, Beth wonders where she went wrong.
As the women hide out they slowly start to understand each other. Beth is self-righteous and hilariously judgemental whilst Shirley is meek, always apologising. I felt 89 year old Winnie was the star of the story. Sharp as a tack and totally tech savvy. Winnie was happy to be ignored. She could do all sorts of things, being ignored was her super power. Winnie's antics had me laughing again and again. Whereas this feeling of invisibility was upsetting to Shirley.
"In some ways it was to her benefit if people underestimated her. Or even thought that she was senile" - Winnie
Ilsa Evans smashes the ageist stereotypes in this book.
Told from multiple points of view, thirteen in all. However each character is gradually introduced so it doesn't overwhelm. I did notice though that they were all women. The males in the book were generally backseat observers.
I really enjoyed this family drama filled with laugh out loud moments and characters I could truly connect with. Ilsa draws on her experiences on the board of a women and children's refuge to create real characters in compelling situations.
I also enjoyed the exploration of the relationship between the two grandmothers and the different mother / daughter relationships taking place throughout the novel. Even the subtle look at DS Elsa Kaltenbrunner's relationship with her mother.
*I received a copy from the publisher
February 8, 2023
Podcast Review
https://anchor.fm/pauline-reidbookrev...
Book Review - The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
What This Book Is About
From the start there are mishaps. We have Great Grandma Winsome who listens alot and note things down, then we have Shirley who is in a befuddlement bliss in her head and finally Beth, the strategist, who has everyone lying low for 6 weeks, due to her ex army training. Look out for the three grannies!
The main concern? Avery, she's 4 years old, who was abducted by her three grandmother's. Are their excuses, motives, worth all the effort?
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC copy of, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
This book will be published on - 1 September 2021.
My thoughts
This is a new author to me and I must credit her for such a complicated twisty story, so many plot twists, that keeps you on the hop. Hilarity at it's best, is what I found in this funny book of mishaps, I was chuckling all the way through this. A rather lengthy read for me, but the story does do it justice. There were alot of character dynamics in this book that add to the drama.
This has a trigger warning - it does contain child abuse, so be careful if you are overly sensitive.
.
5 Star Rating
.
Recommend to all grandmothers out there, this is a chase on chase book, very entertaining, with heaps of wittiness, comes under the genre - Womens Fiction and written to include Australian scenery, towns.
.
https://paulinereidbookreviewer.wordp...
https://anchor.fm/pauline-reidbookrev...
Book Review - The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
What This Book Is About
From the start there are mishaps. We have Great Grandma Winsome who listens alot and note things down, then we have Shirley who is in a befuddlement bliss in her head and finally Beth, the strategist, who has everyone lying low for 6 weeks, due to her ex army training. Look out for the three grannies!
The main concern? Avery, she's 4 years old, who was abducted by her three grandmother's. Are their excuses, motives, worth all the effort?
.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC copy of, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
This book will be published on - 1 September 2021.
My thoughts
This is a new author to me and I must credit her for such a complicated twisty story, so many plot twists, that keeps you on the hop. Hilarity at it's best, is what I found in this funny book of mishaps, I was chuckling all the way through this. A rather lengthy read for me, but the story does do it justice. There were alot of character dynamics in this book that add to the drama.
This has a trigger warning - it does contain child abuse, so be careful if you are overly sensitive.
.
5 Star Rating
.
Recommend to all grandmothers out there, this is a chase on chase book, very entertaining, with heaps of wittiness, comes under the genre - Womens Fiction and written to include Australian scenery, towns.
.
https://paulinereidbookreviewer.wordp...
August 21, 2021
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is an enjoyably original contemporary novel set in Victoria, Australia, featuring a type of heroine often neglected in modern fiction - grannies! This was a new author for me but it was recommended by other reviewers and suited my current hankering for variety in my reading. It covers the serious topic of suspected child abuse sensitively and lightens the tone with some one-liners that at one point had me giggling uncontrollably in the middle of the night - the Cats’ Father thought I was having a seizure.
Beth Patterson, an upstanding and forthright senior citizen, is nonplussed by the arrival of her four year old granddaughter Avery in the early hours, escorted by her scatty other grandmother Shirley, who has discovered evidence of abuse by her belligerent but superficially charming son Daniel. Avery’s mother Cleo is in prison for violating the conditions of an Intervention Order, so the grannies - who don’t particularly get on but don’t trust the system to do the right thing - agree to protect the child by hiding out with her until Cleo’s release. They go on the run, along with Shirley’s prickly but surprisingly tech-literate 89 year old mother Winnie, and Beth’s gastricly challenged miniature schnauzer. Helped and hindered by their bemused families, and hunted by the police, they find themselves at the centre of a media storm - can they survive the boredom and privations of being outlaws, and each other, long enough to reunite Avery and Cleo?
“It might take a village to raise a child but perhaps it only took a couple of older women to protect one.”
I very much enjoyed this variably heart-warming and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges, responsibilities and dilemmas of motherhood. Told from a large range of viewpoint characters (perhaps too many), all third person past, the book is longer than I expected for its genre, but kept my interest throughout. It also takes a good look at the way we view older women. The mismatched heroines - not all necessarily likeable but each admirable in her way, especially the hilarious Winnie - go from irritable co-conspirators to cautious friends. The side players were well developed, I particularly liked patient and sensible detective Elsa, struggling with her own difficult mother (oh my could I relate) and there are some good good boo-hiss characters too, like spoiled narcissist Daniel and vain ambitious TV presenter Zandra; others were fundamentally good but realistically flawed, like most of the rest of their dysfunctional family - trying to do the right thing, if only they knew what that was.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is published on September 1st.
Beth Patterson, an upstanding and forthright senior citizen, is nonplussed by the arrival of her four year old granddaughter Avery in the early hours, escorted by her scatty other grandmother Shirley, who has discovered evidence of abuse by her belligerent but superficially charming son Daniel. Avery’s mother Cleo is in prison for violating the conditions of an Intervention Order, so the grannies - who don’t particularly get on but don’t trust the system to do the right thing - agree to protect the child by hiding out with her until Cleo’s release. They go on the run, along with Shirley’s prickly but surprisingly tech-literate 89 year old mother Winnie, and Beth’s gastricly challenged miniature schnauzer. Helped and hindered by their bemused families, and hunted by the police, they find themselves at the centre of a media storm - can they survive the boredom and privations of being outlaws, and each other, long enough to reunite Avery and Cleo?
“It might take a village to raise a child but perhaps it only took a couple of older women to protect one.”
I very much enjoyed this variably heart-warming and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges, responsibilities and dilemmas of motherhood. Told from a large range of viewpoint characters (perhaps too many), all third person past, the book is longer than I expected for its genre, but kept my interest throughout. It also takes a good look at the way we view older women. The mismatched heroines - not all necessarily likeable but each admirable in her way, especially the hilarious Winnie - go from irritable co-conspirators to cautious friends. The side players were well developed, I particularly liked patient and sensible detective Elsa, struggling with her own difficult mother (oh my could I relate) and there are some good good boo-hiss characters too, like spoiled narcissist Daniel and vain ambitious TV presenter Zandra; others were fundamentally good but realistically flawed, like most of the rest of their dysfunctional family - trying to do the right thing, if only they knew what that was.
Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for the ARC. I am posting this honest review voluntarily. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is published on September 1st.
September 18, 2021
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Ilsa Evans is the bestselling author of fourteen novels across a number of different genres and she returns with a new release titled, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer. A compassionate story of love, protection, trust, belonging, understanding and family responsibilities, Ilsa Evans presents her audience with witty tale filled with plenty of soul.
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer considers the lengths family members go to for their loved ones to secure their safety and wellbeing. The separation of two core characters to this story, Cleo and Daniel, sets in motion a difficult series of events for the cast to contend with in The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer. When her mother is placed in gaol, a four-year-old girl is placed under the full care of her father Daniel. But suspicions are soon cast on Daniel when his mother picks up on some serious issues which all sadly indicate that Avery is being abused. Shirley is very concerned for Avery’s welfare and she decides to make the difficult move in securing the help of Cleo’s mother to remove their granddaughter from further harm. The two decide to take drastic action, which sees this unlikely duo embark on a state wide road trip. But they also have Shirley’s mother accompanying them, along with Beth’s dog. The shock removal of Avery from Daniel’s care sends everyone in a spin, from other family members, to the authorities and even the media. Despite handling the situation rather inappropriately, Shirley and Beth have their granddaughter’s best interests at heart.
Ilsa Evans is new face to me, but after a quick read of her website, I was quite shocked to discover that Evans is the author of fourteen novels. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is the latest release from the Victorian based writer, who balances public speaking with her TAFE work and writing endeavours. With a university background in gender issues and violence against women, Evans has penned a novel that tackles some serious conflicts in a fictional format.
Balancing a number of different viewpoints, mostly from a female and mature aged perspective, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer successfully integrates the emotions of three contrasted figures. Although all three women who guide the direction of this story are in their twilight years, they are full of life and energy. I managed to click with each of these likeable protagonists. However, I did develop a stronger connection to Winnie, the eldest crew member of this eventful road trip. Winnie is just delightful and she manages to make the reader smile many times over thanks to her antics. I found the scenes involving Winne the most engaging and witty. Evans also inhabits the innocent viewpoint of young Avery, the titular character of this story. I was pleased that the author managed to convey the events of this tale from an age-appropriate lens. Evans covers many different bases in this all-encompassing narrative.
Evans presents a very original concept in her new release. I liked the intent of this adventurous and meaningful road trip, especially in regards to child protection. Evans embeds other hard going themes such as loss, guilt, relationships, family ties, expectation, motherhood, wrong choices, the media, disagreements, abuse and neglect within her novel. There is an overarching theme of ageing and invisibility in regards to our older female population, which is definitely a topic that deserves plenty of attention. Many of these common but sad issues will strike a chord with readers. Evans presents these core topics in a sensitive, balanced and informative manner. The careful writing style, well timed comedic moments, along with the level of respect the author devotes to her main subject focus made The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer a very good read. I was a little at odds with the ending and I think this aspect of the tale is the only area that made me feel conflicted, but it was closed off in a succinct manner.
A judicious tale that contains plenty of heart, understanding, humour and reflection, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a poignant story that gives a voice to family trauma and ageing.
The Unusual Abduction of Ilsa Evans is book #84 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
Ilsa Evans is the bestselling author of fourteen novels across a number of different genres and she returns with a new release titled, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer. A compassionate story of love, protection, trust, belonging, understanding and family responsibilities, Ilsa Evans presents her audience with witty tale filled with plenty of soul.
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer considers the lengths family members go to for their loved ones to secure their safety and wellbeing. The separation of two core characters to this story, Cleo and Daniel, sets in motion a difficult series of events for the cast to contend with in The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer. When her mother is placed in gaol, a four-year-old girl is placed under the full care of her father Daniel. But suspicions are soon cast on Daniel when his mother picks up on some serious issues which all sadly indicate that Avery is being abused. Shirley is very concerned for Avery’s welfare and she decides to make the difficult move in securing the help of Cleo’s mother to remove their granddaughter from further harm. The two decide to take drastic action, which sees this unlikely duo embark on a state wide road trip. But they also have Shirley’s mother accompanying them, along with Beth’s dog. The shock removal of Avery from Daniel’s care sends everyone in a spin, from other family members, to the authorities and even the media. Despite handling the situation rather inappropriately, Shirley and Beth have their granddaughter’s best interests at heart.
Ilsa Evans is new face to me, but after a quick read of her website, I was quite shocked to discover that Evans is the author of fourteen novels. The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is the latest release from the Victorian based writer, who balances public speaking with her TAFE work and writing endeavours. With a university background in gender issues and violence against women, Evans has penned a novel that tackles some serious conflicts in a fictional format.
Balancing a number of different viewpoints, mostly from a female and mature aged perspective, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer successfully integrates the emotions of three contrasted figures. Although all three women who guide the direction of this story are in their twilight years, they are full of life and energy. I managed to click with each of these likeable protagonists. However, I did develop a stronger connection to Winnie, the eldest crew member of this eventful road trip. Winnie is just delightful and she manages to make the reader smile many times over thanks to her antics. I found the scenes involving Winne the most engaging and witty. Evans also inhabits the innocent viewpoint of young Avery, the titular character of this story. I was pleased that the author managed to convey the events of this tale from an age-appropriate lens. Evans covers many different bases in this all-encompassing narrative.
Evans presents a very original concept in her new release. I liked the intent of this adventurous and meaningful road trip, especially in regards to child protection. Evans embeds other hard going themes such as loss, guilt, relationships, family ties, expectation, motherhood, wrong choices, the media, disagreements, abuse and neglect within her novel. There is an overarching theme of ageing and invisibility in regards to our older female population, which is definitely a topic that deserves plenty of attention. Many of these common but sad issues will strike a chord with readers. Evans presents these core topics in a sensitive, balanced and informative manner. The careful writing style, well timed comedic moments, along with the level of respect the author devotes to her main subject focus made The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer a very good read. I was a little at odds with the ending and I think this aspect of the tale is the only area that made me feel conflicted, but it was closed off in a succinct manner.
A judicious tale that contains plenty of heart, understanding, humour and reflection, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a poignant story that gives a voice to family trauma and ageing.
The Unusual Abduction of Ilsa Evans is book #84 of the 2021 Australian Women Writers Challenge
July 18, 2021
Ilsa Evans has done such a fabulous job with this book! A fresh and immersive story that will tickle your funny bone, chip at your heart and challenge your thinking around the true meaning of motherly sacrifice and the many different ways of being female. You'll keep turning the pages, not just to get to find out what happens to Avery Conifer, but also to savour this complex and layered portrait of family life that draws deeply on a rainbow-palette of life experience. Highly recommend.
September 28, 2021
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a heartfelt, thoughtful and witty novel from Ilsa Evans.
Shirley Conifer has given her youngest son Daniel the benefit of the doubt as he struggles with single parenthood, but on discovering deep bruises on her four year granddaughter’s body she makes the snap decision not to return Avery to her father until he commits to making some changes. Worried that she won’t have the fortitude to follow through, Shirley seeks the support of Beth Patterson, Avery’s maternal grandmother, knowing that even though they agree on little, Beth will be similarly motivated to protect Avery.
Beth thinks Shirley should call the police, but with Avery’s mother, Cleo, serving a three month sentence in prison as a result of the couple’s tumultuous marriage, neither want to run the risk of Avery being placed in foster care. Shirley is confident Daniel will do the right thing but to prove they are serious, the women, with Avery, Shirley’s 89 year old mother, Winnie, and Beth’s beloved schnauzer, Harthacnut, in tow, decide to leave the city for the week.
Daniel is furious when he learns of his mother’s actions, and refusing to accept any blame for the situation, demands Avery be returned or he will report them for child abduction. Determined to protect Avery no matter the cost to themselves, Shirley and Beth reconsider their plan, and go on the run, intending to stay ahead of Daniel, and the police, until Cleo is released from jail.
Unfolding from multiple perspectives, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, is a complex family drama that primarily explores issues around parenting, mother guilt, domestic violence, relationships, family dynamics, and ageing. Evan’s writing is sensitive and thoughtful, but there is plenty of humour too.
Though the police are confident the women will be found quickly, Beth, Shirley and Winnie prove to be craftier than anyone expects. While Beth lays careful plans to keep them all off the grid, Winnie reveals a surprisingly useful grasp of tech and social media, and Shirley ensures Avery is entertained. I enjoyed the dynamics at play, it’s not easy for the three very different women to spend 24/7 confined in the same space however, and the mood is often tense between them given Beth’s judgemental attitude, Shirley’s love of wine, and Winnie’s bluntness, but they also have the opportunity to learn from each other as they progress from reluctant allies to friends.
While the Grandmothers keep a low profile, Shirley’s very pregnant daughter tries to manage the situation at home, and Cleo is forced to face her mistakes. We’re also given some insight into the lives of the two female police investigators on the case, and a behind scenes look at a tv panel show following the abduction story. While personally I didn’t think the latter two perspectives added much value to the story, they do work within the themes of the novel.
As a fan of Ilsa Evan’s Nell Forrest Mystery series, I was especially delighted that the women ultimately took refuge in Majic, and that a character I had the fortune to win naming rights to in Forbidden Fruit (Grace June Rae) made a cameo appearance!
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a thought-provoking, emotive and entertaining novel offering a wonderful mix of drama, adventure and comedy.
Shirley Conifer has given her youngest son Daniel the benefit of the doubt as he struggles with single parenthood, but on discovering deep bruises on her four year granddaughter’s body she makes the snap decision not to return Avery to her father until he commits to making some changes. Worried that she won’t have the fortitude to follow through, Shirley seeks the support of Beth Patterson, Avery’s maternal grandmother, knowing that even though they agree on little, Beth will be similarly motivated to protect Avery.
Beth thinks Shirley should call the police, but with Avery’s mother, Cleo, serving a three month sentence in prison as a result of the couple’s tumultuous marriage, neither want to run the risk of Avery being placed in foster care. Shirley is confident Daniel will do the right thing but to prove they are serious, the women, with Avery, Shirley’s 89 year old mother, Winnie, and Beth’s beloved schnauzer, Harthacnut, in tow, decide to leave the city for the week.
Daniel is furious when he learns of his mother’s actions, and refusing to accept any blame for the situation, demands Avery be returned or he will report them for child abduction. Determined to protect Avery no matter the cost to themselves, Shirley and Beth reconsider their plan, and go on the run, intending to stay ahead of Daniel, and the police, until Cleo is released from jail.
Unfolding from multiple perspectives, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, is a complex family drama that primarily explores issues around parenting, mother guilt, domestic violence, relationships, family dynamics, and ageing. Evan’s writing is sensitive and thoughtful, but there is plenty of humour too.
Though the police are confident the women will be found quickly, Beth, Shirley and Winnie prove to be craftier than anyone expects. While Beth lays careful plans to keep them all off the grid, Winnie reveals a surprisingly useful grasp of tech and social media, and Shirley ensures Avery is entertained. I enjoyed the dynamics at play, it’s not easy for the three very different women to spend 24/7 confined in the same space however, and the mood is often tense between them given Beth’s judgemental attitude, Shirley’s love of wine, and Winnie’s bluntness, but they also have the opportunity to learn from each other as they progress from reluctant allies to friends.
While the Grandmothers keep a low profile, Shirley’s very pregnant daughter tries to manage the situation at home, and Cleo is forced to face her mistakes. We’re also given some insight into the lives of the two female police investigators on the case, and a behind scenes look at a tv panel show following the abduction story. While personally I didn’t think the latter two perspectives added much value to the story, they do work within the themes of the novel.
As a fan of Ilsa Evan’s Nell Forrest Mystery series, I was especially delighted that the women ultimately took refuge in Majic, and that a character I had the fortune to win naming rights to in Forbidden Fruit (Grace June Rae) made a cameo appearance!
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is a thought-provoking, emotive and entertaining novel offering a wonderful mix of drama, adventure and comedy.
August 29, 2021
ARC received from Harper Collins for an honest review
What a delight is The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
When I looked at the cover I thought it was going to be quite a light and humourous tale of grannies on the run.
And whilst yes, we did get that, we got so much more.
This story deals with abusive relationships, strained family dynamics, and those who come together to save those they love.
Shirley and Beth are so completely different, and even with the years of dislike and discontent with each other, they really were the perfect partners for this Thelma and Louise-esque adventure.
Add in a beautiful 4 year old girl and a great grandmother that reminded me of Yetta from The Nanny, this is one road trip that you won't quickly forget.
I did feel that there were a couple of POVs that we really didn't need, though this could just be a me thing.
Ms Evans has given a beautifully written story, with wonderfully nuanced relationships, and a different take on what we would call motherly love.
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is my first Ilsa Evans read, however I will definitely read more in the future.
a>
What a delight is The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer.
When I looked at the cover I thought it was going to be quite a light and humourous tale of grannies on the run.
And whilst yes, we did get that, we got so much more.
This story deals with abusive relationships, strained family dynamics, and those who come together to save those they love.
Shirley and Beth are so completely different, and even with the years of dislike and discontent with each other, they really were the perfect partners for this Thelma and Louise-esque adventure.
Add in a beautiful 4 year old girl and a great grandmother that reminded me of Yetta from The Nanny, this is one road trip that you won't quickly forget.
I did feel that there were a couple of POVs that we really didn't need, though this could just be a me thing.
Ms Evans has given a beautifully written story, with wonderfully nuanced relationships, and a different take on what we would call motherly love.
The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer is my first Ilsa Evans read, however I will definitely read more in the future.
a>
December 6, 2021
What would cause two grandmothers, and a great grandmother to kidnap and go on the run with a four year old? That is the premise of this amusing and engaging story that explores family issues and forges what becomes an unlikely friendship. Thanks to Aussie Reader, Veronica,for my gifted copy to read.
August 29, 2021
‘It was not shaping up to be a good day.’
Four-year-old Avery Conifer is abducted by her grandmothers Shirley and Beth when they suspect she is being harmed by her father, Shirley’s son Daniel. Avery’s mother, Beth’s daughter Cleo, is in gaol for contravening an intervention order, and Daniel has full-time care of Avery. Shirley and Beth might not agree on much, but they are united in their desire to keep Avery safe. They pack their bags and, together with Shirley’s eighty-nine-year-old mother Winnie, and Beth’s miniature schnauzer Harthacnut (Harth), they set off. Naturally, Daniel involves the police.
Imagine: three women, a child and a dog trying to maintain a low profile while on the run across Victoria. Beth has planned well; Winnie surprises them all with her technical expertise and Shirley just goes along (mostly) with what Beth suggests. And what follows is a journey through the best and worst of family. Beth and Shirley want to keep Avery safe with them until Cleo is released from gaol.
This is such a clever novel: each of the women comes to life, and Avery is delightful. There are some laugh out loud moments in the journey, as well as an appreciation of the different ways in which women mother and nurture. Beth, Shirley, and Winnie are united in wanting to keep Avery safe, and spending time together, outside their usual routines enables each of them to reflect on what they want out of their own lives. Daniel doesn’t make it easy for them and the involvement of the media and the police makes life on the run challenging.
I enjoyed this novel, both the serious aspects of caring for family as well as the more humorous escapades. A terrific and heart-warming read.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Four-year-old Avery Conifer is abducted by her grandmothers Shirley and Beth when they suspect she is being harmed by her father, Shirley’s son Daniel. Avery’s mother, Beth’s daughter Cleo, is in gaol for contravening an intervention order, and Daniel has full-time care of Avery. Shirley and Beth might not agree on much, but they are united in their desire to keep Avery safe. They pack their bags and, together with Shirley’s eighty-nine-year-old mother Winnie, and Beth’s miniature schnauzer Harthacnut (Harth), they set off. Naturally, Daniel involves the police.
Imagine: three women, a child and a dog trying to maintain a low profile while on the run across Victoria. Beth has planned well; Winnie surprises them all with her technical expertise and Shirley just goes along (mostly) with what Beth suggests. And what follows is a journey through the best and worst of family. Beth and Shirley want to keep Avery safe with them until Cleo is released from gaol.
This is such a clever novel: each of the women comes to life, and Avery is delightful. There are some laugh out loud moments in the journey, as well as an appreciation of the different ways in which women mother and nurture. Beth, Shirley, and Winnie are united in wanting to keep Avery safe, and spending time together, outside their usual routines enables each of them to reflect on what they want out of their own lives. Daniel doesn’t make it easy for them and the involvement of the media and the police makes life on the run challenging.
I enjoyed this novel, both the serious aspects of caring for family as well as the more humorous escapades. A terrific and heart-warming read.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
August 6, 2021
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Aus for the EARC in exchange for an honest review.
TW: Child Abuse and Domestic Violence (Emotional)
A witty story about motherhood, female friendships and ultimately doing what’s right.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
Likes:
It truly was a perfect balance between serious (and very important) social commentary/discussion and moments of comedic relief. The cast of characters, particularly the two generations of grandmothers, was a fantastic touch and really contributed to the in-depth exploration into motherhood and womanhood throughout.
Additionally, the portrayal of domestic volence and child abuse was approached with both care and respect.
Dislikes:
One aspect I struggled with was the overuse of multiple perspectives – at times there were too many side characters that added very little to the plot. Although this was not a big deal, it did add an element of confusion at some points.
All in all, I would recommend this to anyone interested in women’s fiction!
A side note – I can only hope to be as hilarious as Winnie!
TW: Child Abuse and Domestic Violence (Emotional)
A witty story about motherhood, female friendships and ultimately doing what’s right.
Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more of the author’s work.
Likes:
It truly was a perfect balance between serious (and very important) social commentary/discussion and moments of comedic relief. The cast of characters, particularly the two generations of grandmothers, was a fantastic touch and really contributed to the in-depth exploration into motherhood and womanhood throughout.
Additionally, the portrayal of domestic volence and child abuse was approached with both care and respect.
Dislikes:
One aspect I struggled with was the overuse of multiple perspectives – at times there were too many side characters that added very little to the plot. Although this was not a big deal, it did add an element of confusion at some points.
All in all, I would recommend this to anyone interested in women’s fiction!
A side note – I can only hope to be as hilarious as Winnie!
November 9, 2022
This was a enjoyable read about two grandmothers and one great grandmother (and a dog) who abduct their 4yo granddaughter because they fear for her safety. The story is told from multiple points of view (I’m not sure all were necessary, it certainly made it longer than it needed to be) and talks about plenty of issues from parenting, family dynamics, coercive control and other forms of domestic abuse, relationships and more. Overall it is still a light read with laughs along the way even with many unlikeable characters.
My problem with it mainly stems around Daniel, the father of the little girl. He gets away with his behaviour and Cleo, while also not without her own bad behaviour, spent time in jail because of his lies and manipulation! This just seemed unfair and unreal but maybe that’s just me.
My problem with it mainly stems around Daniel, the father of the little girl. He gets away with his behaviour and Cleo, while also not without her own bad behaviour, spent time in jail because of his lies and manipulation! This just seemed unfair and unreal but maybe that’s just me.
October 9, 2021
I just love this title, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer; it's a bit of a mouthful but it does give a little of a comic air so you would expect it to be a humourous tale. The premise itself sounds rather unusually funny and yet, there is some serious themes explored in this light-hearted-sounding novel. You just have to dig deep.
This book is told by a myriad of perspectives. The main 3 being by the 3 instigators of this kidnapping of Avery but then there were perspectives of those sitting around the outside of this centre figures. The detectives, TV presenters, and some people that just happened to somewhat touch this 'case' who can provide a 'clue' or just a perspective from a different angle. I must admit that at times this gets absolutely confusing with all the names bandied about but I do appreciate this wide overlook into the problem.
I think that there was enough family drama as I was growing up which made me reluctant reading novels involving family dramas/conflicts so this started out as a rather uncomfortable read. However, author's handling of these characters and conflicts present such a riveting look into motherhood that I cannot stop reading. And these ladies are just such characters, I can't help but cheer for them throughout so in the end, I rather enjoyed this read.
My thanks to The Book Stack for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
This book is told by a myriad of perspectives. The main 3 being by the 3 instigators of this kidnapping of Avery but then there were perspectives of those sitting around the outside of this centre figures. The detectives, TV presenters, and some people that just happened to somewhat touch this 'case' who can provide a 'clue' or just a perspective from a different angle. I must admit that at times this gets absolutely confusing with all the names bandied about but I do appreciate this wide overlook into the problem.
I think that there was enough family drama as I was growing up which made me reluctant reading novels involving family dramas/conflicts so this started out as a rather uncomfortable read. However, author's handling of these characters and conflicts present such a riveting look into motherhood that I cannot stop reading. And these ladies are just such characters, I can't help but cheer for them throughout so in the end, I rather enjoyed this read.
My thanks to The Book Stack for this paperback copy of book in exchange of my honest thoughts
August 11, 2021
I had mixed views on this one. For me it started slow and took a bit for me to be interested in the characters. But eventually I was hooked and wanted to know what happened next. I usually like alternating voice, but felt there were a few too many voices in this one. Although I would have liked to have heard from Daniel's point of view. I felt the ending was a bit of an anti-climax.
On the plus side I really enjoyed the relationship building of Beth, Shirley and Winnie (the abductors) and how their characters grew over their time together. Winnie added in wit and humour. I liked how family dynamics and relationships were explored.
Overall I enjoyed the story.
On the plus side I really enjoyed the relationship building of Beth, Shirley and Winnie (the abductors) and how their characters grew over their time together. Winnie added in wit and humour. I liked how family dynamics and relationships were explored.
Overall I enjoyed the story.
October 8, 2021
For me personally, this ended up being a weird mix of hard topics and some forced humor.
I didn't like the tone of the book at all. The premise sounded great but it just missed the mark in the execution.
Too much swearing in front of Avery and I couldn't stand behind most of the choices the characters were making.
I guess it's a "it's me not the book problem". Not my kind of humor, not the kind of characters and choices I can understand or support.
Thank you Book Stack for sending me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't like the tone of the book at all. The premise sounded great but it just missed the mark in the execution.
Too much swearing in front of Avery and I couldn't stand behind most of the choices the characters were making.
I guess it's a "it's me not the book problem". Not my kind of humor, not the kind of characters and choices I can understand or support.
Thank you Book Stack for sending me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2021
When Shirley Conifer believes her son is abusing his four year old daughter, she does something nobody would expect and teams up with her mother and Avery's maternal grandmother to abduct her. Told from multiple viewpoints, this was a story that had both sadness and joy in it. Good read.
July 26, 2021
Ilsa Evans, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, HQ Fiction, 2021
There is so much to recommend this novel. The social comment around domestic violence is treated with sensitivity, drawing out the complexities, but acknowledging that whatever they may appear to be, action to prevent such violence is non-negotiable. Characters are flawed, but most have likeable qualities, or at least those that can be understood. Avery, the subject of the title, is appealing, carefully and realistically depicted, with none of the annoying qualities that so often hamper the characterisation of fictional children. The plot is a combination of fun and gravity. Overall, I found this a stimulating, and enjoyable read, laughing aloud at times, but always appreciating the seriousness of the motivation for two grandmothers, and a great grandmother to take their grandchild away on what could have been, in less able hands, a high-speed car chase or a similarly dramatic and unrealistic endeavour. Instead, Isla Evans opts for inadequate accommodation near an Australian country town.
Avery’s parents are Daniel, son of Shirley and Brendan, and Cleo, daughter of Elizabeth. Winsome, Avery’s great grandmother, and Shirley’s mother lives in a flat in the garden of her and Brendan’s house. Cleo has been jailed for defying an AVO taken out against her by Daniel after their divorce. While Elizabeth visits Cleo, Daniel leaves Avery with Shirley for an overnight stay. This follows a period of estrangement, and Shirley’s day of perceived misfortune, suddenly becomes hopeful with Daniel and Avery’s arrival. Shirley depends on alcohol, although it is depicted as a help rather than serious dependence. Elizabeth depends on tartness, honesty of a rather brutal nature, and controlling her environment and other people. Brendan can be kindly described as a ‘hand wringer’. Winsome, despite her family’s prejudice about her facilities because of her age, is technologically savvy, thoughtful, and inspired. Avery is a delight. She does not deserve parents who combine a toxic relationship with Cleo’s shortcomings and Daniel’s transgressions. The latter result in the abduction of Avery, despite the hostility between Shirley and Elizabeth.
Evans has devised a clever plot, bound by the period of Cleo’s incarceration. Other characters are seamlessly given parts that support the theme of the novel, while illustrating aspects that impact upon outcomes, often to the detriment of the victim rather than perpetrator. This is demonstrated through reactions of people in the administrative network dealing with domestic violence. Although paramount is the way in which domestic violence can be hidden by enablers and the perpetrator, the system of care and policing that is overworked, and community understandings of relationships all too ready to forgive, make excuses for and believe the perpetrator are given a focus. The complexities are shown though the main characters in stark contrast to the hints apparent in new relationships. However, both weave a story that highlights the major concern that results in the abduction.
The ending is realistic, with some rapprochement between the families, the lack of resolution for the main characters who deal as well as they can with the solution to the abduction, and justifiable resentment on the part of Elizabeth. Each of these outcomes resonate with research and non-fiction writing about domestic violence. At the same time as the seriousness of the topic is acknowledged, there are delightful moments of humour that are an important part of the plot and characterisation. It would be a mistake to think that the novel is without its lighter moments and glimpses of hope.
My only criticism is that perhaps dedication to weaving social commentary and a strong narrative that allowed for some lighter moments, led to writing that could have benefitted from a more tailored selection of the events and descriptions that at times seemed too much.
There is so much to recommend this novel. The social comment around domestic violence is treated with sensitivity, drawing out the complexities, but acknowledging that whatever they may appear to be, action to prevent such violence is non-negotiable. Characters are flawed, but most have likeable qualities, or at least those that can be understood. Avery, the subject of the title, is appealing, carefully and realistically depicted, with none of the annoying qualities that so often hamper the characterisation of fictional children. The plot is a combination of fun and gravity. Overall, I found this a stimulating, and enjoyable read, laughing aloud at times, but always appreciating the seriousness of the motivation for two grandmothers, and a great grandmother to take their grandchild away on what could have been, in less able hands, a high-speed car chase or a similarly dramatic and unrealistic endeavour. Instead, Isla Evans opts for inadequate accommodation near an Australian country town.
Avery’s parents are Daniel, son of Shirley and Brendan, and Cleo, daughter of Elizabeth. Winsome, Avery’s great grandmother, and Shirley’s mother lives in a flat in the garden of her and Brendan’s house. Cleo has been jailed for defying an AVO taken out against her by Daniel after their divorce. While Elizabeth visits Cleo, Daniel leaves Avery with Shirley for an overnight stay. This follows a period of estrangement, and Shirley’s day of perceived misfortune, suddenly becomes hopeful with Daniel and Avery’s arrival. Shirley depends on alcohol, although it is depicted as a help rather than serious dependence. Elizabeth depends on tartness, honesty of a rather brutal nature, and controlling her environment and other people. Brendan can be kindly described as a ‘hand wringer’. Winsome, despite her family’s prejudice about her facilities because of her age, is technologically savvy, thoughtful, and inspired. Avery is a delight. She does not deserve parents who combine a toxic relationship with Cleo’s shortcomings and Daniel’s transgressions. The latter result in the abduction of Avery, despite the hostility between Shirley and Elizabeth.
Evans has devised a clever plot, bound by the period of Cleo’s incarceration. Other characters are seamlessly given parts that support the theme of the novel, while illustrating aspects that impact upon outcomes, often to the detriment of the victim rather than perpetrator. This is demonstrated through reactions of people in the administrative network dealing with domestic violence. Although paramount is the way in which domestic violence can be hidden by enablers and the perpetrator, the system of care and policing that is overworked, and community understandings of relationships all too ready to forgive, make excuses for and believe the perpetrator are given a focus. The complexities are shown though the main characters in stark contrast to the hints apparent in new relationships. However, both weave a story that highlights the major concern that results in the abduction.
The ending is realistic, with some rapprochement between the families, the lack of resolution for the main characters who deal as well as they can with the solution to the abduction, and justifiable resentment on the part of Elizabeth. Each of these outcomes resonate with research and non-fiction writing about domestic violence. At the same time as the seriousness of the topic is acknowledged, there are delightful moments of humour that are an important part of the plot and characterisation. It would be a mistake to think that the novel is without its lighter moments and glimpses of hope.
My only criticism is that perhaps dedication to weaving social commentary and a strong narrative that allowed for some lighter moments, led to writing that could have benefitted from a more tailored selection of the events and descriptions that at times seemed too much.
November 11, 2022
Hmm, I’m a bit ambivalent about this book – I liked many aspects of it, but disliked many also.
For starters it is a very “busy” book, with every chapter written from the point of view of a different character. It got to the stage where I had a bit of trouble keeping up with all those names.
The key names are the three main protagonists: Shirley, Beth and Winsome, the three women involved in the very unusual abduction of Avery, grand-daughter of Shirley and Beth, great-grand-daughter of Winnie. These are three very different women, with strong personalities that clash frequently. However they share one very important thing, which is their concern over the welfare of Avery, who shows obvious signs of neglect and abuse at the hand of her father Daniel, who is Shirley’s son. Beth's daughter Cleo is the child's mother, and she is serving a prison sentence for breaching an AVO taken out by a vengeful Daniel.
For me, one of the main strengths of the story is the issue of domestic abuse, including child abuse. It is handled with intelligence and sensitivity by the author Ilsa Evans. Over the course of the novel she uses dialogue to illustrate vividly the gulf between male and female attitudes to abuse, with the character of Daniel being a good example of the self-centred men who perpetrate abuse and violence without a skerrick of guilt. The women in the story have their differences but they are united in their belief that the highest priority is to protect the vulnerable 4 yo Avery from mistreatment.
Ilsa Evans draws the different characters with great skill and I appreciated the portrayals of many women of different ages as realistic. Shirley the good-hearted but dithering alcoholic mother, Hannah with the fragile ego and insecurity, Elsa’s commitment to her elderly mother’s welfare despite the bitter, disparaging words. For example I felt annoyed by Beth’s abrasive snobbery in the opening chapters, then realised that it brought up a memory from my own life in that she resembled a former friend of mine who was always highly critical of others that she considered to be inferior to her. She was always quick to find fault and label people, and her favourite term for them was “just ghastly”. (note “former”, as I detached myself from that toxic personality several years ago.)
I think the book is a bit too long, and there was a bit of a slow patch in the middle. Some of the duller passages were balanced with some lively writing and some delicious humour. I was particularly fond of Winnie’s pithy comments and acerbic tongue. The comments tucked into the narrative about the issues the elderly being overlooked and undervalued in contemporary society were well said.
For starters it is a very “busy” book, with every chapter written from the point of view of a different character. It got to the stage where I had a bit of trouble keeping up with all those names.
The key names are the three main protagonists: Shirley, Beth and Winsome, the three women involved in the very unusual abduction of Avery, grand-daughter of Shirley and Beth, great-grand-daughter of Winnie. These are three very different women, with strong personalities that clash frequently. However they share one very important thing, which is their concern over the welfare of Avery, who shows obvious signs of neglect and abuse at the hand of her father Daniel, who is Shirley’s son. Beth's daughter Cleo is the child's mother, and she is serving a prison sentence for breaching an AVO taken out by a vengeful Daniel.
For me, one of the main strengths of the story is the issue of domestic abuse, including child abuse. It is handled with intelligence and sensitivity by the author Ilsa Evans. Over the course of the novel she uses dialogue to illustrate vividly the gulf between male and female attitudes to abuse, with the character of Daniel being a good example of the self-centred men who perpetrate abuse and violence without a skerrick of guilt. The women in the story have their differences but they are united in their belief that the highest priority is to protect the vulnerable 4 yo Avery from mistreatment.
Ilsa Evans draws the different characters with great skill and I appreciated the portrayals of many women of different ages as realistic. Shirley the good-hearted but dithering alcoholic mother, Hannah with the fragile ego and insecurity, Elsa’s commitment to her elderly mother’s welfare despite the bitter, disparaging words. For example I felt annoyed by Beth’s abrasive snobbery in the opening chapters, then realised that it brought up a memory from my own life in that she resembled a former friend of mine who was always highly critical of others that she considered to be inferior to her. She was always quick to find fault and label people, and her favourite term for them was “just ghastly”. (note “former”, as I detached myself from that toxic personality several years ago.)
I think the book is a bit too long, and there was a bit of a slow patch in the middle. Some of the duller passages were balanced with some lively writing and some delicious humour. I was particularly fond of Winnie’s pithy comments and acerbic tongue. The comments tucked into the narrative about the issues the elderly being overlooked and undervalued in contemporary society were well said.
September 8, 2021
I'd been looking forward to this book and though I enjoyed it, I couldn't help but think some potential was lost.
Evans introduces a lot of narrators and some aren't given any context before we meet them (am thinking of the talk show host for eg here). We could have skipped her point of view entirely as well as the second cop (Bec?) as it felt there was a bit of headhopping at times.
There's a strong theme around parent / child (mother / daughter) relationships. I appreciated the complex issues Evans touches on here: emotional abuse; manipulation; narcissism; the fact many of us repeat cycles from our childhoods; and the impact unhealthy parental relationships have on kids. But I would have liked a little more follow through as it felt like a couple of threads weren't pursued. What did Winnie say to Daniel for eg? And was there no recourse for his false use of IVOs.
Perhaps that would have wrapped everything up a bit too tightly or been too cliched but the pacing seemed a little off and some parts felt rushed (almost summary-like) while others more detailed.
But, I was engaged (and particularly liked Winnie, Avery and Hannah!) and keen to see how everything worked out so ultimately enjoyed this read.
Evans introduces a lot of narrators and some aren't given any context before we meet them (am thinking of the talk show host for eg here). We could have skipped her point of view entirely as well as the second cop (Bec?) as it felt there was a bit of headhopping at times.
There's a strong theme around parent / child (mother / daughter) relationships. I appreciated the complex issues Evans touches on here: emotional abuse; manipulation; narcissism; the fact many of us repeat cycles from our childhoods; and the impact unhealthy parental relationships have on kids. But I would have liked a little more follow through as it felt like a couple of threads weren't pursued. What did Winnie say to Daniel for eg? And was there no recourse for his false use of IVOs.
Perhaps that would have wrapped everything up a bit too tightly or been too cliched but the pacing seemed a little off and some parts felt rushed (almost summary-like) while others more detailed.
But, I was engaged (and particularly liked Winnie, Avery and Hannah!) and keen to see how everything worked out so ultimately enjoyed this read.
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