Eating Lolly

by Corrie Hosking

Book by Hosking, Corrie

Genres: Book Club

448 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Eating Lolly” is the engrossing story of Mumma, Mister and Lolly, the integral part that food plays in their lives and loves, and the people who intersect with their everyday lives. As we watch their characters and relationships grow and mature, we are treated to evocative descriptions, descriptions so good you can smell and taste the food, feel the atmosphere and emotions, as well as the occasional laugh-out-loud moments. “butterlove” becomes a particularly resonant expression. This involving story is beautifully crafted, powerful and down-to-earth. It deals with relationships and obsession, everyday issues and those not so everyday, all with a uniquely Australian flavour. It will speak to people who love food, preparing and eating it. It is easy to see why Corrie Hosking won the Adelaide Festival Award in 2002 and SMH Best Young Novelist in 2005. Could Corrie Hosking be a downunder Anita Shreve, Anne Tyler or Jodi Picoult? She is certainly worth reading more of!

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Given I'm someone who loves to cook and bake any book that incorporates these themes is sure to be a winner with me and I especially enjoyed the descriptive passages relating to food preparation. In some respects I found the teenage Lolly difficult to reconcile with the food loving infant Lolly but maybe this just highlights the complexities of the issues raised. I would certainly read other works by this author.

[Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rather wonderful read into the complexity of mother-daughter relationship. It was rather difficult to read without thinking oh, I wouldn't have done that or I'd do this & why can't she see that! A bit like a backseat driver really and as usual, it's easier to see when you're an arm's length away. Margaret (aka Mumma) was barely 18 when she had her Lola Berry (aka Lolly) and as she herself put in, she's still a child herself. And yet, due to the circumstances, her family practically exiled her to a little house on an island. She had no support but managed, after all, to buck up & be a mother to her baby. She sounds like a very fun mother with her home cooking and fun talks (all food related, of course!) though I felt there was a little imbalance; seems like a lack in sensibilities. Lolly grew up and in her adolescent years, found everything confusing... It didn't seem like there's going to be a good ending but I do like the lesson at the end...

...surely that is life. Surely the fixing never stops. Surely it will go on forever.

[Carolyn Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful story about family, love and the relationships between a mother and daughter. I loved the way food and the love and thought which goes into it's preparation was weaved throughout.

This story was written by an author who is local to me and I didn't realise until mid-way through that it was most likely set in South Australia.

I really enjoyed the relationships between the characters. I especially enjoyed that I had no idea what to expect and the last 3rd of the book was something which the story had been building up to the whole time.

Lolly's character made me concerned and yet joyful at the same time. Mumma warmed my heart and I admired her strength and cried with her during the hard times. Mister was so much like other men I know and I enjoyed his journey as he grew into his role of stepfather and a good partner.

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for a book that would make me want to read with a strong storyline, interesting characters and good language and this book did it. It also made me think about my own relationships, not just with people but food. One of those books that when you are reading you think, I'll go to sleep at the end of this chapter, just one more, just one more...

[Doris Lamprecht · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked how she expressed her emotions through foods, but I did find it a bit depressing. especially the first half of the book when I was anticipating more difficulties in her live.

[Louise · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book tough to get into.