Cleanskin

by Gay Lynch

Five women share their lives at a playgroup, desperate for the company of adults. Madelaine looks forward to the meetings, but they can be a torment. Amaretto biscuits, designer clothes, unwelcome advice - nothing seems to fit. Her relationships are forcing her out of control. When one of the group begins an illicit affair, everyone gets caught in the deadly crossfire.'This novel gives us the raw and unflinching face of domestic life as powerfully as it gives us the threshold of chaos. Lynch is a fresh voice, deft and surprising.' - Eva SallisGay Lynch has published five stories for Macmillan Education. Cleanskin is her first novel for adults.

264 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2006

About the author

Gay Lynch is a writer, editor and teacher of English and creative writing at Flinders University. She has published Apocryphal and Literary Influences on Galway Diasporic History (2010), Cleanskin (2006), an adult psycho-fem-thriller, short stories, educational children’s texts and academic papers. She is currently working on a historical novel.

Reviews

[Rosemary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the fact this book was set in Port Lincoln. The unraveling of the main character, Madeleine, left me feeling unnerved. I was often very worried about her, her children and her friend Danny. Upon finishing the book I had many questions left unanswered and a feeling of unsettled-ness. This is not necessarily a bad thing! I think Gay Lynch has managed to write in a very authentic way about a person who has suffered deep psychological pain.

[Kelsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Struggled to enjoy this at times but the ending makes up for it, which actually became a page turner. Would love an epilogue. I strongly disliked Madeleine, even though I felt like I was being led to feel sympathy for her despite all the bad things she does. I did feel sorry for her children. Would give 3.5 stars if it were possible

[tee]

Picked this up from the book shop for ten bucks, sounds a bit like Little Children. I love suburban drama so fingers crossed the low ratings aren't justified. (Always hopeful upon discovering lady Australian writers).

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Port Lincoln which made it enjoyable.