We Don't Live Here Anymore

by Matt Nable

When awkward teenager Charlie Hudson is beaten up during a family holiday at the beach, beautiful Tess Bailey rescues him - and sets the unusual course in his life. In this startling debut novel, Matt Nable follows the fortunes of Charlie, Tess, and their families and neighbours. Their lives intertwine, unravel, straighten, and become tangled again. A father tries to relive his football career through his son; a mother deserts her children in an attempt to find herself; a daughter purges to take control of her life.This is a portrait of plans gone wrong, a lament of what could have been, a salute to the power of redemptive love, and a brave examination of contemporary society.

Genres: Fiction, Contemporary

264 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2009

Reviews

[Delma White · Rating 4 out of 5]

4½ stars.
A challenging read because of the Non-Linear Chronology. I didn't know this as I don't read any blurbs before starting a book. (I chose this book as its author is a well known Aussie actor.) It was, at first, confusing. The technique added layers of complexity and suspense to each of the character's stories. I would say its a difficult way to construct a story and I'm not sure Nable quite succeeded here. I feel that I need to reread the book to take it all in. It sure adds interest to the novel.
I loved all the characters who are slowly revealed to us, flaws, vulnerabilities and all.
Some beautiful descriptions and imagery - "His face is golden, dipping and climbing through a landscape of dimples, scars and soaring cheekbones."
Matt Nable is a people watcher, creating believable, compelling characters. He gives them unique traits and backstories, showing us all their foibles and weaknesses. But he shows that we can all learn from our past and get to a place where we all belong.
The ending was satisfying even if its not how I wanted it to end.
(Love Nable's acting too.)

[Sean Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overall engaging story written in an easy to read and captivating style. It takes a look into the complexity of relationships, aspirations and the cruel reality of life. The story of Charlie the main protagonist keeps the book together and is the thread I followed through the story. The weaving in and out of other character stories was somewhat distracting and I skipped past some of the character vignettes as I read.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

My least favourite of Matt’s books so far. The intermingling of the present and the past and the linking of the different characters was at times confusing. I’m glad I started with Matt’s latest novel, “Still”, which I enjoyed so much more.

[Helen]

I am. Not in the mood for this one atm, so I have abandoned it by returning it to the library. I will probably return to it one day.

[Pauline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luminous, compassionate, intelligent writing.

[Daniel Leong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty, heartfelt, and very Australian!

[Gavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ensemble piece based around a central character - pieces together the parents, brother, love of his life and neighbours. I loved the structure of following multiple characters over many years. Yes, it requires the reader to pay attention, but it just works so well. Each character is wonderfully drawn and distinct. Themes include love at first sight; life in coastal towns; boxing; poverty; alcoholism; "fitting in". Beautiful.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad and touching and incredibly moving. There is a lot to love about this book, the writing is really good, especially for a debut novel. I do think there are a few too many moving narratives, too many characters to keep a hold of, and even at the end I would still sometimes get confused over who Glenda was and who Carol was.

The overall feeling of plain everyday life and all its rocky paths and mad internal dialogue is delivered beautifully in this book. But, holy cow, it is sad, sad, sad throughout most of it. We have characters struggling with their sexuality, cruel sibling rivalry, alcoholism and abuse. But we also have the white to that, there is redemption, honesty, selflessness and reconciliation. A picture so clear in my mind of small Australian beachside towns, boys on their bikes staring at the girls in the surf, and those same girls dreaming of life in the city. I look forward to reading more from this surpising author.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the most recent novel by this Australian author, I wanted to go back to his debut. The style and premise was the same - a dramatic event introduces us to a cast of characters whose lives interact with and are affected by the event. In this book, an assault and an accident set off the stories of characters in a coastal community. The plot unfolds in discrete chapters based on the various characters. The chronology is a bit jumbled, however each chapter reveals a new part of the story, with the last few answering questions that brim throughout. I thought it was a marvellously constructed story that captivated me from the start.

[The Bookshop Umina]

A story that weaves between the different characters as the focus for each chapter. We meet a whole range of people from a small seaside town and follow them through a period of roughly twenty years. The novel is full of small town shames and fears and the end of the dreams of many of them. Very carefully plotted. I wanted to know what was going to happen to many of the characters but must admit that there may have been a few too many followed as I lost track of a couple of them!

[Clio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bittersweet yet hopeful novel, meandering and dipping between characters, times and perspectives. Each chapter adds a new layer to the characters we know, through a glimpse in the past, or present tense narrative. Loosely follows a group of yearly beach holiday-makers, giving the reader voyeuristic insight insight into their lives and dreams.
Gripping and engaging family drama.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book randomly selected from the library. Written by an ex rugby league player. A great debut novel. It tells the story of two very different families and their very unpredictable lives. Great descriptions which allow you to really empathise with the characters.Very hard to put down!

[Tracey Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic debut novel from ex football player and actor ( he played Gary Jubelin in Underbelly Badness) beautifully written.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little hard to follow with the amount of characters, perspective changes each chapter and skipping backwards and forwards in time.

Loved the easy to read style of his writing though.

[Amanda Toyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok. Way too many characters though.

[Deb Bodinnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did enjoy this novel but must admit got a little confused with swapping from character to character. Love Matt Nable as Actor which is why I've tried his novels.