Judith Drainger has always played life by her own rules. But these days life seems to be playing her right back.
Divorced, orphaned and forcibly retired, 59-year-old Judith is determined to seize the opportunity to leave her broken home in London and move across the world to Australia. Here she reunites with her estranged adult daughter Cassandra - only to land smack bang in the emotional quagmire of her daughter's anger and abandonment issues. To make matters worse, Judith can see her new granddaughter Emily has a serious health issue, but her offers of help are ignored and rejected.
When an accident knocks her off her feet, Judith is swamped by the kindly care of her nosy new neighbors. Yet, when given a chance to become a part of their community, Judith shocks even herself by making a series of unforgivable blunders. Realizing if she's to have any hope of reuniting her family, this well-meaning but stubborn curmudgeon must learn the power of saying 'sorry' - and what it actually means to be a good person.
A tender and uplifting novel championing the complex realities of family, solidarity and friendship.
What did I think?
I really enjoyed this fabulous debut novel from Alexandra Addams that has family, in its different guises, at its heart.
59 year old divorcée Judith Drainger has moved halfway around the world to be near her daughter Cassandra. Cassandra now has a baby with 'That Andrew' but for the life of her, Judith can't remember her granddaughter's name. So Judith isn't the type of person you immediately warm to but she definitely grew on me.
Judith may have moved from London to Australia but she can't escape her mother's vicious tongue, even though Marigold has passed away. This constant sniping (in Judith's head from her mother is what made me warm to Judith as it helps to explain why she is the way she is. I thought Cassandra could have been a bit more welcoming but she has does have her hands full with baby Emily.
My favourite character was Judith's neighbour Martha, who you immediately think is incredibly nosy but she has a heart of gold. I really enjoyed reading Martha's story and I loved the whole community spirit of Martha's circle of friends who welcome Judith with open arms.
With a focus on family, The Self-Made Saint is a very heartwarming and entertaining novel that I would highly recommend.
I received a gifted paperback to read and review and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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