Something different

In my box of proof copies I have pulled out yet another surprisingly good read. I’d never heard of Alix Ohlin, from Montreal, whose third book Inside I’m now enjoying very much. I’m sure she’ll do well with this novel when it eventually comes out in June 2012. I’ve many chores that I should be doing (for a start the windows are filthy but I can’t bring myself to even consider cleaning them) but all I want to do is find out what happens to Grace, the psychiatrist who we meet in 1996; Annie, an actress who appears in 2002; and Mitch, a counsellor who bounces onto the scene in 2006. These vivid characters have connections that dip back and forth in an unfolding story that shows how much easier it is to help others rather than concentrate on tending to your own needs. Ohlin tells a great story with skill, precision and a clear insight into what makes a person tick such that each scene becomes alive and totally believable. Back to the couch now…