Rosemary Wildblood: Joybird

Reviewed by GERALDINE WHITEFORD

Rosemary Wildblood's debut novel is based on the lives of three apparently unconnected women. Through competent writing, Wildblood enmeshes the reader in her characters' lives.

Beginning with Lisa and her delightful young daughter, Molly, Wildblood introduces several key themes: Lisa's journey as a solo mother, her extrication from a violent relationship, and a visit to a frail, elderly aunt in search of a family secret.

Then we meet Emily, growing up in post-war England, awaiting the return of her soldier father. Wildblood ably handles the contrast between post-war England and Lisa's existence in contemporary Wellington.

In her third chapter, Wildblood introduces Mel, a successful broadcaster, living happily with her husband Forbes. But as with Lisa, there is the hint of a shadow - this time of marital infidelity.

Joybird has an intriguing structure as each short chapter moves from character to character, seemingly in a random pattern. At times I felt disconcerted, trying to keep up with the characters as their lives move along at a crisp pace. But the structure helps inject an element of mystery: how, if at all, are these characters connected?

She portrays a gorgeous relationship between Emily and her returned soldier father. In one scene they cycle together, enjoying the balmy weather and delicate scent of hawthorn flowers, and reciting poetry from Shakespeare. And, at the end of each Saturday night outing, her ever-cheerful father is at the bus stop to meet her.

Lisa's life seems equally charmed, especially when she moves into a large house overlooking Wellington harbour, complete with cat, finds a job and eventually a new male partner.

Yet these characters do have their crises. Emily faces the drastic upheaval of moving to New Zealand. Lisa struggles to escape her menacing former partner, Dean. At one stage, in an uncanny resemblance to recent life in New Zealand, he snatches Molly from school.

Wildblood's depiction of Mel's angry encounter with Forbes' mistress outside Kirkcaldies crackles with pain and tension.

This novel is neither profound nor brilliant, but like a smooth glass of sauvignon blanc, it is pleasurable and almost serenely carries the reader along to an ending that is clever and rather startling. Despite subtle hints, the end caught me a little unawares. You may be more alert than me. Read it to find out.

David Ling, $29.95