The story of Love Objects gravitates around Nic, a single woman in her mid-forties with no children. Nic is a proud checkout chick who is outspoken and has a quirky sense of humour. She is a wonderful aunt to Lena and Will both in their twenties.
Nic also has a particular connection to objects. The book starts with Nic finding a baby’s bonnet on the street and immediately feels the need to rescue it and give this baby’s bonnet the love and attention it deserves. Once at home, Nic looks for the perfect spot for her new find, a decision she can’t rush. That’s when the reader realises that Nic lives in a house so crowded with stuff that it is difficult for her to move around freely. She sees all her possessions she has accumulated over the years not just as simple objects but as precious belongings that tell stories and hold memories. Nic feels a duty and obligation to take care of objects that have been discarded and to give them a new home where they will be loved.
When Nic suffers a fall in her house caused by the mass of clutter and is taken to hospital, her niece Lena is confronted with the extent of her aunt’s hoarding. At the same time, Lina grapples with her own issues after video of her having sexual intercourse is leaked online. Lina occupies herself with the enormous task to clean up her aunt’s house and make it liveable, a condition required by Nic’s social worker.
A third character is Will, Lena’s brother. Also in his twenties, Will has lost his job and is coping with a relationship breakdown. He spends his last dollars on a plane ticket and flies from Queensland to Sydney to help his sister cleaning up Nic’s house.
Love Objects is beautifully written. Emily Maguire writes about hoarding with a lot of compassion and authenticity. She transports us to the mind of each character in such a profound way that Nic, Lena and Will became part of my life. Although Love Objects deals with issues regarding mental illness, loneliness, class, belonging and grief, the story is filled with humour, wit and tenderness.
Highly recommended.
Celine
Format
eBooks
Subject
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