In my defence,I have no defence is the delightful first book from Melbourne writer Sinéad Stubbins.
A collection of personal essays, Sinéad writes about her life living and growing up in Melbourne. The stories read effortlessly, and are sharp, hilarious and vulnerable.
Self-deprecating without being too depressing, pithy and sarcastic without sounding arrogant. It’s all blended together so beautifully, In my defence,I have no defence will have you laughing through tears. Divided into four sections; the body, the mind, the heart and the soul, Sinéad documents navigating ordinary life alongside the rest of us in her unique voice.
And that is what makes this book so endearing- the topics are ordinary. Sinéad talks about her true love of doing nothing more than watching endless hours of bad television guiltily, and how that’s not viewed as admirable or even remarkable. In admitting that though, is where Sinéad really hooks us in because it’s something we all love to do but we don’t like to admit it. Sinéad’s honesty gives us permission to be ourselves while reading, which is such an intimacy, and helps us to feel a little less alone in our quirks.
Stories about working as a young graduate in a ‘modern’ office, coping with working from home and zoom etiquette, travelling through Europe and the dreariness of everyday cooking are things that many of us have had to manage. The way Sinéad presents her versions however, are what makes this book compelling reading.
Her constant reminders that we are all human and doing our best is the thread that weaves this book together - her complete honestly combined with her wit makes Sinéad loveable and relatable. That the way we are, right here, today- messy, imperfect and with things left undone - is maybe the way we are meant to be. And that’s great.
Jackie
Format
Audio books
Subject
Reactions