Customer Reviews

Big House

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There's no doubt that Helena McEwen can write (despite some annoying repetitions and spelling mistakes, such as 'wretches' for 'retches', that a more careful editor would have spotted). She can write lyrically and hauntingly about childhood, about nature, and about memories. The problem is that nothing much happens in the novel, despite a strong beginning, which hints at a revelation that fails to materialize. If you're keen on plot-driven novels, this won't be your cup of tea. There are compelling issues in it (such as alcoholism, parental aloofness, and child abuse) that are repeatedly mentioned, but never satisfactorily addressed. The book would perhaps have worked better as a memoir (I understand that it's based on the author's own childhood recollections) or a prose poem. Still, it is an interesting first book, and I'm interested in reading other works by McEwen.