Women

Women

Told from the point of view of disillusioned mother-of-four, Stacey McAindra, an almost-40 Canadian housewife. The first signs of aging...recollections of her youth, not so long ago....a stressed, distant husband, issues with the kids, vague yearnings for a drink and a bit of excitement...
You really believe in the characters: Laurence gives you their words alongside what theyre actually thinking - these can often be poles apart. Did it all tie up a bit conveniently? Maybe....but memorable writing. ( )

Wonderful novel. ( )

Stacey Cameron is a 39-year-old mother of four, married to Mac, a salesman. Their marriage is okay-not-great, and while Stacey deeply loves her children she also feels trapped in her homemaking role. She sees and feels her body changing with age and is intimidated by her slim and fashionable neighbor Tess, but cannot see how Tess longs for Stacey’s stable and relatively loving home life. When Mac changes jobs, he works long hours trying to prove himself. Stacey is thrust into the role of “corporate wife” at parties hosted by Mac’s boss. Self-conscious and awkward, Stacey drinks too much and becomes even more outspoken than usual, causing tensions with Mac.

Craving excitement, Stacey begins finding ways to get out on her own, each time pushing the boundaries a bit more while worrying she will be caught. She goes out with her husband’s friend, a truck-driver, only to be repulsed by his advances. She then has a brief affair with a much younger man, and while this meets both physical and emotional needs, Stacey quickly realizes there is no future in the relationship.

Stacey’s life is filled with metaphorical fires that need to be dealt with (hence the title), and some have serious consequences for the family. Despite being a tremendously flawed character (but aren't we all?) she gets by, and manages to steer her family through difficult times. And yet at the end of the book, the reader sees more fires ahead and recognizes Stacey’s life will always be that way. ( )