In this debut novel, Ava and Laurie, worlds apart, become connected in ways they could never have imagined…
Set against the contrasting landscapes of the coast of New South Wales, Australia and the cloisters of Cambridge, England, author Alison Edwards expertly weaves together the lives of these two young women. Ava and Laurie could not be more different, but as each processes the lasting effects of losing a mother, their lives become unexpectedly entwined.
Ava, abandoned by her mother and raised in poverty with a loving but struggling father, considers university in Sydney the perfect escape. On the other side of the world, Laurie is the daughter of a professor. She has never known her mother who died during childbirth. She reluctantly attends Cambridge, but desires freedom from the academic life imposed on her. Their chance meeting sets the scene for an intriguing narrative that spans decades and continents.
In the beginning, I wondered how these dramatically different characters from opposite sides of the world were going to be brought together. But, I was soon drawn into their personal journeys. Ava and Laurie’s alternating perspectives connected me deeply to both characters as the plotline unfolded.
Alison Edwards debut novel is a captivating exploration of motherhood, class and identity. Motherhood is examined through several themes including loss, abandonment and the ambivalence many women feel towards it. Ava and Laurie grapple with becoming mothers themselves and we discover how the impact of their maternal loss is central to their development.
The contrasting backgrounds of Ava and Laurie also highlight class issues. Ava‘s struggle with financial insecurity and Laurie’s desire for independence highlight the challenges across socio-economic status. Alison’s writing is observant, insightful and filled with well-balanced poignant moments. Two Daughters is ideal for book clubs and you can view discussion notes here.
Alison Edwards was born and raised on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. She has lived in Europe and the United Kingdom since participating in a university exchange programme in Germany. She has a PhD in linguistics at the University of Cambridge. Alison now lives with her family in Amsterdam.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Atlantic Books