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AWW2013 – Book 22
Holier Than Thou
Laura Buzo
Adult Contemporary Novel
Library Book, Moreton Bay Regional Libraries
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You know those books where you read a bit and you think that it’s ok. Then you read a bit more and you think it’s pretty good. Then you read more and suddenly you can’t get it out of your mind? Well, that was Holier Than Thou. It’s a ‘slice of life’ novel about Holly, a woman in her early 20s, with a great boyfriend, great living conditions and a job which she does well, even when it’s difficult. Despite how good thing are, she finds herself drawn back to her past, in memories of her father’s death and the people who surrounded her at the time.
I really liked Holly, even though at first I wasn’t sure I did. She’s like one of those people you’re not sure about when you first meet them, but before you know it they’re one of your closest friends. She’s feeling a real disconnect with old friends, most of whom are doing big things in the corporate world, while Holly struggles with the demands of being a social worker. It’s also very clear that she hasn’t dealt fully with the death of her father, and that at some point she’s going to let everything fall down around her.
The story really unfolds for you, slowly letting you into more and more of Holly’s life and deepest emotions. You find yourself really in her corner, cheering her on when good things happen and begging her to make the ‘right’ choices. The writing is lush and descriptive, enveloping you in Holly’s world – both past and present. I really, really enjoyed this one, and I look forward to finding Laura Buzo’s first book, Good Oil to read as well.
Adventures of a Subversive Reader 