One True Thing

"But when I see Mum smooth her skirt and lift her chin, those square shoulders wide enough to carry a whole family, an entire state, I decide that, actually, this was genius."
- Nicole Hayes

Full disclaimer: I only read this because Nicole Hayes was the lecturer at the writing course I went to a few weeks back, not because I actually had any interest in politics. So my expectations were fairly low to begin with. I mostly wanted to see what kind of author Nicole was, whether her book would capture me up and sweep me away in the world of Victorian (as in Melbourne, Victoria not Queen Victoria) politics. 

Unfortunately I can't say that I am completely converted when it comes to state politics, I will not be listening to question time on ABC radio any time soon, but I didn't hate Nicole's book. It focuses mainly on the daughter of the State of Victoria's premier, a woman no less, who is involved in an illicit photo scandal. I say illicit, but when you find out the truth behind the photographs the whole thing becomes far less scandalous. 

Nicole captures a whiny, slightly annoying teenage girl perfectly. Frankie is the typical, "I hate my life" teenager and this makes her relatively unlikable.

 She handles her mother's scandal badly but it all ends up coming together alright in the way it always will for someone with a lot of money who goes to a posh school and who's future is pretty secure. 

This book was written well enough, which saves it in my opinion, but the topic just had zero interest for me.