Just an Ordinary Family: A Review of Fiona Lowe’s Latest Novel
Just an Ordinary Family, just as the name suggests, is an intimate portrayal of an ordinary Australian family struggling to come to terms with their individual demons and the web of complexities that come with being related. The novel, written by acclaimed author Fiona Lowe, is a heart-warming and deeply moving account of how a family can shatter and come together again, and the resilience that love can bring in the face of adversity.
Fiona Lowe is an award-winning Australian author of contemporary women’s fiction and is known for her poignant depictions of Australian family life. In her latest offering, she uses her expert storytelling to take the reader on a journey of discovery alongside the Kinsella family.
Main Themes and Ideas
The predominant themes in Just an Ordinary Family revolve around love, betrayal, forgiveness, and sacrifice. The story follows the journey of the Kinsella family and how one by one, their secrets, and past mistakes come to the surface, testing their relationships and forcing them to confront their inner truths. The plot also highlights the concept of what constitutes as family and how people outside blood connections can become more of a family than those related by blood.
The novel’s setting is in Australia and the author has done a fantastic job of bringing the Australian culture into the story, making it relatable to those familiar with the region, and adding a sense of uniqueness to the story. The dialogue is also in the Australian vernacular, which adds an authentic feel to the story.
Critical Evaluation of Writing Style
Fiona Lowe has a way of writing that makes the reader feel like they’re a part of the story. Her writing style is descriptive and emotive, and she doesn’t shy away from delving deep into the emotions of her characters. She expertly takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery alongside the characters, making the reader empathize with their struggles and rejoices in their triumphs. Her approach to storytelling is nothing short of phenomenal.
The characters in Just an Ordinary Family are realistic, and their behavior during the story is relatable. At times, their flaws make them unlikeable, but Lowe gives each character enough depth and backstory to justify the decisions they make. The pacing is steady, and the story is easy to follow, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout.
One of the book’s strengths is Fiona Lowe’s ability to create a story that feels incredibly realistic. It’s easy to get lost in the world she has created and feel as though the Kinsella family could be your own. The story is raw and heavy, yet hopeful, and it is an excellent exploration of the intricacies of being part of a family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the book’s strengths is its relatability. Readers from various backgrounds will find something to connect with in this story. The exploration of family dynamics feels authentic, and the characters’ struggles are relatable. The pacing of the story is well balanced, and the writing style of the author is top-notch.
While the book has its strengths, it does have a few weaknesses. The story is heavy and might not be for everyone, and some readers may find some of the dialogue disjointed or difficult to understand. Similarly, some of the characters’ actions or decisions may seem unrealistic, but the author does an excellent job of justifying every scenario.
Comparison to Other Works in its Genre
Just an Ordinary Family may be slightly different from what we are used to seeing in the contemporary fiction genre. Still, it stands out for its realistic portrayal of Australian family life and its exploration of deep themes. In comparison to other family dramas, Just an Ordinary Family offers a unique perspective that shows the reality of family relationships in all their highs and lows.
Overall Impression and Recommendation
Overall, Just an Ordinary Family is an exceptional read that offers valuable insights into the complexities of family life. It is beautifully written, and the characters are well developed and relatable. The story is emotionally raw and powerful, and the author does an excellent job of handling complex themes with tact and sensitivity.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotional read that explores the intricacies of family life, then you won’t be disappointed with Just an Ordinary Family. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging and touching read.
FAQ
Is Just an Ordinary Family appropriate for all age groups?
The book’s content is suitable for mature readers due to some adult themes explored in the story.
Does Fiona Lowe have other books in her repertoire?
Yes, Fiona Lowe is an accomplished author who has written many other contemporary women’s fiction novels worth exploring
How long is Just an Ordinary Family?
The book is around 400 pages long, and it is divided into several sections.
Where can I purchase a copy of Just an Ordinary Family?
The book is available for purchase where books are sold, online and in brick and mortar stores.
