The scene is set – a summer day in a
suburban street in any town; the cast is as varied as to be expected. The old
coping with their age; the middle-aged caring for their assets, painting the
house, washing the car; young married couples snatching time while the kids
play out, or play up; students killing time while they pack up to move on.
All of them watching each other with mild
curiosity, observing superficial comings and goings without realising what lies
beneath, things held inside, things not spoken to friends, partners and parents,
never mind neighbours. It is just a day, unremarkable until late afternoon when
something happens to stun the residents and send them all out onto the street
in alarm.
One resident we get to know better. The day
on the street is interspersed with her life in the few years afterwards. And
that too is riddled with things not said; by her and to her.
It is a device that draws the reader in, generating
an oscillating desire to get back to the street or to the girl’s story. The
secrets of both are slowly and skilfully revealed. Signs are there, but can be
misread.
No comments:
Post a Comment