"Little Egypt"
by Lesley Glaister
A quirky, surreal book that introduced most people to an author they had not previously read and left most people wanting more.
Most people found the depiction of the characters to be well drawn, although for some, Victor was one dimensional and Osiris’ character did not develop.
Most people thought that the mother figure of Mary was particularly well drawn.
She cares for the children with little or no financial remuneration.
All could visualise Mary presiding over her kitchen.
It is a book that depicts fantasy versus reality.
The strength of the book lies in a powerful description of a dysfunctional family.
The parents’ complete irresponsibility resulted in an achingly sad future for their two children.
Osiris retreats into a possibly autistic isolation and Isis, who could have had a fulfilling life, remains at Little Egypt to protect her brother, whom she feels may be imprisoned, should the house be sold and the secrets of the ice house revealed.
However, Isis shows no self-pity, both as a child and an adult.
There is a great deal of humour in the book, particularly at the beginning where we are introduce to Spike and Isis as he cheerfully throws out-of-date food from a supermarket skip to her.
Although resolutely ignored by one of our number, who tried to rewrite the book, there is evidence from the very beginning that this is not just a story of the triumph of the individual over big business, but there is far more at stake.
Spike, who claims to be an anarchist and to have “dropped out” is so appalled at the consequences of Isis’ and particularly Osiris’ long term real withdrawal from the world, that at the end he beats a hasty retreat home to America, and his mother.
Most people found the book to be beautifully written and did not find the time switches in the book confusing.
The use of the first person for Isis as an adult and the third person for Isis as a child, enhanced the idea that the adult Isis was remembering her childhood.
The descriptions in the book and the author’s turn of phrases drew particular plaudits.
This may be a work of fiction, but the characters and situations are plausible.
The characters are well drawn and the reader cares for them and their fate.
The end is upbeat as Isis revels in the comfort of her retirement home and the would-be anarchist beats a hasty retreat.
JC
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