Relative Happiness
Lesley Crewe
Language: English
Pages: 209
ISBN: 1551095491
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Filled with heartache without being maudlin, this contemporary novel about life and love in a small town debuts Lesley Crewe, Cape Bretons most original new literary voice. Lesleys writing is fresh and funny, and her portrayal of the Cape Breton spiritstrong and wry in the face of adversityis unwaveringly authentic. As is Lexie: not since Bridget Jones has a heroine been so well drawn and so totally lovablehang-ups, insecurities, annoying mother and all. In creating Lexie, her sprawling extended family, and their community, Lesley Crewe restores the humour that the best literature of the Island is missingthat teasing, biting, whip-smart style that simultaneously stings and tickles. With her charming combination of hometown warmth and savoir-faire, Lesley is sure to entertain and inspire her audience, who will do well to sit up and pay attention to this rising star of mainstream womens fiction.
She was intrigued. She and Rory never got a chance to talk together one on one. “Sure.” “Beth’s jealous of you.” Five seconds of silence went by. “Okay, don’t believe me.” He folded his arms on the table, quite unconcerned. “What do you mean?” “I mean she wishes she could be like you.” “But that’s not possible. Why would she be jealous of me?” “Because you’re artistic and you went to university and you’re independent.” “She shouldn’t feel like that. Look what she does. Raising a large
overwrought. Just let it go.” “No.” Kate jumped up from the table and started to walk around her mother’s outstretched hands, as if she were playing musical chairs. She couldn’t stay still. “This is probably the last time the five of us will be alone together, without kids or husbands or lovers hanging around.” Kate looked at Gabby as she finished her sentence. She paced up and down, as if gathering strength, before she went back to her own chair, stood behind it, and used it as a shield. “I’m
“I did.” “Well, give yourself a big slap for being so stupid and move on.” “Okay. Thanks.” “You’re very welcome. Now you better go and get this evening over with.” “Oh God, that’s right. I have to bowl! What was I thinking?” Mom flipped her magazine open again. “You haven’t done a lot of thinking for quite some time now. Ta Ta. Have a great time.” She started to read, so Lexie had no choice. She dragged herself outside and drove off. She saw them as soon as she arrived. Susie waved and
of his car seat. Mom said he didn’t have a nap, so she was assured of a good night’s sleep. At least she hoped so. Josh ran ahead and scampered up the porch steps. “Sope. Sope!” Sophie was mewing inside. Josh hit the front door with his fist as Lexie looked for her keys. She finally unlocked it and he rushed in. “Just a minute, big guy,” she laughed. “Let Mommy take off your jacket.” He jumped up and down, in a hurry to give Sophie her supper. Lexie got him unzipped and he took off, pulling
ever seen a man look at a woman like that once before. When Joshua’s father looks at me.” Adrian finally laid his head in his arms and wept openly. Lexie held on to his knees and leaned her cheek on his thigh. After awhile he put his hand on her head, as if to tell her he loved her down there on the floor. He pulled her off her knees and sat her in his lap. She snuggled against him. When he was calm enough, he spoke: “The night you took me home, I laid on my bed and wept with happiness. I’d