Michelle Berry's novel "What We All Want" is a rare find since it manages to combine comedy and tragedy in a near perfect blend. Add a touch of poignancy and a mere pinch of the ridiculous and you have a sure-fire winner - an entertaining and yet strangely touching story.
The book revolves around the death of and funeral arrangements for Becka Mount, who has spent the last few years of her life living as a virtual recluse, cared for by her daughter Hilary. The isolation and responsibility has turned spinster Hilary’s mind slightly - the family home, in which she looked after her mother alone for so long, has fallen into disrepair, dirty and untidy and dominated by Hilary's collection of dolls which occupy every surface.
The death of Becka means that Hilary is visited by her brothers Billy and Thomas and the three try to agree on a fitting funeral for their mother. Billy and Thomas have problems of their own. Billy, an alcoholic who has recently lost both of his jobs, is married to Tess and, while Billy drowns his problems in alcohol, Tess tries to overcome hers by eating. They have just one child, a rebellious daughter who is pregnant at age seventeen. Thomas, meanwhile, unbeknown to his family, is gay.
Thus, all three siblings are hiding secrets from each other and each is forced to confront their own personal issues in the aftermath of their mother's death, aided and abetted by funeral director Dick.
This is a book that simply oozes black humour. It is occasionally macabre but always entertaining, with author Berry showing a delicate touch in her handling of difficult issues. She is a mistress of understatement and implication, at times allowing the reader to 'assume' rather than just spelling out situations in black and white. "What We All Want" is a peep behind firmly-closed suburban doors into the life of a family in conflict. A family with more than a few skeletons in closets - skeletons that are now demanding to be released. It's a privilege to be allowed to observe.
Publisher: Weidenfield & Nicholson
ISBN:0297607863
Price: £12.99 h/b $9 p/b
Date Reviewed: April 2003
My Rating: 4/5
