Lonely Mouth (Jacqueline Maley, Fourth Estate)
Jacqueline Maley (The Truth About Her) returns with Lonely Mouth, a powerful exploration of family, trauma and identity. Half-sisters Matilda and Lara share a mother but have different fathers. Abandoned by their mother as children, their lives take dramatically different paths. Matilda, ten years older, works in a high-end Sydney restaurant, finds solace in books, and has an eating disorder. Meanwhile, Lara thrives as a model in Paris, leading a carefree life that Matilda can only envy. When Lara’s estranged father reappears seeking reconciliation, Matilda’s carefully constructed life – built as a buffer against her chaotic past – begins to unravel. Maley’s writing is exquisite – lyrical, detailed and deeply immersive. Her ability to capture the smallest moments and intricate character details makes the world feel vivid and authentic. The scenes at the restaurant where Matilda works are particularly captivating, rich with colourful chefs and servers that breathe life into the narrative. The novel’s realism can be confronting as the sparse chapter structure creates an immersive rhythm, drawing readers deep into Matilda’s life. Trigger warnings apply for themes of child molestation and eating disorders. Maley’s depiction of bulimia is raw and unflinching, powerfully conveying the mental struggle – a portrayal that may be difficult for some to read. Recommended for readers of Sally Rooney and Coco Mellors, Lonely Mouth explores one woman’s evolving relationship with her body as she navigates a chaotic world, striving for control and connection.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault or domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 1800RESPECT on 0458 737 732, or visit www.1800respect.org.au.
Books+Publishing reviewer: Jess Lomas is reviews editor for Books+Publishing. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.
Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.
Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews
