Audrey’s Gone AWOL
Genre: Fiction
Audrey’s Gone AWOL by West Australian-based writer Annie de Monchaux is a heartwarming tale about self-discovery and the pursuit of joy. With a Rachael Johns-like flair for engaging characterisation, the novel centers on Audrey Lamont, a woman who has dedicated nearly four decades to her family only to realise she has lost her sense of self amidst the dull routine of daily life and suppression of her own needs. This realisation is compounded by an uninspiring ‘empty nest’ and the painful discovery that her husband Simon, an academic, has led a double life, leaving Audrey feeling devalued and furious.
Seeking solace and clarity, Audrey takes an opportunity to escape to her elderly aunt’s home in the serene, picturesque countryside of Brittany, in France. This sudden departure from Australia marks a bold move to reclaim her identity and re-evaluate the state of her marriage on her own terms.
As Audrey immerses herself in the rural setting, she finds blissful distraction in her new role as caretaker of her aunt’s summer cottage and comfort in the pursuit of unique new hobbies. Each local character she encounters adds depth and colour to her journey, offering wisdom, humour, and unexpected companionship.
What sets Audrey’s Gone AWOL apart is its balance of humour and poignant observation. De Monchaux’s writing is both funny and insightful, capturing the nuances of losing oneself in the roles we adopt and the liberation that comes from breaking free. While the setup leads the reader to expect Audrey’s journey will focus on the salvation of her marriage; it evolves into a much more profound personal transformation as she switches focus to the rediscovery of herself.
The novel is an empowering celebration of reinvention at any age. It encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, to recognise the importance of self-worth, and to believe in the possibility of new beginnings. Audrey’s Gone AWOL is a delightful and uplifting read that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost and yearned to find themselves again. Through Audrey’s eyes, we are reminded that it is never too late to start over and the pursuit of happiness is a precious, lifelong gift.