My paperback copy of The Work Wives is a treasure, as it was gifted to me and personally inscribed by my truly marvellous Writing WA work wife. As someone who knows how special sisterhood bonds can be, I was pleased to immerse myself in this unputdownable story which pays tribute to working women and female workplace friendship.
At 503 pages long, this delightful book really gives the reader bang for their buck. There is a cast of likeable characters – a defining trait of a Rachael Johns novel – as well as a few despicable ones for essential contrast. Throughout, Johns explores, with perception and humour, themes of modern motherhood and romantic pursuit at different stages of life.
Each chapter is narrated by one of three main protagonists: Debra and Quinn (the eponymous work wives), as well as Debra’s daughter Ramona, which allows the reader to follow each woman intimately as their relationships with one another are challenged and secrets fester. The opening prologue presents an intriguing dilemma, with Debra having a powerfully negative reaction to the introduction of the company’s handsome new director of sales, before taking the reader back three months in time.
While I’m a fan of the two primary adult characters – Debra and Quinn – who are closer to my age, I particularly enjoy Ramona’s personal story. Ramona, Debra’s only child, is a teenager who was once close to her mother but is now feeling suffocated by her overbearing parenting style. She is a unique old soul who loves vintage fashion and has never felt like she fit in with her peers. As we follow her journey, it is heartwarming to see her find friendship at her new school. However, Ramona is forced to confront a quandary that many high students face: Is it better to have friends who are sometimes unkind and shallow, rather than have no friends at all?
Rachael Johns is a bestselling Australian author and it’s not hard to understand why. This book is an intelligent but easy read with compelling twists and turns that leave you feeling satisfied at the end. As always, I look forward to the next offering by this wonderful writer.