Susan Green

This is a story of a dying older woman, Bliss, and her earlier life (post-war 20th century), seen through her reflections and interactions with her family. It's also the story of her step-children and their families, and how they relate to Bliss as she lies dying. Most of the book is the back story of Bliss's earlier life and her series of failed relationships. She's had a complicated life and a lot of that isn't known to her step-daughters who are now helping her through her final days. One of her step children died of a drug overdose. Not everyone thinks Bliss has been a good 'mother'. In fact there is little evidence that Bliss has much to be proud of at all. How does that make you feel in your last days? Bliss has heart failure, not dementia, so - apart from the effects of morphine used to make her death more comfortable - she is still on the ball, so when we see the world through her eyes we don't doubt the facts. Art and artists were important elements of the communities in which Bliss lived and the domination of men is very evident. Although this look back at the 20th century was interesting, I found greater interest and engagement in the present lives of Bliss's step children and their relationships and for me the balance of these two aspects is one reason that the book works well. Susan Green doesn't yet get onto my 'favourites' list, but I would certainly consider another offering from her if I came across one although I note that most of her oeuvre is aimed at a somewhat younger and more female audience than me.… (more)