Charlotte Wood: The weekend, 9780593191989, paperback, Riverhead Books, Penguin Random House USA

"The Weekend" by Charlotte Wood has been sitting on my book pile for some time but boy,  am i glad i finally read it ! It is one of these books that will stay with me for some time.

Wood's story is set in Australia centering around three women in their 70ties, who have come  together to clear out the beach house of their deceased friend Sylvie where they have  spent many christmas days together. What unfolds during the course of this christmas weekend  is a story so brutally honestly, poignant and touching, it really affected me. Wood' novel leaves no doubt that female friendships over 40 years comes with some collateral damage, as do all relationships,  and how that fragile equilibrium can be destroyed any time. I loved Wood's writing and her clear cut, unsentimental look at long term female friendship and relationships.  But it is also a book full of love, tenderness and compassion.