Lovebirds by Amanda Hampson, bestselling author of The Yellow Villa and Sixty Summers, tells the story of two school friends, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Clayton and Virginia (Ginny) Moncur, who grew up in the small town of Nullaburra outside Sydney.
Coming from very different backgrounds, they remain best friends well into their sixties until Ginny’s passing. Lizzy, who has lived in the Sydney suburb of Roseville for many years, returns to Nullaburra for the funeral.
Bereft after Ginny’s death, Lizzy, who lives alone, except for the company of her chatty budgie, Eric, begins to look closely at her current situation. She rarely sees her sons, Tom and Danny, or their wives and her Grandchildren. Her thoughts also turn to her estranged husband, Ray O’Reilly, the love of her life.
When her Grandson, Zach’s, behaviour becomes out of control and his mother, Claire, is unable to cope, Lizzy decides it is time to track Ray down. Taking Zach and Eric with her, they embark upon a road trip into the remote rainforest of the northern NSW hinterland.
Now is the time to bring her broken family together and repair the past.
This beautifully written novel has the perfect mix of tragedy and comedy. It is about family and friends and the life-changing issues that they face at one time or another whether old or young.
The addition of Eric, the cheeky budgie, is a stroke of genius, as he often breaks the tension in what could prove to be awkward moments. He is an absolute delight as are Ray’s mate, Baz, and his disreputable goat!
Both heartwarming and heart-wrenching Lovebirds is a must read for 2021.
ISBN: 9780143792130
Lovebirds by Amanda Hampson – Penguin Books Australia Lovebirds is available in paperback, e-book and audiobook.
About Amanda Hampson
Amanda Hampson grew up in rural New Zealand. She spent her early twenties travelling, finally settling in Australia in 1979 where she now lives in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Writing professionally for more than 20 years, she is the author of two non-fiction books, numerous articles and novels The Olive Sisters, Two for the Road, The French Perfumer, The Yellow Villa and Sixty Summers.
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