Greetings from Somewhere Else

by: Monica McInerney

Published by: Ballantine Books

Reviewed by Patty Inglish

Greetings from Somewhere Else recalls Carrie Fisher’s Postcards From the Edge with a bit of insanity and a definite skew in mindsets formed within issue-burdened families. In Monica McInerney’s book, elsewhere greetings travel between Ireland and Australia, between event planning and bed making, and between a chef and a reluctant B&B manager. The story is different and fun, with human frailty and sadness clinging about the edges like hand-tatted Irish lace with pattern kinks and warm recollections.

Obsessively organized Lainey Byrne must give up her high-class event-planning career to run the family B&B in Ireland for a year, or her injured dad won’t receive his inheritance. Off she goes. However, she finds the B&B in legendary Tara to be a legendary dump, and without guests. She simply must try to put things right.

Back in Australia, family issues overflow the billabong and Lainey’s parents and three brothers flail about. In Ireland, Lainey vacillates between romantic and jealous thoughts of men on both continents. She would feel much better if only she knew how to cook and clean – like Adam, the master chef boyfriend she left behind in Australia.

Monica McInerney’s writing is humorous, yet provides a clear picture of both historic Ireland and modern Australia. Her characters are lively fun, even when they are in trouble and wearing neon-colored hair to work.

Armchair Interview says: Teens and adults that might enjoy Irish-Australian culture and romantic comedy will like Greetings from Somewhere Else.

Author’s Web site: http://www.MonicaMcInerney.com