Pearl was larger than life. An indestructible woman crackling in drip-dry crimpolene, and with a passion for Belgian chocolate. With a sharp tongue and a detached love, she was the most powerful influence in the lives of Hughie, her husband, and her three grown-up daughters.

But now she’s gone.

The funeral’s over and they’re dancing around each other, trying to find a way to cope as petty jealousies, old family tensions, loyalties and fond memories explode.

Even Hughie’s ballroom dancing holds little pleasure now that Pearl’s not here to disapprove. Peg’s trying to hold it all together, Dot couldn’t care less and is pursuing her career in politics, and life just happens to Teenie. But when she begins to hear Pearl’s voice in the fridge, events take a brilliantly surreal turn.

Reviews

…synthesises often bitter pathos with pungent, life-affirming humour, avoiding compromise to either. (The Independent)