Book Review: Olive by Emma Gannon

I hope you are doing well in your part of the world.
Currently, we are in stage 4 of lock down here in Melbourne due to COVID-19, and it is a trying time for many.
My reading style has certainly changed this year - many books that I would usually go for don't seem right at the moment, and I am tending to read stories that don't require too much of me other than to just enjoy. I'm pleased to say that Olive fit the bill. 

This debut novel is told from the perspective of Olive Stone, a woman in her 30's with a great writing job for a feminist-focused magazine.
She has a long-term boyfriend named Jacob, and a close group of friends she's known for years - Bea, Cecily, and Isla.

Olive is an independent woman who lives alone, and she knows what she wants, but that's not to say that life is easy for her. 
Olive doesn't want to have children of her own, and this leads to her break up with Jacob, as he wants to have a family.
Although she has always had a really tight bond with her friends, Olive  is reluctant to tell them about her split from Jacob, as the women all have issues in their personal lives, including problems relating to marriage and motherhood.

The story goes back and forth in time from the present day to Olive's younger years in college, and as it unfolds, we gain a deeper sense of who each of the four women are and what each woman wants in life. 

I really liked Olive's character, and although there were some aspects of her personality that seemed to not quite match her childless by choice decision, she is a real and believable character.
I also adored her elderly neighbour Dorothy, and her quirky work colleague Colin. 

It was interesting to read about a woman like Olive who has to deal with the pressures and questions often faced in society regarding women who choose to be child free. 
As a mother, it made me gain a deeper understanding, and Emma Gannon has done a great job of exploring the complexities surrounding both motherhood and choosing not to have children.
She also captures the heart and soul of female friendships, with all of the ups and downs analysed in depth.

I would definitely recommend Olive. 
It is available now through Harper Collins Australia, RRP $29.99. 
For further information on this title head here