The Self-Made Saint

Author(s): Alexandra Addams

Location(s): Adelaide

Genre(s): Fiction

Era(s): Modern Day

Judith Drainger has always played life by her own rules. But these days life seems to be playing her right back.

Divorced, orphaned and forcibly retired, 59-year-old Judith is determined to seize the opportunity to leave her broken home in London and move across the world to Australia. Here she reunites with her estranged adult daughter Cassandra – only to land smack bang in the emotional quagmire of her daughter’s anger and abandonment issues. To make matters worse, Judith can see her new granddaughter Emily has a serious health issue, but her offers of help are ignored and rejected.

When an accident knocks her off her feet, Judith is swamped by the kindly care of her nosy new neighbours. Yet, when given a chance to become a part of their community, Judith shocks even herself by making a series of unforgivable blunders. Realizing if she’s to have any hope of reuniting her family, well-meaning but stubborn curmudgeon Judith must learn the power of saying ‘sorry’ – and what it actually means to be a good person.

Addams’ skilful and subtle storytelling weaves this contemporary comedic family drama around her convincing characters. Readers won’t be able to resist falling in love with Judith, despite her many relatable flaws.

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