A Real Taste of Bali

• Book: The Paradise Guest House
• Location: Bali
• Author: Ellen Sussman

Review Author: Anne Cater

This is the story of two quite isolated people Jamie and Gabe. Flung together in the aftermath of the terrible terrorist attacks on the island of Bali, they only spent a couple of days together before going back to live their separate lives. One year later, Jamie is returning to Bali for a remembrance ceremony. Her scars are not only on the outside, she is suffering and haunted by feelings of guilt. Guilt that she was unable to save her boyfriend on that awful night, and guilt about leaving Gabe so suddenly, with no explanation.

When Jamie lands in Bali, she is welcomed into the home of another victim of that night and befriended by a young boy who helps her to see just what is important to her. When she finally finds Gabe again, it is time for both of them to face up to their past and think about their future.

Just like her last novel French Lessons, this novel is fairly short at just over 250 pages. Despite this, the story is vivid and well-paced. Ellen Sussman doesn’t waste one word. There are no flowery descriptions or pages and pages of unnecessary dialogue. The story is told in sparse, yet descriptive language which transports the reader straight to the heart of the island of Bali. The culture, the people, the sights and sounds are brought to life expertly. Jamie and Gabe are complex characters, each have had their own sorrows in the past and both of them have chosen alternative lifestyles in order to cope with these. Ellen Sussman spent time in Bali whilst researching this novel and this is apparent throughout the story, she has captured the tastes and flavours of the island whilst also portraying the sadness and despair that remains amongst the people who live there. The terrorist bombings in what should be a place of peace and tranquility has left a mark on its people that will be hard to overcome.

I enjoyed The Paradise Guest House very much. I think that Ellen Sussman is a talented author who is able to capture a sense of place incredibly well.

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