Review: The Restorer
Gaby Meares
This is a heartbreaking story of a woman who passionately loves the wrong man. It brings to mind Helen Garner’s novel Monkey Grip: even though she knows that the relationship is damaging and dangerous, she cannot leave; the harder she pulls, the tighter his hold on her. Maryanne lives in hope that Roy will change his ways. And he does, for a while.
The fear and tension created by Roy’s looming presence pervades this novel, growing larger and darker as it reaches its inevitable conclusion.
Michael Sala has written a harrowingly true novel about abuse. You cannot help but share Maryanne’s hope for her family, but know that it is doomed.