Cuckoo by Julia Crouch
Cuckoo is the first novel from playwright and theatre director Julia Crouch. It centres on the friendship between Rose, now living the yummy-mummy fantasy with her two beautifully behaved young daughters and handsome artist husband, and Polly, a faded ex-junkie rockstar, recently widowed and with two wild sons who arrives back in the UK following her bereavement, in need of a place to stay, and some of the stability that Rose has cultivated in the idyllic Wiltshire countryside.
Unfortunately, the title rather gives away the plot as the irresistibly charismatic Polly gets herself settled in to Rose’s life in ways that would discourage anyone from inviting an old friend to stay for longer than 48 hours. And yet, perhaps there are more layers to this tale of paranoia, betrayal and deceit than it may at first seem….
Having glanced at what else has been said about this book, it’s true that I may well be seeing some elements to the story that aren’t there, but on the other hand, that’s what this book seems to encourage its readers to do.
Painstaking detail is paid to the paraphernalia with which the homely Rose orders her life, and she name-drops brand names with the same casual arrogance that I seem to remember Pat Bateman listing products in America Pyscho (Galaxy people-carrier, Le Creuset cooking implements, Touche Eclat make-up, Konditor & Cook chocolate, and of course, the Barbour jacket).
This became increasingly wearing and whilst the focus on the displacement of domestic objects, diversions from routine and Rose’s passive aggressive stance began to be the source of the drama and anxiety, I found myself rooting for Polly, which I don’t think was the intention.
Essentially I just found Rose quite irritating, not to mention hypocritical and judgmental, whereas despite (or more likely because of) her manipulative nature, penchant for kinky sex, and potentially psychotic flaws, Polly seemed a deal more sympathetic.
There was much more to learn about Polly’s motivations and history, even by the book’s close, and it is a shame there wasn’t more time spent with her character, and away from Rose’s beloved kitchen and her excruciatingly named baby, Flossie.
However, owing to its terrific pace, and wonderfully short chapters that allow for the book-reading equivalent of the snooze button on an alarm clock (just one more… there’s time for just one more…) this was an extraordinarily fast book to devour.
Any misgivings or dissatisfaction were also accompanied by enjoyment of a fast-moving tale that was gripping, even if ultimately a little frustrating. Published by Headline next week on March 3rd, you can buy it in hardback for £12.99 or paperback for £6.99.
Rating: 3/5
Recommended for: Anyone wanting to make their daily commute fly by faster.
Other recommended reading: Flick back through past diaries and breathe a sigh of relief you’re no longer in touch with your past “best friend.” Failing that, try Notes on a Scandal by Zoe Heller or The Friend Who Got Away, edited by Jenny Offill and Elissa Schappell.
Gabriella Apicella
WOW!!!! A very clever, gripping novel, which makes us re-evaluate relationships, friendships, household roles, trust and secrets! A great cover, which draws us in and keeps us fascinated and enthralled– as does the story.The events are very scary but plausible and Julia has obviously done her research, on many levels.
A great read and a good choice for a Book group.