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Sometimes an unsolicited book arrives in a reviewer's letterbox, something outside of the normal range of her reviewing so that she may be hard put to it to categorise that book. Expecting Emily by Clare Dowling is one such. Part of the blurb on the back cover states that it is 'commercial fiction' which, I must confess, adds to my confusion. This having been said, perhaps 'women's issues' (if a pun may be excused) would best cover it. Dowling is, apparently, (only apparently as I have been unable to find any biographical material on her) an Irish writer. A previous novel which, again apparently, was well received was Fast Forward. The novel opens with Dowling's protagonist, a heavily pregnant Emily Collins, attending her obstetrician's office - late, as usual. There she sits in the company of other mothers-to-be, attempting, and failing dismally, to establish some sympathetic common ground with them - a theme throughout the book. Not too far into the story, Emily is hospitalised with suspected pre-eclampsia. The hospital in which she finds herself, Martha's, is. to the delight of her obstetrician, Mr. Chapman, slated to be closed down (shades of Adelaide's own Western Community Hospital - a threatened closure that has had a happy resolution). Somehow, solicitor Emily finds herself leading the other mothers in an attempt to prevent the closure. This, of course, would not, by itself, make for an interesting story so we have added to the mix the fact that her husband, pianist Conor, had had an affair with another member of the orchestra. Emily is devastated to discover his defection. Back at the office, the partnership which she felt she had been promised goes to someone else, the swinish Gary, lover of Emily's best friend Neasa. Meanwhile, Emily's sister Liz, the mother of five sons (now would anyone, no matter how desperate for a name, inflict the names Bobby and Robbie on brothers? And would a fond sister then call her own son Robert?) becomes desperate when she discovers her builder husband is in dire financial straits. There are some entertaining scenes, not the least being when mothers-to-be, either due or overdue to give birth confront a television crew covering their battle to save their hospital but I can't say I found my emotions greatly stirred. Women readers may find themselves empathising with Emily as she struggles with the actual birth of her baby but to my mind the characterisations were not terribly strong. For those who like this sort of book, no doubt there will be some appeal Note: This review is based on the Australian edition.
Reviewed by Denise Wels, July 2003
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Contact: Yvonne Klein (ymk@reviewingtheevidence.com)
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