Well known for her previous works, Addition (long listed for the 2009 Miles Franklin Award) and Fall Girl, Nine Days is somewhat of a departure from the tone of Jordan’s previous two novels, and it is delivered with style and flair.
Nine Days focuses on the Westaways, a Melbourne family, and tells their story across four generations, spanning 70 years. It is a saga which presents their fortunes and misfortunes, loves and loses, against struggle and heartache.
Skipping backwards and forwards through generations, interlocking stories and sewing snippets of hints, Jordan presents a fascinating story in an original way. This structure sets the novel apart. Each chapter is named after a different character, each with a story to tell focusing on one day which turns out to be life changing.
Nine Days grips the reader from the opening chapter, which introduces Kip. His dialect and observations capture a thoughtful young man in pre World War II Australia. An incredibly likeable character, he serves to draw the reader in, and succeeds.
The individuality of each voice is a triumph as Jordan reveals layers of complexity within each character. Alec’s teenage angst is raw and at times brutal, while Annabel is naïve and gentle. Jean’s chapter is the one that strikes most profoundly. Anger and coldness resonate through her thoughts:
‘Sometimes I’d like to slap him. My own boy, for the way he stirs his tea.’
But her thoughts betray a secret, and it is this secret, underlying her significant day, which packs a powerful, emotional punch.
The structure of Nine Days allows for creative overlapping of each narrative. It cleverly demands involvement from the reader to piece together the story and the fate of the characters as it unfolds.
As the book gallops towards its finale, the desire to slow down and savour the compelling narrative is tempting. The pace doesn’t let up, and ultimately the urge to reach the end and reveal the answers wins through. This is an ambitious novel; skillfully crafted and intelligent. Jordan’s trademark wit and ability to manipulate the narrative is a triumph.
Rating: 4½ stars out of 5
Nine Days
By Toni Jordan
Paperback, RRP $29.99
ISBN 9781921922831
Text Publishing
