April Rising - Hardcover

Lemaitre, Corene

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0002257289 ISBN 13: 9780002257282

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1999

Synopsis

A funny, sharp and also moving first novel about a young woman – and a whole family – taught a lesson in life by the person they least expected to be able to teach them anything at all.

Although she sees herself rather differently (a very mature feat of storytelling in itself), Ellen is a spoiled middle-class girl who has never done a day’s work in her life. Returning from a trip to Europe with the intention of surprising her doting parents and adored elder brother, she is appalled to find her place in the arty, health-food-eating, politically-conscious family taken by an overweight junk-food and soap-opera fan by the name of April who introduces herself as the brother’s girlfriend. Worst of all, the entire family seems very fond of April to the extent that they are all eating chocolate breakfast cereal and ignoring the exotic traveller Ellen.

There follows a very funny comedy of modern manners, in which Ellen tries to get rid of April, and in so doing comes eventually to grasp some home truths about herself.

About this title

About the Author

Educated at New York University, where she read drama and trained in Stella Adler’s studio, Corene Lemaitre was editor for the source magazine and a full-time writer. She lives in London.

From the Back Cover

Ellen's back from a two-year round trip around Europe. Too bad she didn't find time to phone home. But her parents are bound to welcome her, shower her with affection, and roll out the fatted calf in the form of finance for her next great escape. Aren't they?

But something's changed in the perfect suburban household. Someone's sleeping in her bed and taking her place at the table. The impossible has happened: beloved big brother James has been bewitched by a white-trash golden girl in red marabou-topped slippers. Worse, everyone loves her. Ellen's been usurped by a junk food-fan called April.

Other dilemmas complicate matters. Ellen desires the elusive – and dangerous – Frederick, who refuses to give her the time of day. She craves career satisfaction but lacks the drive. She longs for James to resume his role in her life as best friend. But above all, she wants her place in the family back and that means getting rid of her rival.

While April's popularity soars, Ellen grits her teeth and plots her downfall. It's not simple. April might not have had the benefits of expensive education but when it comes to family, she's an expert – more than can be said for Ellen, who is too busy looking for the enemy to see that people are not always what they seem…

Sharp, Warm and outrageously original, this sparkling novel marks the debut of a remarkable new talent.

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0002257289
• ISBN 13: 9780002257282
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 276