The Night Guest

Ruth, a widow in her seventies, lives in an isolated house within sight and sound of the sea. Alone with her memories of an early love and then her late husband, she thinks that she can hear a tiger prowling around her house. Then Frida arrives one day, claiming to have been sent by the government to be Ruth's carer.

This is a beautifully written, moving story. Ruth's present day struggle to retain control of her life is juxtaposed with memories - as a girl, her parents assumed the right to make decisions, later her husband decided where they would live.

The Night Guest can be read as a novel about dementia, but I found her view of what was happening scarily convincing, including the tiger bits and a complicated relationship between two show more very different women. show less

I enjoyed this story so much because it had me going back and forth so many times with what might be going on that it made it very hard to put down. The author kept you guessing throughout the whole story, and just when you think you have figured it out, she throws something in that makes you uncertain. This was a completely enjoyable read and does bring up several issues about our society. Some of the questions brought to mind are about aging and independence and how to balance it out with the wellbeing of an aging parent or person. Things you will think about long after the story is finished. The author kept the story focused, and looking back on it, there were so many clues that the protagonist needed help that were overlooked by show more family until it was too late; definitely a warning to all to listen more carefully to our loved ones. show less

This is an astonishingly good book. It's hard to discuss without giving away the plot. At first, I thought this was going to be a nice cosy novel about a sweet old lady, Ruth, living in some isolation on the Australian coast, and her relationship with her carer, Frida. Then I realised there was rather more to it, and seized any opportunity to read on. Finally, I realised that there was a great deal more to it, and that I wasn't at all sure that I wanted to know the ending. Here are characters that are as complex as most human beings: no simple 'goodies' and 'baddies' here. Here is a woman beginning to experience the loss of her mind as she ages. Here is her carer, who pushes all kinds of alarm buttons, though she has moments of kindness show more and himanity. Beautifully written, with striking and original use of metaphor, this is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. show less

One of the best written novels I've read in years. Not one word is wasted. Having the narrative come from a very sympathetic character whose mental faculties are dwindling was a smart yet controversial choice. Although, I feel this book should have come with a warning on account of the emotional wringer it will put the reader through. This is a depressingly sad (almost soul crushingly so) novel that will no doubt leave many readers with a bad taste in their mouths. I can understand many not liking this based on just how depressing it really is. But, that does not change how beautiful it's prose is nor how well written or thought provoking. I finished it at 3 am and ended up staying awake until I could call my own mother at 8 am to check show more in and see how she was doing. If you are in the mood to experience one of the greatest works of literature in recent memory, pick up a copy of The Night Guest for yourself. But, reader beware...you're in for an emotional powerhouse that will no doubt haunt you. The Night Guest is a work of literary art that will have you thinking about it long after it resides on your shelf collecting dust. show less

Quite a debut. McFarlane juggles a complex situation beautifully so that, even after completing it, I continue to question my understanding of the crucial situations. The protagonist, Ruth, may be dealing with dementia, but she may be more in touch with reality than anyone around her, especially members of her family. And Frida swaps masks so seamlessly that it is difficult to know how to comprehend her: is she a calculating monster, someone coping with her own day-to-day needs, or a godsend. And the tiger--my favorite character--is at once more real and imaginary than certain humans in my life. Perhaps I "should" have found The Night Guest distressing or sad, but it really was quite reassuring.

Oh this was weird and delightful and totally creepy. I love Ruth - I'm not usually a big fan of elderly protagonists but Fiona McFarlane writes Ruth and Richard beautifully. Frida is also brilliant. Y'all, I had sort of a clue but not a clue about the strangeness Frida embodied and it was wonderful. I wanted this book to keep going and going...

My only reservation was the role of the tiger. I sort of understood its purpose but I also felt like it was a little disconnected. Other than that, this was a great read.

This is among the best of the books from Stella Prize longlist that I've read so far - it's at times a haunting meditation on aging and loneliness, at times an unbearably tense mystery and at times a depiction of a complicated friendship between two women. I knew nothing about the plot going in and felt the unease develop in the pit of my stomach as the relationship between the two main characters developed - it's really beautifully done, with Ruth's fading memory and Frida's domineering helpfulness weaved into what at first seems like a straightforward character study. I won't say too much more, there's joy in watching the plot gradually unspool that I'll ruin by elaborating further.