Andre and Chris

A terrific story from a talented and relatively new writer @Paladin. 

The strength of the story is in the authenticity of the characters and the manner in which the author presents the commonplace situations in which they find themselves, although there is one storyline which is anything but commonplace. The characters are for the most part likeable and characters (at least the likeable ones) with whom most readers I imagine will identify to at least some extent.

The story is set in Australia, outside of any of the capital cities, but in a large regional centre. The locale although not integral to the story, does add to its attraction.

There is plenty of humour, some of it quintessentially Australian, and one storyline which is dark, unpleasant and at times very intense. To the credit of the author this storyline has been written with compassion, discretion and to its benefit, without melodrama. It is the latter which I admired the most, the storyline is presented factually, allowing the reader to experience whatever emotion is most appropriate for them, without being cajoled or manipulated into feeling the "expected" emotions.

Celebrations abound in this story with descriptions of food and beverages aplenty. I have on a number of occasions in writing comments "teased" the author regarding the prevalence of Tim Tams on the menu. They are a beloved Australian chocolate biscuit, some would say iconic, which I dislike intensely.