‘A strong voice in Australian writing…Matthews writes absurdity, vulnerability and resilience exquisitely well…You will not only fall in love with the three central characters…you will see yourself in them’….
This tragi-comedy romance, set in current day Melbourne, explores despair, isolation and middle-aged dating. Rachel Matthews is a lecturer and teacher whose two previous novels were well reviewed. Never Look Desperate establishes her as a strong voice in Australian writing. It is being described as Sedaris meets Fleabag – which is true – but Matthews really has her own unique voice that reels you in. You will not only fall deeply in love with the central characters, Bernard, Goldie and Minh, but you see yourself in them and their struggles. Matthews writes asurdity, vulnerability and resilience exquisitely well, along with the glorious complexity of simply being human.
Cheryl Akle, Weekend Australian
