For Ava, heading to university in Sydney is her escape from a poverty-stricken upbringing. Her mother is long gone, her father able to provide love but little else. On the other side of the world, Laurie tolerates university only at the insistence of her father, a Marxist professor. Her mother died in childbirth, and Laurie dreams of freedom, far from the Cambridge cloisters.
It is within these college grounds that Ava and Laurie cross paths. They could not be more different, and yet as each grapples with the lasting effects of losing a mother, their lives become entwined in ways neither could have anticipated.
Alison Edwards’ brilliant novel Two Daughters explores family, class, social justice and love with a large dose of wit, the occasional detour into darkness, but always with the heartbeat of hope.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
Ideal for lovers of intricate plot lines that weave across people, decades and continents (think Kate Morton crossed with Liane Moriarty). The story follows two young women from different walks of life – one from a poor coastal town, the other from the upper echelons of society. The beautifully crafted language hits hard, especially for anyone who is or has struggled with the challenges of motherhood. If this is her debut, I can’t wait to see what Alison Edwards will do next. Laura, QLD, 5 stars
It is hard to believe that Two Daughters is the debut novel for Alison Edwards as her writing style seems so accomplished. This coming of age tale is written in alternating chapters from the perspectives of each of the main characters, two independent, driven young women both raised without their mothers and both with fathers who fiercely champion and inspire their daughters in unique, endearing and sometimes oddball ways! Edwards has drawn on her own life experience to develop the novel’s settings, having lived and studied herself in both Australia and the UK. She creates two engaging characters who start out on opposite sides of the world but through pursuing their educations and ambitions find their lives eventually intersect. Anyone who has ever struggled to make ends meet as a student or knows someone who has – simultaneously juggling hospitality jobs, share houses, amazing new friends and an avalanche of new courses and ideas, will readily identify with Laurie and Ava. Edwards uses humour, current cultural references, creative language choices, romance and quirky characters to engage readers and keep them turning pages. Through Ava and Laurie’s adventures, Edwards explores themes of social justice, parenthood, friendship and family secrets and keeps the reader guessing until the end. Two Daughters is a fun read with a dash of mystery and suspense and a cast of loveable characters. Tracey, WA, 5 stars
“Two Daughters” by Alison Edwards explores the intertwining lives of two characters whose paths converge unexpectedly. Set within the backdrop of a university department and UK politics, the novel delves into the complexities of relationships, especially that of Fathers and their daughters. I enjoyed the Australian influence and the unexpected ways the characters connect. I look forward to seeing more from this new author. Karyn, WA, 5 stars
A captivating story of two women on opposite sides of the world whose lives intersect in meaningful ways to bring them together. A wonderful debut novel by Alison Edward’s, a natural storyteller. Joanna, VIC, 5 stars
I think this is an absolutely stellar debut from Alison Edwards. Two Daughters tells the stories of two women from two different worlds. Ava is from a very working class background in Australia, while Laurie is raised by an academic father in England. But one thing they have in common is that they are both motherless. I loved how the two women’s stories are told in alternate chapters but overlap with each other. I found both Ava and Laurie very relatable characters, that you want to learn more about. One of the strongest, and most relatable pieces of dialogue I found in the book was the lines about Ava meeting her future husband and how it was like all her peripheral vision left her at the first sight of him. I flew through this book in a weekend because I just couldn’t put it down. It’s a very interesting story that is a joy to read. I look forward to Alison Edwards’ next book. Paula, SA, 5 stars
“Two Daughters” is the story of Eva and Laurie, two very different girls both growing up motherless on opposite sides of the world. Eva’s mother abandoned her as a baby, leaving her to grow up poor but much loved by her chronically ill father in a caravan park in coastal NSW, Australia. She escapes to study in Sydney and ultimately to Cambridge academia and an eventual wealthy marriage, providing the security she thinks she needs. Laurie’s mother died when she was born, and she grows up in Cambridge, raised by her loving but vague, political activist academic father. Both girls seek escape from their origins, with their lives brushing up against the other’s throughout the book but not ultimately connecting until the finale. Both girls discover that in changing their circumstances they eventually come full circle, learning to truly appreciate their beginnings, and recognising the importance and focus the love and humanity family and friends brings to their existence. The girls intersect with a cast of predominantly quirky characters, and their individual and intersecting stories move along with wit and humour. “Two daughters” is a fast moving, easy and enjoyable read that will keep you chuckling at the characters’ antics and story narrative whilst appreciating the central themes of friends and family. Fenella, NSW, 5 stars
For Ava, university is an escape from her poverty-stricken upbringing in a tiny coastal town. Her mother deserted the family when she was a baby. She is left with her chronically ill father who provides love but little else. On the other side of the world, Laurie tolerates university for the sake of her father, a celebrated professor. Her mother died in childbirth and Laurie feels overwhelmed by her father’s expectations. She dreams of freedom far from the Cambridge cloisters. It is within the college grounds that their paths cross. They could not be more different, yet both are dealing with the lasting effects of losing their mother. Their lives become entwined in ways neither could have expected. I enjoyed this book very much. Two women, both with the opportunity to attend university, yet one relishes the opportunity and the other forgoes it at all costs. I enjoyed each chapter where Ava tells her story and then Laurie tells hers. This book is a great read exploring motherhood, social justice, class, love and identity. Carolyn, WA, 5 stars
This debut novel unravels into a fine tale of two strong young women, with different pasts but they become linked by fate, with many childhood factors and traits that have influenced their adulthood, that shape them into their strong believable characters, a good read you can relate to. Carol, QLD, 5 stars
It’s hard to believe this beautifully written book is a debut. Alison has crafted a compelling narrative with a propulsive plot which keeps you guessing as you hope to see how two women’s lives are intertwined. In the story we meet Ava and Laurie both from vastly different economic backgrounds who are brought together through life events. Edwards explores themes of family, friendship, inequality, motherhood and education in her mysterious, humorous and heartfelt novel. Loved her sense of place and the intersection of real and imagined events. Whizzed through this great read! Michelle, QLD, 5 stars
I found it most enjoyable & difficult to put down. The premise of the story that two young women from opposite ends of the world connect through circumstances that join them, then pull them apart, yet they don’t even meet until the end of the story, is delightfully told, with a believable cast of characters and a flowing narrative. I loved this debut and look forward to more from Alison Edwards. Kirsten, WA, 5 stars
Two daughters by Alison Edwards is an exceptional debut novel. Beautifully written, fabulous characterisation, fabulous setting with historical references, with an intriguing plot! We are introduced to Ava and Laurie who have grown up on opposite parts of the world in vastly different circumstances with the only similarity being the lose of a mother in their lives. Their lives are brought together seamlessly and a strong story line ensues. The book explores, friendships, love, heartache, happiness, class inequality and of course motherhood! Written with so much thought, humour and a few twists and turns the book gives the reader a wonderful ending. Absolutely loved Two Daughters! Highly recommend! Ilona, VIC, 5 stars
Two daughters, two different economic backgrounds, two sides of the world. Who would have thought that their paths would eventually become entwined and entangled with the same English university and the same men. It makes a very interesting and intriguing story which keeps the reader interested in their plight right from the beginning. Would recommend this book to readers who enjoy a relaxing story with a light storyline and a smattering of ‘historical fiction’ thrown in. Terry, SA, 4 stars
This wasn’t what I was expecting but I thoroughly enjoyed it! I thought it had an original story line and kept me interested until the very end. It intertwined over decades and continents and each character was believable and expertly described. I would definitely recommend this book. Amanda, NSW, 4 stars
A story that spans continents and decades, but holds the readers interest and never loses its pace. The way our lives can become connected in unexpected ways is highlighted as Ava and Laurie cross paths. The shared experience of losing a mother can transcend class and despite the emotional and dark nature of the challenge, lead to hope. Tess, TAS, 4 stars
I enjoyed Two Daughters by Alison Edwards courtesy of Better Reading, many thanks. It follows two university students Ava and Laurie, two university students from vastly different backgrounds. Each of the girls are desperate to escape the life they know, Ava wants to travel the world, she wants freedom, adventure, and experience. Laurie wants the stability of a Cambridge education and to put down roots. Neither girl knew their mother: Laurie’s mother died in childbirth; Ava’s mother left the family when she was a baby. Laurie despite wanting to escape becomes part of the establishment and Ava is wanting to escape poverty. Their paths cross and lives intertwine as they attempt to cope with the effects of losing their mothers including family dynamics, social expectations and the class systems and the support of our friends. They novel takes you through their lives and the choices they make, very human if not always comfortable or well thought out ones, on a thought provoking journey with an underlying sense of hope and a fantastic ending. Dianne, NSW, 4 stars
Two Daughters is an intriguing story of two women living in opposite ends of the world. Their lives soon become intertwined in a myriad of ways and both women are haunted by the absence of their mothers. A captivating story that explores raw human emotions and relationships. Claire, VIC, 4 stars
Really enjoyed reading this book. Made my brain work while allowing me to relax through reading. Interesting twists and connections throughout kept me thinking and guessing. Would love to see what this author creates next. Amanda, SA, 4 stars
Alison Edwards’ first novel is the story of two daughters from different backgrounds and from opposite sides of the world. Australian Ava, impoverished and raised in an old caravan by an sick father, aims to improve her lot through a university education and leave her old life behind. English Laurie had been raised amongst Cambridge academia by her politically active left wing professor father. On paper, their lives are quite different, but they share the loss of their mothers at an early age by death or abandonment and the desire to change their destined path. Through the years their lives run parallel courses as they make life choices that take them in new directions. Moving back and forth from present to past, the story leads up to where the two women finally intersect and learn they have more in common than they had previously understood. The character development was excellent, the writing entertaining, weaving real events into the timeline. Family ties and expectations, societal restraints, friendship and the reinvention of self are all themes in the story leading through to where all is explained. Juanita, NSW, 4 stars
So happy to receive this book, it will be shared to my other Book Club ladies. I found the first 3 chapters somewhat slow, I am so glad I continued the pace of the story quickened and pulled me in. The story spans decades and continents following the journey of Eva and Laurie and their struggles in dealing with their circumstances as they explore their identity. The final chapter brings the story to to conclusion, all the strings are drawn together and the reader can see how each woman has to some degree reinvented themselves to a point where they are satisfied with their life and understand the past with acceptance. Jan, QLD, 4 stars
Two Daughters by Alison Edwards is an intriguing debut novel that weaves around the very disparate lives of the two main characters from the title. They are on different continents, leading very different lives when we meet them, the only commonality is the death of their mothers at an early point in their lives and being raised by a single parent father. I enjoyed trying to predict the how, when and why the two would meet as the novel worked it’s way through themes of relationships, loyalty, body autonomy, parenting, education, inequality and capitalism. The storyline had historical fiction elements but covered recent history as well as looking further into the past. The settings of coastal rural Australia and Cambridge University were equally diverse and compelling. An ending that has resolution but without the expected ‘neat and tidy bow’ made this book even more appealing to me as a reader. I look forward to more from this author in the future. Lisa, QLD, 4 stars
I really enjoyed this – but I’m not sure I can tell you why. Even with a couple of days to mull it over, I’m not sure I’ve got the eloquence to explain it. This book is literally what it says its about – Two Daughters, raised on opposite sides of the world. Ava and Laurie don’t know each other. They have alternating chapters and as we went on, part of the compelling nature of this book is trying to work out how their lives will intersect. I got it wrong so many times. I had trouble putting this book down. At the end of each chapter I wanted to go a bit further into the story, into the characters, into this shimmering element of mystery. I felt like I was watching both girls’ lives unfold peeking through my fingers. I wanted them both to make good choices! But there’s no book if that happens. It’s compelling, it’s well written, it kept hooking me in and dragging me along in the best way. I couldn’t get enough. I will look forward to more from Alison Edwards! Brit, VIC, 4 stars
I was very impressed with Alison Edwards’ debut novel ‘Two Daughters’. Her writing style drew me in and her ability to interweave historical events, incorporating them in some way into her novel’s storyline was thought provoking. I enjoyed the storyline, allowing us to see two characters and how their lives connect was an emotional read. I would definitely read another of Alison Edwards’ novels. Amanda, TAS, 4 stars
Ava and Laurie are two very different young women. Laurie Mélenchon grew up in Cambridge, UK, with her father Eric, a celebrated professor of Marxist thought. Ava Jacobs grew up on the coast of NSW with her father Jim, who lived with multiple sclerosis. Neither girl knew their mother: Laurie’s mother died in childbirth; Ava’s mother left the family when Ava was a baby. Ava looks to university as an escape from impoverishment, Laurie looks for freedom away from Cambridge. It is at Cambridge where Ava and Laurie’s paths cross. Laurie attends university at her father’s insistence, Ava attends as a PhD student. But there’s nothing straightforward in either woman’s world. Ava will marry and become part of the establishment, Laurie will pursue her own dreams, and both will be challenged. While I found it easy to follow both Ava and Laurie’s lives (while not always agreeing with their choices) there were a couple of twists I felt less comfortable with. And yet those twists played perfectly into the ending. This is Ms Edwards’s first novel, and it invites you to think about chance and choice: a quietly thoughtful novel about individual identity, parenthood and the importance of love. Jennifer, ACT, 4 stars
Fantastic debut novel. Set in NSW South Coast and the opposite side of the world in Cambridge England. This is the story of two daughters who lives become entwined, though not in an obvious way, and has you guessing til the very end. It is told with a dark, clever wit and highlights the importance of social justice and diversity. Can’t wait to read what Alison Edwards has next… thoroughly enjoyed! Justine, NSW, 4 stars
Set in both Australia and England, around about 2010, Two Daughters features two very different women, Ava and Laurie. Both girls have an extremely close relationship to the parent who raised them, for both their Father. The exploration (told over a few years), of the connection with Ava and Laurie and their Dads, was the favourite part of the book for me. But there were so many other good things about the story. Each woman is feisty, they are educated and aware and intelligent. Both attract supportive, kind and caring best friends. Lots of topics are explored including single parenting, chronic disease, class system, pregnancy, death, sexuality, abortion and tertiary education. Despite the topics it is not a heavy read but an enjoyable one that flies past. We see the women make questionable, good and bad decisions and the consequences of all. A fabulous debut novel that I really enjoyed. Toni, QLD, 4 stars
Edward’s debut novel explores a number of issues: family, friendship and socioeconomic status. I was immediately taken in by the prologue and wondered the connection the two main protagonists. It then shifts gears a bit while we get to know Ava and Laurie and their families. I really appreciated the good character development. The novel provided an interesting insight into academic life and journalism. I found I got a bit bogged down in all the politics of academia towards the end. A solid first novel, for fans of Diana Reid. Kirsten, ACT, 4 stars
If you enjoy books with a difference, then you can’t go past “Two Daughters”… It is the story of two young woman, Ava and Laurie. It’s complicated, switching from one chapter to the other, as the life story of each woman is portrayed, in great detail. I tended to reread chapters at times to fully absorb their very busy lives, all the time wondering as to how they are or would be connected. Both Ava and Laurie seem to be leading quite different lives… but as you get towards the last few chapters, the connections are found. An unusual, incredibly detailed novel, sometimes hard to believe that this is the initial publication by the author, Alison Edwards. I look forward to further novels of hers. Chris, QLD, 4 stars
Ava and Laurie are two very different young women. Laurie Mélenchon grew up in Cambridge, UK, with her father Eric, a celebrated professor of Marxist thought. Ava Jacobs grew up on the coast of New South Wales with her father Jim, who lived with multiple sclerosis. Neither girl knew their mother: Laurie’s mother died in childbirth; Ava’s mother left the family when Ava was a baby. Ava looks to university as an escape from impoverishment, Laurie looks for freedom away from Cambridge. It is at Cambridge where Ava and Laurie’s paths cross. Laurie attends university at her father’s insistence, Ava attends as a PhD student. But there’s nothing straightforward in either woman’s world. Ava will marry and become part of the establishment, Laurie will pursue her own dreams, and both will be challenged. While I found it easy to follow both Ava and Laurie’s lives (while not always agreeing with their choices) there were a couple of twists I felt less comfortable with. And yet those twists played perfectly into the ending. A quietly thoughtful novel about individual identity, parenthood and the importance of love. I enjoyed it. Jennifer, ACT, 4 stars
Two Daughters (Alison Edwards) tells the stories of two young women and how they ended up connected. Ava was born in Australia and lived in a trailer with her very ill father after her mom abandoned them. Laurie in UK, living with her Marxist father, and professor of Cambridge, after her mother died given birth to her. Their completely different background and destiny, somehow bring both of them together in a very peculiar and profound way. Cintia, VIC, 4 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel ‘Two Daughters’ by Alison Edwards – it definitely didn’t feel like the author’s first novel! The storyline had me hooked from the first page, and I couldn’t wait to find out the connection between the two women. The characters were likeable and relatable (I especially liked Ava), and the locations easy to picture in my mind as they were very well described. Without giving anything away, I really enjoyed the discovery of how the two women are connected, and following their stories throughout the novel. I’m very much looking forward to reading more novels by Alison Edwards in the future! Sally, SA, 4 stars
One daughter lives in a small town, dreaming of going to university in the big city. The other daughter has lived on a university campus her whole life and wants nothing more than to get away from it and travel to the other side of the world. One daughter gets her dream, the other one has it shattered. Or so it would seem. It’s really two separate stories for much of the book, and it kept me interested the whole way trying to figure out exactly how these two were linked. What I liked most about the characters is their dreams seemed to be swapped from what I would have expected them to be from their upbringing but that’s what made it interesting and keeping away from stereotypes. Whilst I really enjoyed the book, my only gripe is that it felt like the characters were 10, then 20, then 30 and there could have been a bit more of the in between story, especially with Ava and Colin. Katrina, VIC, 4 stars
Alison Edwards’ novel “Two Daughters” explores the lives of Ava and Laurie, two university students from vastly different backgrounds. Ava, escaping a life of poverty and an absent mother, seeks a fresh start. In contrast, Laurie, pressured by her Marxist professor father to attend university, dreams of escaping her restrictive life in Cambridge. The author skillfully ties their lives together, highlighting the profound impact of maternal loss on both of the main characters. Their chance meeting on college grounds sets the stage for a compelling narrative that delves into themes of identity, loss, and resilience. Edwards’ characters are well written and relatable, each grappling with their pasts in believable ways. The straightforward chronological storytelling makes the novel easy to follow, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the unfolding drama without the distraction of time shifts. The writing is well-crafted, enhancing the emotional depth of the story without overshadowing the plot. “Two Daughters” is an engaging read, offering a thoughtful exploration of how two young women, despite their differences, by the end of the novel find common ground and strength in each other. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and happy to recommend. Antony, VIC, 4 stars
Such an awesome debut Novel by Alison Edwards, I was hooked very quickly. A cleverly written story about two women who couldn’t be more different who cross paths at a university in Sydney. Wait for the plot twist…..! I won’t spoil it for you! I absolutely love books which are set in NSW! This book was thoughtfully written and empathetic to the sometimes sensitive nature, original and witty! What can I say… it had it all! You will be gripped by the end of the first chapter, be prepared for sleepless nights because you won’t be able to put this one down. Kellie, NSW, 4 stars
Interesting debut novel. The story of two girls that don’t seem to intersect at all, but shows how one decision or happening in your life can change its path. Took a while to get into, but it moved along. Being based in Australia was a plus for me. Leeanne, NSW, 3 stars
This book gives a glimpse into two sets of lives and reveals how small and large decisions can alter life’s direction so easily and profoundly. Settings include the academic world of Cambridge and city life as well as rural Australia and shows great contrasts here. Themes of motherhood, friendship, family dynamics, marriage and politics all make for complex situations and emotions. The two main characters, Ava and Laurie are navigating all of this and in an interesting twist become part of each other’s world. Caroline, NSW, 3 stars
A debut novel for Alison Edwards that explores motherhood, class, and expectations. Two women lives entwined in ways neither could expected. For Ava, heading to university in Sydney is her escape from a poverty-stricken upbringing. Her mother is long gone, her father able to provide love but little else. On the other side of the world, Laurie tolerates university only at the insistence of her father, a Marxist professor. Her mother died in childbirth, and Laurie dreams of freedom, far from the Cambridge cloisters. It is within these college grounds that Ava and Laurie cross paths. They could not be more different, and yet as each grapples with the lasting effects of losing a mother, their lives become entwined in ways neither could have anticipated. I struggled with this book to be honest. I think it would resonate more with academics. Michelle, NSW, 2 stars
I was hopeful with this book and wanted to love it, given that part of it was set in Australia. But I have to say, I struggled with this novel, from start to finish. Maybe it was the depressing setting in which we first meet Ava, and although Laurie started off as someone interesting, I quickly found my interest waning for the two of them. I was a good ¾ of the way through the book before I could see any sort of connection between the two girls and personally I thought it was a real stretch when this ‘plot twist’ was revealed. Couple this with the fact that it was becoming more and more obvious who Laurie’s real father was, instead of keeping me on the edge of my seat, this book had me leaning right back into a horizontal position struggling to keep my eyes open and preparing for a snooze. The most interesting character, May, needed more plot time as well – she at least could have had an interesting backstory and was quite funny, as were Laurie’s friends Anil and Del. Kathy, VIC, 1 star
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