Book review: A MILLION THINGS by Emily Spurr

      A MILLION THINGS 

by 

Emily Spurr

A bursting, heartfelt, debut following fifty-five days in the life of ten-year-old Rae, who must look after herself and her dog when her mother disappears.

For as long as Rae can remember, it’s been her and Mum, and their dog, Splinter; a small, deliberately unremarkable, family. They have their walks, their cooking routines, their home. Sometimes Mum disappears for a while to clear her head but Rae is okay with this, because Mum always comes back.

So, when Rae wakes to Splinter’s nose in her face, the back door open, and no Mum, she does as she’s always done and carries on. She takes care of the house, goes to school, walks Splinter, and minds her own business—all the while pushing down the truth she isn’t ready to face.

That is, until her grumpy, lonely neighbour Lettie—with her own secrets and sadness—falls one night and needs Rae’s help. As the two begin to rely on each other, Rae’s anxiety intensifies as she wonders what will happen to her when her mother’s absence is finally noticed and her fragile world bursts open.

A Million Things transforms a gut-wrenching story of abandonment and what it’s like to grow up in a house that doesn’t feel safe into an astonishing portrait of resilience, mental health, and the families we make and how they make us in return.

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My Thoughts

In need of a book that’s like a punch to the gut followed by a hand reaching into your heart, and giving it an almighty twist? Look no further than the outstanding A MILLION THINGS by Emily Spurr.

The story unfolds through the eyes and thoughts of 10 year old Rae. She lives with her mum and their dog, Splinter. It’s not uncommon for her mum to disappear for a while but she always returns . . . until that one day when Rae realises that her mum has abandoned their small family.

Rae is sad and scared, but she also knows to switch to survival mode. Her mum has always told her it’s outsiders who can cause the greater damage. Rae is determined to carry on, and the golden rule is not to stand out – something she’s got years of experience doing. Go to school, look after yourself, look after the house, act unassuming, be friendly but never too friendly. Just in case people get close and start asking questions.

Over time, Rae forms this symbiotic relationship with next door neighbour and extreme hoarder, Lettie. They keep secrets from the world and each other, yet they also learn to rely on each other at times when outsiders bring unwanted attention.

This is the kind of book that will stay with me for a long time. By making readers view the world through the eyes of a child, it brings forth observations – often uncomfortable ones - about the concept of family and community, treatment of people with mental health challenges, and attitudes to child welfare.

This book is often disillusioning, unexpectedly funny at times and surprisingly optimistic. Without question, it’s a 5 star read. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It will certainly be one of my top reads in 2021. 

Review copy courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher.

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About the Author

Originally from Tasmania, Emily lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her partner, their twins and a deaf, geriatric cat.

​Shortlisted for the prestigious Victorian Premier's Unpublished Manuscript Prize, A Million Things is her first novel. 

https://www.emilyspurr.com/