Room for a stranger by Melanie Cheng

This is an enlightening read, taking us into the very ordinary life of an older woman who lives alone with her delightful pet bird, that comments on everything via his poetic rendition of many old songs. When Meg Hughes takes in a boarder, a young Chinese university student, Andy Cheng, both of them are puzzled, intrigued and ultimately delighted with each other's company.  Seemingly against all the odds they manage to build a comfortable friendship and all appears to be well.

Meg's pet parrot, Atticus, appears as a character in this novel, one that screeches and sings, frequently quoting poetry, sayings and songs of the past that he has heard over the years of living with Meg. Andy is quite stunned, at first, but gradually gets accustomed to the noise of the bird and begins to enjoy its lively performances.  Shockingly, and most unexpectedly, Andy becomes very ill through his contact with the bird.  This brings about conflict between Andy's parents and Meg, and this crisis is pertinent to both of their lives. 

The novel would be recommended for adults and adolescent readers, addressing, as it does, such issues as poverty, loneliness and the difficult mental and physical aspects of ageing. Melanie Cheng addresses the vulnerability of young people, such as one who contracts such an unexpected event as encountering an illness that is life-threatening.  This novel raises many issues and would be highly recommended, and suitable for, older adolescents, and indeed would be a thought-provoking novel for adult readers. Book Club notes are available.

Themes: Chinese students - Australia, Friendship, Loss of all family, Adaptation to new life, Understanding of different generational aspects.

Elizabeth Bondar