Sarah Salway, Tell Me Everything

Tell Me Everything

Sarah Salway

Ballantine, November 2006, $12.95

ISBN: 0345481003

Her father's scandal leaves overweight and unhappy Molly broke and with no place to stay. A married dirty old person (politically correct) Mr. Roberts offers her a room above his stationery shop if she works the shelves. She accepts, although the stipulations disconcert her. He insists she climb ladders, tell her life story, and allow him to feel her large calves.

Also obese is hair-cutter Miranda who lives up the block. She exchanges pleasantries with Molly, but both hide their overall unhappiness from one another, and neither take a step towards a friendship. Liz the librarian suggests Molly read the Story of O, while unhinged Tim spies on Molly as part of his belief that she is a secret agent. Molly fits right in, as misery loves miserable company.

This is a well written character study that stars non-empathetic individuals. Each key player uses lies and deceit to mask their inner feelings from one another. Thus, TELL ME EVERYTHING is an extremely deep look at people, but Sarah Salway's cast believe in protecting one's psyche at the cost of true relationships through a web of lies; not for everyone, as it is difficult to find someone to care about. This is a powerful drama.