Allison Rushby, The Dairy Queen

The Dairy Queen

Allison Rushby

Red Dress, Mar 2006, $12.95, 336 pp.

ISBN: 0373895747

In Melbourne, Dicey is depressed as she loses her multi-million dollar pajama business, and her husband Simon who was having an affair; thank goodness loyal Fergus the dog is there for her. Her sister Titch is heartbroken because she is unable to conceive, even with IVF and her mate Andrew believes two strikes and your out. Their best friend Sally has broken her leg and depends on painkillers to get around. The three dejected women make matters worse when they see one another, as misery loves miserable company. The trio agrees they need solace, and where better than their black and white home town Moo.

At home they each try to immerse themselves into the town's needs as a means of avoiding their personal woes. However, delaying what ails them does not make it better. Somewhere along the way each of these females will have to dump their troubles or get off the black and white pot to confront their tribulations.

The lead three females provide readers with a wonderful tour of rustic Australia while coming home to lick their wounds, and they hope to get a respite from their anxieties. As each one struggles with major problems, the locals bring humor to the mix. Allison Rushby provides a strong character study starring a superb cast, including the town in which everything is painted with black and white stripes.