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Jacquie McRae’s new book features a doctor with an unusual treatment plan.
A few years ago, a friend told Te Arai writer Jacquie McRae that instead of loaning books to people she “prescribes” them.
As a book lover herself, that idea intrigued Jacquie so much that it formed the basis of her latest novel for adults, The Liminal Space.
In a small village an eccentric doctor, William, no longer prescribes drugs but prescribes books instead.
His patients include Emily, embroiled in a troubled relationship; James, struggling to live up to his father’s expectations and Marco, who measures his self-worth by the size of his bank account.
All are in the “liminal space” – the transitional space that people go through when they are between major life events, such as leaving a job or marriage, and are deciding what their next move is.
“Most of us rush through that space but that’s a space where all the possibilities lie about what is next,” Jacquie says.
She says her main interest as a writer is what people do when they are under pressure.
She adds that her aim is not just to amuse but to offer hope. In The Liminal Space, each of her characters, with the exception of one, are moving on to a better place.
Jacquie completed a draft of The Liminal Space while studying for a Master of Creative Writing degree in 2015 and has been refining it ever since.
The book will be launched at Bennetts of Mangawhai on Wednesday, February 10, at 5.30pm. All are welcome.
Jacquie’s earlier novel for young adults, The Scent of Applies, received a Gold at the Independent Publisher Book Awards in 2012. Her short stories have appeared in several collections.
Book Giveaway
Mahurangi Matters has one copy of The Liminal Space to give away. To go in the draw, email your contact details to editor@localmatters.co.nz with the word “liminal” in the subject line. Competition closes February 15.
