Even With Insects

A novel about choice; the random decisions that determine the path that life will follow. The novel centres around three women who are likened in some way to the characteristics of various insects and are linked by their discordant proportions. Ann is too tall, a lanky mosquito of a girl, Sophie is too fat, a bee of royal proportions and Jacqueline is too small, the sensual firefly of the team. The story moves through time and chronicles the evolution of the women's careers, relationships and lifestyles. Told with compassion and humour, Barbara Erasmus's second novel should prove a good one for book clubs.