Review by Lana McLean
Whenever You’re Ready by Trish Bolton is a poignant and insightful novel that follows the journeys of three women as they navigate the aftermath of an unexpected loss, each seeking a path forward amidst grief and uncertainty.
In a literary landscape where the voices of older women are often overlooked, Bolton’s narrative shines a spotlight on their experiences with compassion, authenticity and depth.
Light in tone and expansive in narrative, Whenever You’re Ready navigates the aftermath of a tragic murder-suicide that causes a ripple effect through generations of relationships.
Bolton touches on the taboo topic of sex and intimacy for older women, shedding light on a subject often shrouded in silence and stigma. Through her character’s experiences, she explores the nuances of desire, pleasure, and vulnerability, painting a portrait of sexuality in later life. By giving voice to the desires and struggles of older women, she challenges societal norms and celebrates the richness of human experience at any age.
Through her compassionate storytelling and character development, Bolton reminds us of the resilience and strength that can emerge from life’s most challenging moments, whenever we’re ready to face them.
