Eerie and claustrophobic, Soft Serve is a story of friendships, expectations, small towns and secrets. Two years ago, Taz passed away. Since then his friends have remembered him the best way they know how. By visiting the local McDonalds where his mum Pat works, and toasting him with a soft serve ice cream. This year, however, things are not going to be so easy. Tensions between the three friends are beginning to build. Fern is looking to settle down with Ethan and has big plans for the two of them to buy a house. Ethan, meanwhile is longing not so much for a life with Fern, but for his relationship with Fern's brother Jacob that must be kept a secret. Jacob, meanwhile, does not know what he wants. And Taz's mum, Pat, just wants to stop grieving for her son. Add to this the fact that a deadly bushfire is making its way toward the two and the four will finding themselves experiencing a day like no other. Truths will be told and not everyone will escape the deadly fire.
There are many words I could use to describe this novel. Tense. Eerie. Claustrophobic. Cruel. A work of Literary fiction, it often stings as the author reveals all kinds of things about human nature, both pleasant and unpleasant. I found Pat to be the most enjoyable character to read about. A grown woman, working at McDonalds as she grieves for her son and offers all kinds of advice to his friends. She is a tragic character, often overlooked and whose sacrifices seem to be for nothing, yet the three other protagonists recognise her big heart and through her learn a sound moral lesson, despite their otherwise selfish and oblivious personalities.
Recommended.
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