Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth is more than a simple story about an opinionated cranky eighty-one-year-old woman. From the first page, this reader was drawn in by the dark statement in the prologue: “It’s interesting to note that there are two groups of people, who are rarely, if ever, suspected of murder. These groups are elderly women and little girls.” So begins this spellbinding novel that teases and twists at every turn until the very end.
Who is Mad Mabel Waller? She now goes by the name Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick, and she conceals her secrets behind a mask of cutting sarcasm while trying to mind her own business in her quiet suburb of Melbourne, Australia. Her dysfunctional childhood had been fraught with unfortunate circumstances and accidents. Due to her appearance and standoffishness, she has lived as a loner and targeted scapegoat. Unknown to her current neighbors, she holds the reputation as Australia’s youngest convicted murderer. So, when a neighbor with whom this octogenarian has had disagreements turns up dead, and she is the last person to see him alive, innuendo about her past resurfaces. Elsie’s secrets threaten to shatter her now tranquil life.
Hepworth weaves Elsie’s story into “Then” and “Now” chapters. From the past, we relive Mabel’s childhood and teen years, and a complicated “Mad Mabel” character emerges. Yet, in the present-day chapters we read of a strong loving albeit sarcastic woman who refuses to be dragged through the mud, who refuses to be villainized by the gossip mill. We question whether she is a dangerous monster others have claimed her to be, or a misunderstood, unstable victim. Elsie is regarded highly for her kindness by her neighbors, and seven-year-old “enfant terrible” Persephone looks to her as a friend, despite Elsie’s claim she is not maternal, belying her dark reputation. In spite of her disdainful attitude about taking care of a dog, she adopts her dead neighbor’s high-pitched-yappy Chihuahua, further proof of her kindness. After the authorities question her as a suspect, Elsie decides to plead her case to the media via two young podcasters, and the truth of her life is gradually revealed.
Mad Mabel is one of my top reads this year. Getting to know the emotional depth of this fictional character made it impossible to put this compelling novel down. Each of Hepworth’s twists and nuggets of suspense left me pondering Elsie’s choices and interactions. While each cutting remark left me entertained at her insight and perception, it also allowed for contemplation that she was forced to bear things she should not have had to bear. It is a moving thought-provoking story filled with issues about love, friendship, and resilience. Furthermore, book groups will have much to take away from the emotional story, including bullying, abuse and mental health. Let me know what you think of it, Grandezza readers.
