Spare room by Katherine Lomer

Lomer has written a thoughtful novel that explores the cultural differences between Australian and Japan. Her personal experience of living in Japan and teaching English has given her an in depth understanding of what it is like to live in another country. She also has the ability to describe differences in language usage in a very humourous way.

The story opens with the main protagonist, Akira, a Japanese student, as the narrator of the story, relating his experiences to his friend Satoshi. Expected to take over his father’s business, Akira finds it difficult to adjust to the prospect of that and the demands of studying. The reader gets a glimpse of life in Japan and the pressures of family and education that Japanese teenagers face.

Akira is sent to Tasmania to study at university and to improve his knowledge of English before he commences work with his father. His experiences living with his host family, the Moffats, give an insight into the many language and custom differences that a person coming from another culture has to contend with.

However, it is the relationships between Akira and his host family, the Moffats, and the gradually emerging mystery around a missing family member that grip the attention of the reader. Akira becomes fascinated with the complexities that surround the Moffat family and how each member reacts to what has obviously been a harrowing experience. He is drawn to Angie, the eldest daughter, although she appears to bitterly resent him and refuses to help him adjust to life in a new country.

Akira gets to know the Moffats and is drawn into the tense atmosphere in their home. The suspense surrounding the person who had once occupied the spare room is maintained well by Lomer. The reader is drawn into the emotions and reactions of members of the family to the grief surrounding the missing family member as well as to the budding romance between Akira and Angie. The conclusion although satisfactory, was a little rushed.

One of the most attractive features about the book is the outgoing personality of Akira who is a very likeable main character. He is optimistic, friendly and eagerly takes advantage of the opportunities and freedom that he finds in Tasmania. He has the ability to forge friendships and to learn new skills. The other characters are not described as fully by Lomer.

This would be a useful novel to explore cultural differences and students who were hosting a student from overseas, or were planning to study in another country would find it interesting.

Themes: Student exchanges, Japanese in Australia.

Pat Pledger