Not long ago I had a conversation with a man in his seventies.
He was one of the members of my writing group who asked if I’d mind getting a lift from him each week as he had a long drive to get to our meetings and would enjoy the company.
During my first chat in his car he asked how old I was. When I replied he said, ‘Just wait until you get to that age where people don’t notice you.’ These words echoed as I read Jane Tara’s Tilda Is Visible.
The novel begins with Tilda’s missing finger.
She can feel it, she just can’t see it. She is diagnosed with Invisibility, a condition which mainly affects women in their fifties. Over time, sufferers find different parts of their bodies become invisible. Some, like Tilda’s good friend Carol, totally disappear. Tilda often doesn’t know where Carol is unless she pulls out her flask filled with an alcoholic beverage (sorry, I can’t remember what she drinks) which floats around giving an indication she is there.
Along with these moments of whimsical humour, the novel sheds light on some self-help techniques which are weaved beautifully into the tale. This helps the reader contemplate their own lives as well as enjoy Tilda’s journey of self-reflection.
There’s a twist towards the end delivered with expert subtlety.
I can’t say much without spoiling it but I loved how it was delivered in ways which became a mystery, leading Tilda to the deeper understanding of what it means to be seen.
Five stars.
kevin klehr 