The Confidence Woman (Sophie Quick, A&U)

Christina Swales is a single mum, a business coach – and a blackmailer. Using incriminating information gleaned from her one-on-one online coaching sessions, Christina blackmails her clients to save enough money to buy a house for herself and her young son. Despite this cutthroat premise, debut author Sophie Quick has crafted an incredibly sympathetic and relatable protagonist. Her struggles – whether it’s the dread of being judged by school parents, the chaos of juggling work and life, or the stress of wondering if owning a home is ever achievable – are sharply observed and resonant. The book provides a sharp look at the inequalities of the housing market for anyone on the margins, such as single parents, or those without the luxury of intergenerational wealth. The Confidence Woman stands out for its sharp wit and entertaining humour. If the book had been set in Sydney rather than Melbourne, it would comfortably sit alongside Jessica Dettman’s work. Both authors share a breezy, conversational style infused with an acerbic, almost vicious sense of humour. As a Melbourne transplant, I loved the sense of place in the book. Quick brilliantly captures the characteristics of Melbourne’s inner suburbs, and anyone with even a passing familiarity will delight in the unforgiving ways the people in these areas are described. The Confidence Woman is for readers looking for a well-crafted story that’s clever, engaging and delightfully light-hearted.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Sophie Pusz has previously worked in independent bookshops in Melbourne and Sydney, and for several trade and academic publishers. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

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