Hedi Lampert

The Trouble With My Aunt Hedi Lampert

'Nobody really knew what the trouble was with Aunty Vi - all I knew, was that it was Gran's fault.' When an unplanned pregnancy threatens to turn the life of 32-year-old, single, careerwoman Leah Fine upside down, she fears her own child may be impaired, just like her aunt. But how do you test for a problem when you don't know what the problem is? In a frantic search to discover the truth about her aunt's condition, Leah learns she may be a carrier of an inherited genetic mutation - Fragile X - a leading cause of cognitive impairment, learning disabilities and autism. Not only must she wrestle with the heart-breaking option of termination, but in her search for answers, she uncovers secrets which alter everything she has come to know and trust. Set within the context of traditional Jewish family life, during the last 30 years of the 20th Century, The Trouble With My Aunt is written with both humour and insight, while offering a brutally frank account of the emotional and social dynamics of caring for an intellectually challenged relative, particularly during an era when little or nothing was known about the particular condition or its causes. Moving and captivating, this is a testimony to the fiercely powerful bonds of motherhood and sisterhood, as well as a sensitive examination of the sacrifices we make to uphold ingrained principals and prejudices, while keeping our darkest secrets hidden. Reviews'Spun through with love, lust, and a healthy helping of humour, this richly evocative saga of family and destiny grabs you by the heart and never lets go.'Gus Silber'Leah Fine's life is about to change, in ways she could never have imagined ... This is the story of a young woman at the centre of a wonderfully convoluted family saga, incorporating an intriguing medical conundrum and a roller coaster romance... These are the ingredients that make The Trouble with my Aunt suchan engrossing read. Holding it all together is the love mothers have for their children. Deep, abiding, sometimes confused but always true, this love links three generations of Leah Fine's family.' MáireFisher author of BirdseyeandThe Enumerations. 'This delightful read is full of rich and complex characters, wit and wisdom.' Sarah Bullen, author and agent 'Pacy and highly readable, the characters are instantly recognisable - Hedi Lampert has recreated a family we all know. She has also opened the door on a subject that is perhaps uncomfortable at times, but undoubtedly needs to be discussed and understood.' Beryl Eichenberger, Fine Music Radio