Stella and Margie is the second novel by Australian author, Glenna Thomson. Stella Adams has always known that she did not meet her mother-in-law’s approval: Margie Ballantine was never more than civil to her. But now Margie, turning eighty, is in hospital, recovering from a broken leg. Arriving with cake and cards, Stella, Ross and their daughters learn that the rehab has no vacancy. Stella, always generous to a fault, suggests Margie live with them on the family farm, Maryhill, until she can go home. Ross is less than happy, and Margie only grudgingly agrees.

While Ross busies himself with the farm, aspiring playwright Stella is frantically trying to get government funding for her amateur theatre group’s production of her first play. This, on top of the everyday chores of the farm wife and mother. Stella’s management style and her priorities are not Margie’s, who observes it all and generally disapproves: she’d curt, critical and cranky. And Margie so stubbornly refuses to articulate her own needs and wants that it is nothing short of a miracle that Stella is not more exasperated.

As the weeks progress, Margie’s behaviour causes friction between Ross and Stella, whose marriage is usually happy and content: Ross resents his mother’s lack of respect for Stella and thinks Stella is being far too kind; Stella believes Ross could show his mother more love and tenderness. Gradually, past events, long-buried, and secrets, long-guarded, are revealed. While it is true that Margie has not had an easy life, she seems intent on making herself difficult to like, let alone love, and stiffly resists attempts at affection.

Thomson gives the reader a plot that is realistic and not wholly predictable. Her characters are much more than one-dimensional and their dialogue is easily credible. The dual narrative works well, presenting incidents from two vastly different perspectives. The story touches on domestic violence, succession plans, and patriarchy; adultery, grief, and the conflict between doing one’s duty and following one’s aspirations, also feature. Thomson’s descriptive prose is quite evocative, and the birds are a delightful bonus. This is a heart-warming novel that will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned.