The Last Anniversary

By: Liane Moriarty

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

I'll tell you something, something important. Love is a decision. Not a feeling. That's what you young people don't realise. That's why you're always off divorcing each other. No offence, dear.

So decrees the formidable Connie Thrum of Scribbly Gum Island. She is the chief decision-maker of a rather unconventional family and her word is law. It's been over 70 years since Connie and her sister Rose visited their neighbours and found the kettle boiling and a baby waking for her feed, but no sign of her parents. The 'Munro Baby Mystery' still hasn't been solved and tourists can visit the abandoned home, exactly as it was found in 1932.

But now Connie has passed away and the island residents ponder her legacy. Sophie Honeywell is looking down the barrel of her 40th birthday and still hoping for that fairytale ending. Her beautiful new friend Grace, the Munro Baby's grand daughter, can't tell anyone what she hopes for. It would be too shocking.

Meanwhile, a frumpy housewife makes a pact with a stranger, an old lady starts making her own decisions and a family secret finally explodes on an extraordinary night of mulled wine, fire-eating, and face-painting - The Last Anniversary.

©2005 Liane Moriarty 2005 (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"A stunner... Moriarty's prose turns from funny through poignant to frightening in an artful snap." ( Publishers Weekly)

I love Liane's books

Loved this story , I am a huge fan of Liane. The narrator is amazing and I would definitely listen to another book she voices.

The relatable characters and relationships.

I loved the humor. Down to earth, real life characters. The description of post natal depression was great. The ending was excellent. I didn’t see that coming.

Not one of her best

I have enjoyed several of Liane Moriarty’s books, but this wasn’t one of her best. The story seemed to be dragged out to be longer.

Fabulously done!

The narration is first rate. The characters are rich and edgy and the storyline keeps you engaged! A very worthwhile "read"!

the last anniversary

What did you love best about The Last Anniversary?

I loved all of the characters and how the all linked up together, also I was on the edge throughout the book to find out what happened in the end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Last Anniversary?

The last 5 minutes.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I love listening to her.

Any additional comments?

This was a fantastic book, I have read all Liane Moriarty books and I have never been disappointed. I loved they way I was on edge through the whole book waiting to find out what happened. Sad its finished now though. Come on Liane! I'm ready for your next book

Just lovely!

If you love Liane Moriarty's books you don't want to miss this one. It had everything I've come to expect. Sophie is one of my favourite characters in a long time. Well worth your credit.

Excellent read

loved this book. would recommend it to all. Great story. Excellently presented by the narrator.

Not as good as her other books

Loved Truly Madly Guilty and Big Little Lies. This wasn't as satisfying. Characters a bit shallow and plot not as page turning as the others.

So sad it’s over!

I love this author’s books, yet I don’t quite know how to describe them… “slice of life”? I've read Little Big Lies, The Husband’s Secret, What Alice Forgot, Three Wishes and love them all.

I was so absorbed in this tale that I could have gone on reading it for days! I’d give it 6 out 5 if I could for the sheer entertainment it provided me - I did not want to put it down!

I did have a bit of trouble keeping track of how everyone was related to each other, but that’s typical for me; it did not ruin the story.

I can’t wait to sink my teeth into another one of her excellent stories, sadly for me there is only one left that I have not read: The Hypnotist’s Love Story.

I hope she’s busy writing more!

Liane & Caroline a winning team!

Liane knows what’s she’s doing when pulling a story together! She knows human behaviours and pulls the threads together in her own amazing way that is so enjoyable.
This piece of work is no exception. Interesting character development and satisfying and imaginative conclusions.
Caroline is one of my favourite narrators. Somehow, although there’s not a lot of distinction between character voices etc, as long as I concentrate, I’m repaid by the way she vocalizes the funny things they say.
I will always look out for Luanne’s new books and any work narrated by Caroline.