Book Review: Life On The Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers

‘Life On The Refrigerator Door’ by Alice Kuipers was originally published in 2007. It was her debut novel. It is written in epistolary style, and explores the relationship between a mother and daughter, when they don’t realise their time together is running out.

Claire is fifteen years old and is going through a stressful period in her life, where she is navigating her first love, her upcoming exams, a stressful relationship between her and her divorced parents, and now her mother, a midwife, is having a lot of doctors appointments.

This is a story of inference and powerful emotions. I’ve read it twice now and bawled my eyes out both times. The notes go from ‘you forgot my allowance’ to deeper, philosophical and poignant questions about mortality and parenting. What makes a good parent versus a bad parent etc.

I loved this book, but it is so evocative and emotional. What wasn’t said was just as important as what was, and I loved learning about the struggles and nuances between Claire and her mother.

It isn’t necessarily a book I would recommend to anyone and everyone. However, it does provide some insight into how the relationships among a family unit dealing with cancer can be. It is hard for Claire, as she and her mum often say in these notes, and this could help others understand the way cancer can cleave through a family unit and break hearts. It was, however, a powerful story.