STRESS FAMILY ROBINSON II: THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

" thought-provoking and poignant" New Christian Herald

A week is a long time in family life as well as in politics. Stress Family Robinson II puts the microscope on eight days of laughter and tears in the lives of the loving but tumultuous Robinson family at a time when major issues are about to be dealt with.

Kathy Robinson, mother of three children ranging in age from ten to twenty five, is about to turn fifty. The prospect is far from pleasant. Family, friends, even the girl who delivers the milk become victims of her aggressively sharp tongue as she tries to come to terms with the unwelcome hinge on which her life is about to turn.

Mike, her mild but highly organised headmaster husband, decides to tackle the problem head on by throwing a birthday party for his wife in true sixties style – packed rooms, red light bulbs and all.

Meanwhile, Dip Reynolds, a close family friend, reveals that for more than thirty years she has borne the guilt and pain of an abortion carried out when she was a sixteen year old in Australia. At a special meeting of friends from the church that they all attend, Dip faces the past squarely for the first time, and takes an important step on the road to peace.

Kathy’s birthday celebration becomes an important milestone for both women, especially as Mike’s birthday present to his wife turns out to be the surprise arrival of her beloved older brother from Australia.

"Those familiar with Adrian Plass's writing will know he can have you laughing and wincing in the space of one sentence." Woman Alive