Everybody has Everything (M) opens with a nicely settled
Toronto couple who live in a great suburban area in the city's
downtown. Their street is a mix of well to do people, construction
workers, and some neighbours the couple suspect may be running a
brothel down the street. As the story moves along we discover that
Ana (a corporate lawyer) and her husband James (a television
documentary producer) are living a good life with the exception of
one thing: they've been unable to have a child of their own. 
Numerous attempts at in vitro fertilization have failed and left them
believing their time as parents may never come. During this time Ana
and James become very good friends with Sarah and Marcus and their
young son Finn. One day, a car crash changes everything for the
couple, their friends, and most of all two-year old Finn. When
Marcus is killed in the crash and Sarah left in a coma with little
hope for recovery, Ana and James discover they are not only Finn's
legal guardians but James also is Executor of Marcus' estate and has
Power of Attorney to look after Sarah's medical needs and young
Finn's well being.
When Finn moves in we see the changes
that a two year old can bring into a perfect childless household. There
are many funny moments in the story but it is not by any means a
happily ever after affair. Like most two-year olds Finn is not
perfect, nor is he toilet-trained. Ana and James struggle to find
their way with him with Ana often being the outsider looking in on
Finn and James' blossoming relationship. Why doesn't Ana feel the
same way towards Finn? Does she really want to be a mother? Should
she be grateful or frightened when there is a radical change in
Sarah's condition?
The ending is not a classic one but it
left me satisfied and happy with the way things worked out. I hope
you enjoy it as much as I did!
If you enjoy Onstad's style, her first
novel is How Happy To Be (M) published
in 2006.
Louise
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