“I absolutely loved this novel. Fresh, funny and heartfelt . . . I didn’t want it to end.” LIANE MORIARTY
This is a book about two sisters.
Fourteen years after a life-altering diagnosis, Kate is struggling to come to terms with her changed body and to hide her loneliness.
Bec feels guilty about her textbook middle-class life, and is unable to forgive herself for a long-ago conversation. When her husband is publicly disgraced, Bec’s world changes forever.
Available in paperback, audiobook and e-book from major and independent booksellers.
What a treat to read! The Mistake is an intelligent thriller with heart and guts – fantastically funny yet creepily menacing. Brilliantly written and immersive, it's a wonderful tale of what it means to be a sister, a mother, a wife and a lover in a world that judges on first appearances – and sometimes bears a grudge’
HARRIET WALKER, author of The New Girl and fashion editor at The Times
Praise for The Mistake
I was turning the pages well into the night.
SARAH J. NAUGHTON
McMahon writes like a dream.
ASIA MACKAY
A firecracker of a book, rich in humour, warmth and insight.
JACLYN MORIARTY
Well written, perfectly structured and has excellent pacing.
TASMANIAN TIMES
An outstanding and impressive debut.
THE BURGEONING BOOKSHELF
Book Clubs
How fun are book clubs? For clubs reading The Mistake, I made up some discussion points. (Warning: there are some spoiler-ish ones.)
Did you believe Stuart? Why or why not?
Both sisters are on the receiving end of unwanted sexual innuendo - Bec at Stuart’s party and in a supermarket, and Kate as she enters a pub. Has this type of harassment happened to you? How do you feel about it?
Do you think Kate’s situation with her health really was Bec’s fault? Would you react the way Bec did?
Why do you think Bec was drawn to Ryan? Have you ever felt conflicted about attraction?
In the middle of the book, Allie withdraws from her friendship with Bec. What did you think about that? Were you surprised by how things turned out with Allie?
Do you think Stuart shares any blame for the couple’s marriage problems?
Have you ever wanted to be beautiful? Or are you beautiful? Do you think beauty makes life happier? Do think the way a person looks has a big impact on their life?
If you had to pick one, would you rather be born beautiful, rich or clever?
Social class is a theme of this book. Do you think class still exists? Have you ever felt judged or limited due to considerations of wealth or background?
Which character meant the most to you?
One character talks about the experience of falling in love at first sight. Has that ever happened to you? How did it end up?
What do you think the ‘mistake’ in the title is referring to? Which character do you feel makes the biggest mistake in the book?