Clover Hendry's Day Off

October 23, 2023
In the surprisingly deep and satisfying latest from Morrey (Delphine Jones Takes a Chance), an anxious British TV producer finally stands up for herself, sparking a series of events that are by turn disastrous and redemptive. Clover, 46, grew up under the disapproving gaze of her hypercritical, self-absorbed mother, Rose. Now, after downing two Vicodin and briefly passing out at a train station on the way to the studio in Bristol, Clover indulges the sudden urge to mouth off to her boss and ditch work. Not only has she found confidence, she’s shed her usual caution. While visiting an art gallery, she encourages a toddler to play in an installation (“I congratulate myself. I’ve created more art out of art”). Later, the gallery informs her it’s been damaged. Then, after getting annoyed by a yoga group in a park, she commandeers a lawn mower and plows over their mats. Eventually, she contends with the consequences of her impulses, which range from friends’ hurt feelings to the possibility of litigation. The book particularly blossoms in its second half, during which more is revealed about Clover’s childhood and how she cared for her younger sister when Rose couldn’t be bothered. In Morrey’s hands, this offers more than escapist fun.