Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty (4 stars)

 

As a fan of Australian authors, Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty felt like the perfect read. Set in Sydney, the story follows the quirky, sometimes chaotic lives of the Kettle triplets—Cat, Gemma, and Lyn—delivering the blend of humor and heartache Moriarty is known for. Moriarty’s vivid descriptions of Sydney, including references to places I’m familiar with, made the book especially enjoyable.

The story is told through alternating perspectives of the sisters, each grappling with their own issues. Lyn is the hyper-organized career woman and mother, Gemma is a free-spirited wanderer who refuses to settle down, and Cat—who I found incredibly relatable—navigates the pain of infidelity, as her husband Dan cheats on her with a younger woman. Having gone through a similar experience, Cat’s journey resonated deeply. Moriarty captures her raw pain and disillusionment perfectly: "It's not like in the movies. It’s not a one-time thing. It’s a thousand tiny things, a thousand little cuts."

One of the strengths of Three Wishes is how it explores sisterhood and the bond that remains strong, even through explosive arguments and personal disasters. The sibling rivalry and affection between the triplets are portrayed with a delightful authenticity. The scene where a birthday dinner turns into an all-out brawl is a humorous yet poignant reflection on the ups and downs of family life.

Gemma’s free-spirited nature was refreshing and contrasted wonderfully with Lyn’s rigidity. I particularly loved how Moriarty highlighted their different approaches to life. Gemma's lightness and tendency to escape difficult situations through travel and avoidance were balanced by Lyn’s intense control over every aspect of her life: "Lyn ran her life like a military operation. Gemma floated through hers like a cloud."

The plot is a well-crafted blend of light-hearted moments, touching revelations, and emotional confrontations. The climax brings about growth and healing for the sisters, with each one confronting their personal struggles and learning to support one another in new ways. While some sections felt a little slow, Moriarty’s trademark humor and sharp observations about relationships kept the story engaging.

Overall, Three Wishes is a heartfelt exploration of family, love, and the complexities of life. For anyone who enjoys Sydney-based stories and witty, relatable characters, this book is a delightful read.