Dangerous Ages

"Dangerous Ages" by Rose Macaulay is a story that looks at growing older, wanting more, and how families can be complicated, all through the eyes of Neville Bendish as she turns 43, thinking about time passing and what she's done with her life. At the start, we meet Neville on her birthday feeling worried because she doesn't think she's done enough important things. We see her with her family – her husband Rodney, and their grown-up kids, Kay and Gerda – and Neville feels jealous and sad that they have so many chances she missed. The story shows us how the Hilary family works, especially how different the older and younger family members see life. Neville is trying to work out what she wants and how to chase her dreams while still being a mom and a wife.