Review: Simply Beside Herself by Judith Katherine

 Simply Beside Herself is the fabulous contemporary debut by Australian author Judith Katherine.

Elizabeth Daley lives in a care home. Everything is done for her. She doesn't need to think about a single thing.

Adrift since her husband died almost two years ago Elizabeth reaches a turning point when she sees her own lifeless body sitting on a park bench. With the help of a friend she leaves the home with one small bag.

For me, this story started off a bit depressing however with great character development by Judith Katherine we see Elizabeth blossom as she comes to see she has always been an extension of her husband. She strives to reclaim her independence.

Simply Beside Herself is a mature-age coming of age as Elizabeth, with the help of a life-long friend, rediscovers herself and a love for life itself.

We are introduced to Elizabeth's daughter Ellen after she is informed that her mother is missing. Ellen is drowning in self doubt, socially awkward and she is desperately trying to fit in with the other parents at her children's school. Ellen is trying to balance working, homelife and her two children. While her life is in total disarray she must now find her missing mother.

I loved that this story is about all the characters. We get the thoughts and dreams of many of the side characters as well as Elizabeth and Ellen.

Judith Katherine's prose has a beautiful depth and sensory richness however the story was a bit over described for my liking.

Heartwarming and encouraging Simply Beside Herself is a story of friendships old and new, setting your own limits and responsibility, and reclaiming your independence.

My rating 4 / 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Publisher: Affirm Press

Publication date: 28th April 2026

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 384

RRP: AU$34.99 (Trade paperback)

Source: ARC from the publisher

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