What do you think?
Rate this book
Odd One Out
Sylvie has always been the odd one out in her family. Her mother is a celebrated artist, known for her bohemian lifestyle. Her father, long estranged from the family, is a respected poet and academic. Sylvie’s two beautiful sisters and her big brother are also making their mark in the design world.
Sylvie hasn’t an artistic bone in her body. On the verge of turning thirty, back living in the family home in Sydney and working for her mother and sisters, she feels stuck in a major rut.
Then her brother Sebastian steps in with a rescue plan. He offers her a room in his Melbourne apartment for as long as she likes, on one condition. In an updated version of a treasure hunting game they played as children, she has to follow his instructions and go exploring the city.
Within days, she’s doing things she’s never done before, going to places she’s never been and beginning to think of ideas for a new career. She is also getting to know a very lovely man. Life is looking up.
Then Sebastian reveals one final challenge�
Sylvie hasn’t an artistic bone in her body. On the verge of turning thirty, back living in the family home in Sydney and working for her mother and sisters, she feels stuck in a major rut.
Then her brother Sebastian steps in with a rescue plan. He offers her a room in his Melbourne apartment for as long as she likes, on one condition. In an updated version of a treasure hunting game they played as children, she has to follow his instructions and go exploring the city.
Within days, she’s doing things she’s never done before, going to places she’s never been and beginning to think of ideas for a new career. She is also getting to know a very lovely man. Life is looking up.
Then Sebastian reveals one final challenge�
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
22 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Monica McInerney
40books1,106followersMonica McInerney is the internationally bestselling author of twelve novels including The Godmothers, The Trip of a Lifetime, Hello from the Gillespies, The House of Memories, Lola's Secret, At Home with the Templetons, Family Baggage, The Alphabet Sisters and Those Faraday Girls (named General Fiction Book of the Year in the 2008 Australian Book Industry Awards) and a short story collection, All Together Now. Her first children's book, Marcie Gill and the Caravan Park Cat, will be published in Australia/NZ in November 2021.
Monica, 56, grew up in a family of seven children in the Clare Valley wine region of South Australia, where her father was the railway stationmaster and her mother worked in the local library. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked in children’s television, tourism festivals, book publishing, arts marketing, the music industry and as a waitress, a hotel cleaner, a Kindergym instructor and a temp. For nearly thirty years she and her Irish husband have been moving back and forth between Australia and Ireland. They are currently in Australia.
Visit her website at
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
August 10, 2017
What a bloody good book to come across at Vinnies for a dollar. A really great author, hearty and lovely family stories. I'm thinking and .
I'm not sure about the premise of this 'book' as it does state on the back cover that it is only for promotional purposes and that it's not for sale.
A sweet little novella broaching sweet and safe contemporary issues. Set in Melbourne, mostly, this was an easy to read story that fans of will embrace. Characters to love (Mill) hate (nasty self absorbed sisters) and characters to laugh with (Leila). I liked it, and I've found I'm not easy pleased of late! This one was easy. I like easy.
Check this out (as my 3 year old says) "... Donald's bookshop, nestled between a French bakery and a wine shop. The front windows featured beautifully displayed books and posters." I only know of Dymocks! This is nice make believe.
I'm not sure about the premise of this 'book' as it does state on the back cover that it is only for promotional purposes and that it's not for sale.
A sweet little novella broaching sweet and safe contemporary issues. Set in Melbourne, mostly, this was an easy to read story that fans of will embrace. Characters to love (Mill) hate (nasty self absorbed sisters) and characters to laugh with (Leila). I liked it, and I've found I'm not easy pleased of late! This one was easy. I like easy.
Check this out (as my 3 year old says) "... Donald's bookshop, nestled between a French bakery and a wine shop. The front windows featured beautifully displayed books and posters." I only know of Dymocks! This is nice make believe.
November 18, 2019
Sylvie Devereaux comes from a Sydney based family of successful, artistic people. She was the dogsbody always running around doing jobs for her mother and two sisters. She organised their lives and she was good at it but they didn't appreciate her. Her older brother lived in Melbourne. She didn't see him often but he was always on her side. He encourages her to come to Melbourne for a holiday. Away from all the hectic organising Sylvie gets a chance to re-evaluate her life.
I loved Sylvie immediately. She had a heart of gold and even though she was being manipulated by her family I don't think the family could see how they were treating her. She really needed to stand up for herself.
The story is full of natural banter and humour which makes for an easy and fun read. It's not all plain sailing for Sylvie as she has some highs and lows before she finally decides to do what she wants to do in life.
The character of Great Aunt Mill is wonderful. She is in her 70's. Her health is declining a bit and some of the family may think she is a bit loopy but she is always there for Sylvie with some sound advice and a few handy hints.
September 14, 2013
Although this was a quick read I really enjoyed it.
Sylvie is feeling a bit out of sorts and has always been the odd one out in her family. So when her brother Sebastian asks her to house sit for him in Melbourne she decides to take him up on his offer.
Whilst Sylvie is there Sebastian makes her do a treasure hunt game similar to the ones they did when they were children. Doing the treasure hunt will make Sylvie explore the city and meet new people.
I enjoyed the relationship between Sylvie and Sebastian as he was always there for her and was able to cheer her up when she most needed it.
The other character I liked was Aunt Mill. She was hilarious and I found myself having many giggles with some of the things she said through the book.
This was a short, easy and fun read. So if you're looking for a light read I would recommend this book.
Sylvie is feeling a bit out of sorts and has always been the odd one out in her family. So when her brother Sebastian asks her to house sit for him in Melbourne she decides to take him up on his offer.
Whilst Sylvie is there Sebastian makes her do a treasure hunt game similar to the ones they did when they were children. Doing the treasure hunt will make Sylvie explore the city and meet new people.
I enjoyed the relationship between Sylvie and Sebastian as he was always there for her and was able to cheer her up when she most needed it.
The other character I liked was Aunt Mill. She was hilarious and I found myself having many giggles with some of the things she said through the book.
This was a short, easy and fun read. So if you're looking for a light read I would recommend this book.
February 6, 2017
I wasn't quite what to expect with Monica McInerney's The Old One Out. I love the colourful cover and McInerney hooked me from the first page with her fast, light and humorous prose.
Almost 30 years old, Sylvie Devereaux is the old one out; a competent secretary in a high-profile artistic family - her estranged father, a poet and academic, her mother a talented and feted artist, her siblings high flyers in the design world. Sylvie's mothers and sisters totally take her for granted. When dotty Great-Aunt Mill embarrasses Sylvie in front of everyone at her sister's society wedding reception - Sylvie's brother Sebastian whisks her off to Melbourne and sets her on a treasure hunt in an effort to encourage her to find her own life. Things don't turn out how Sylvie or Sebastian expect - with successes, disasters and unexpected decisions.
While I began to twig what at least part of the ending might be, I really enjoyed this humorous book with its underlying seriousness about family relationships and not living in the shadow of the past or that of your brilliant (or otherwise) relatives. Great-Aunt Mill was hilarious; Sylvie, Max and Sebastian likable characters and McInerney gives us an enjoyable and satisfying ending (though, as a former medico, I did cringe a bit to the cavalier attitude to both drinking oneself blind and smoking for the fun of it.)
At 150 pages, it was a light, funny read with depth. I'll be reading McInerney again
Almost 30 years old, Sylvie Devereaux is the old one out; a competent secretary in a high-profile artistic family - her estranged father, a poet and academic, her mother a talented and feted artist, her siblings high flyers in the design world. Sylvie's mothers and sisters totally take her for granted. When dotty Great-Aunt Mill embarrasses Sylvie in front of everyone at her sister's society wedding reception - Sylvie's brother Sebastian whisks her off to Melbourne and sets her on a treasure hunt in an effort to encourage her to find her own life. Things don't turn out how Sylvie or Sebastian expect - with successes, disasters and unexpected decisions.
While I began to twig what at least part of the ending might be, I really enjoyed this humorous book with its underlying seriousness about family relationships and not living in the shadow of the past or that of your brilliant (or otherwise) relatives. Great-Aunt Mill was hilarious; Sylvie, Max and Sebastian likable characters and McInerney gives us an enjoyable and satisfying ending (though, as a former medico, I did cringe a bit to the cavalier attitude to both drinking oneself blind and smoking for the fun of it.)
At 150 pages, it was a light, funny read with depth. I'll be reading McInerney again
July 11, 2019
A delightful novella written for the Books Alive promotion in 2006. A little gem which is full of warmth, humour and personal resolutions. Gentle and thoughtful and a most enjoyable read. Must add more of Monica’s books to my TBR pile.
September 7, 2017
A really enjoyable story from the engaging Monica McInerney. I've been struggling to read things of late and this was a great kickstart back into books. I enjoyed the familiarity of the Melbourne setting too.
March 22, 2011
Not my favourite McInerney book. I agree with another reviewer on goodreads - it would be better as a movie - especially if they spent time showing the essential Melbourne, and focussed on her family's artistic bent - showed her mum's sculptures, sister's designs, her mum's (coastal?) retreat. Could be an aussie chick flick - we don't do those very often, if at all...
March 2, 2011
This book did not grab me. It was not totally predictable but did not seem to have any 'dah dah!' moments. I think it might have been better if at some stage Sylvia's family in Sydney actually came to terms to what they were missing when Sylvia left. The characters of Mill and the neighbour (cant remember her name) were okay, but could have been expanded or used a bit more.
January 4, 2019
I've always wanted to read one of Monica McInerney's books. I liked the length of the story and the writing style.
The reason I gave the book three stars is because I did not find the story exciting, there was no real drama till chapter eleven.
I would like to read another book of Monica's sometime.
The reason I gave the book three stars is because I did not find the story exciting, there was no real drama till chapter eleven.
I would like to read another book of Monica's sometime.
May 4, 2020
A refreshingly quick little story. Read it in one sitting.
April 12, 2021
Enjoyable
January 11, 2023
Very easy to read and that’s what I like. Great lil story.
February 18, 2025
Lovely light read. A story about family set in my city.
May 1, 2019
Really good story - loved the characters and Max was a cutie pie loved his personality!
I wish there was more; the story stopped at an odd place to me I wanted to see them on their first official date so I'm a little sad now
I wish there was more; the story stopped at an odd place to me I wanted to see them on their first official date so I'm a little sad now
December 8, 2018
I do love my Aussie Authors!!!!
This book was not the best book I have ever read, but it was not the worst. I liked a lot of aspects in the book, but came away neither deeply impressed or totally unimpressed.
Positives
Character Development. It was just a really refreshing way to create Sylvia in to a strong feminine character. By the time we reached the end it was relieving and that is great writing.
Short and Sweet. For once the shortness of the novel was beneficial in a positive way, the story didn't drag or add any unnecessary additions.
Mental Abuse. I think the betrayal of the mental abuse was well done. It is probably one of the most relate-ale and believable fiction pieces I have read.
This book was not the best book I have ever read, but it was not the worst. I liked a lot of aspects in the book, but came away neither deeply impressed or totally unimpressed.
Positives
Character Development. It was just a really refreshing way to create Sylvia in to a strong feminine character. By the time we reached the end it was relieving and that is great writing.
Short and Sweet. For once the shortness of the novel was beneficial in a positive way, the story didn't drag or add any unnecessary additions.
Mental Abuse. I think the betrayal of the mental abuse was well done. It is probably one of the most relate-ale and believable fiction pieces I have read.
August 22, 2017
I fell in love with Monica McInerney's novels years ago and get so excited when I realized that I had this one but never read it. Same lovable characters with way too many issues only in an almost short story length. Sylvie Devereaux matches all of her other lead characters who needs help in all aspects of her life and this time it's her brother who pulls her to safety. My only issue is that it just wasn't long enough. I wanted more of Sylvie and Sebastian and his wonderful treasure hunts.
December 30, 2017
Love Monica McInerney but only liked this book. The characters were great (even the mum and sisters because it's always fun to have someone to not like). I especially loved the Great Aunt Mill and her 'sordid' previous life. Haha. She'd be a great book by herself. I wish there was a bit more romance (I thought for sure Gorgeous George was going to be a match) and maybe a few more rollercoaster moments. I good quick read but I'm glad I've read other before this to say that I love the author.
October 4, 2010
About 1/3 of the way through, it was like I'd eaten too many lollies. Sweet and insubstantial good for the moment, but after too much it starts to make you a bit sick and you realise it's doing you no good and you're better off without it.
Nothing particuarly bad about it as far as mindless chick lit goes (hence 2 stars, not 1), but I like to get more out of reading, even junk food reading.
Nothing particuarly bad about it as far as mindless chick lit goes (hence 2 stars, not 1), but I like to get more out of reading, even junk food reading.
August 27, 2015
A quick easy read, though the character development (especially of the supporting characters) is a little thin. I saw some other reviewers say this might be better as a movie, and I think they're probably right.
February 3, 2018
Quick read
At 175 pages, I practically read in one sitting. Sylvia is a great main character and her realizations about her family and self made an interesting story. Beach read material!
At 175 pages, I practically read in one sitting. Sylvia is a great main character and her realizations about her family and self made an interesting story. Beach read material!
January 3, 2019
A very quick read but fun. It was at the beach house I’m holidaying in and was the perfect fill in read. Obviously written as a mini book for promotional purposes but still had plot and warm characters as expected of this author.
February 6, 2012
A nice light hearted read. Very easy to relate to the characters.Hadn't read any of this author before but will definitely do so again.
June 16, 2013
Short story - loved it
October 27, 2023
A charming little story...
October 29, 2013
A quick, light read. A little predictable but enjoyable just the same.
September 4, 2014
This is lovely and light and good for the soul!!
November 25, 2015
A very quick light read
October 24, 2016
Read in one afternoon...nothing new or earth shattering here but sweet little read
January 3, 2017
Charming novella that captures the complexity of family relationship and life in general. Quick read but I haven't forgotten about these characters - and would love a foll0w-up novel!
September 9, 2017
4.5 stars Picked this up last night. Finished it in the wee hours of this morning. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.