The Spare Room by Helen Garner

This is a short but powerful book. Nicola has advanced cancer and is chasing alternative treatments. She is upbeat and absolutely certain that the treatments will heal her. She calls on her old friend Helen to ask if she can stay with her when she comes to town for the three weeks of treatment. Helen is, of course, happy to help out her friend. But reality is a little different. On the back of the book is a quote from Hilary Mantel concerning this book. The line that struck me was "What are the limits of friendship?" This book explores the answer to that question.