REVIEW
Alison Booth’s riveting new novel is set in the picturesque Blue Mountains of NSW. (A blue haze covers the range caused by the oil from the densely populated eucalyptus trees). The author’s familiarity and passion for the landscape are evident in the beautiful descriptions of the native wildlife and bushland. There is a real sense of peace and wonder that emanates from this remote mountain area and Clare Barclay longs for the tranquility of nature to balance her chaotic life and relieve her from a long term internal conflict.
It is no wonder she seeks serenity (and wants to plant gardenias—for the white ones symbolise harmony and calmness). Her husband has passed away in a tragic accident and left her with an unexpected debt that puts a question mark against his character. This mystery and her grief in losing him have left her in a quandary. She is forced to move and raise their daughter alone. But receives some emotional support by maintaining a close connection to her husband’s family. And daughter Sophie blossoms into a lovely lady who is now overseas, creating her own life. But Clare misses her terribly. And the few phone calls and postcards are not quite enough. Fortunately, they have a close bond and share a love of Bellevue: a place that holds happy memories.
It is 1972. Schoolteacher Clare abruptly decides to retire and move to Bellevue after Aunt Hilda dies. Hilda has left Clare her beloved Blue Mountain cottage. Obviously Hilda trusts her with its upkeep and knows she will love and care for it as much as she has. It is Clare’s desire to begin her new life in this historic property but quickly encounters unexpected challenges.
Bellevue reveals the effects a will can have on those left behind. For this unexpected inheritance stirs up a hornet’s nest as Clare discovers (through her daughter’s acute observations). One member of this family has secret ambitions. And they will go to great lengths to achieve their goals. But everything that seems tightly bound will unravel and this recklessness will cause superficial strength to fall away. The devious acts will expose the perpretrator’s intentions. There will be some surprise members in the plot ring, too. Clare will be asking, why has this happened? Is it sibling rivalry, romantic jealousy, possessive greed? As the novel progresses we learn more about Jack’s brother David, plus Clare’s husband, and the tangled tales of the past and present.
Mixed in with the family plot line is the fight by some residents to keep the pristine landscape from becoming highly developed. There are land developers waiting in the wings to swoop in to take it all. Clare has been approached more than once about selling her property. But she is not interested. She joins in a protest with some locals to fight against the proposed use of the land. Weird things begin to happen. Is someone trying to smoke her out? Make her afraid so she will sell? At times, it seems Clare is being terrorised by unnatural events. Who is behind it? There are a few red herrings that will keep you guessing while the suspense leads up to some nice plot twists.
I really enjoyed this enriching story set in the Blue Mountains, the battle for preserving its beauty from senseless acts in the name of progress (and greed), the interactions between the characters, the background story of Clare and Jack her late husband, the local issues that revealed the various personalities. Then there is the older rescued dog, Mutt, and young ten year old Joe with his art skills and bird interests. Clare’s first encounter with him is a negative one but that does not last and soon we see how being a past teacher enables her to be a nurturing force for the young boy who has had a hard life.
Joe shares in the narration of the story with Clare so we are able to see the contrasting views of a child and adult. They each have experienced great loss and find their own ways to compensate.
There’s so much to admire in this story that portrays family trauma, secrets, rescue missions and community spirit. They are all haloed by the beautiful landscape of the Blue Mountains which in turn enhances the elements of mystery. I certainly recommend this finely polished novel that will touch the naturalist’s caring heart.
Thanks to RedDoor and Alison Booth for a review copy.
