REVIEW
The Seachangers by Meredith Appleyard has such a refreshing cover matched by a finely written story that is quite realistic and appealing. Many of us know the Australian show SeaChange with Sigrid Thornton. I loved that show and my daughter was born at home twenty five years ago a Sunday night during the airing of one of its episodes. Unfortunately, I missed that one! (Though I now own the boxset). There is a lot of interest these days in finding a better lifestyle. The Australian definition of the word seachange is: a significant change in lifestyle, especially a move from the city to a rural or seaside location. Why do people do it? They are looking for “a better work-life balance."
This is a story about all that and more. Relationships are the heart of this plot, though. More with a focus on character development or realisation than action. Of course, there are some life major events that drive the plot like death of parents, siblings and health scares: all the things that go with getting older and needing to make life decisions that can be quite scary but necessary to keep moving forward. Time, mobility and even money are luxuries, too, we often don’t have plenty of when we get older so we must do all we can, when opportunities arise that make sense and can create a better senior life for ourselves. Whether it be to sell up a business, move house, downsize, head for better shores or take a well-earned holiday.
The Seachangers unfolds in chapters that are divided mostly between Ruth and Hamish’s viewpoints. They are the main focus characters with others swirling around them. They are not a couple to start with but in the end they find their way to each other, both older and enjoying companionship that appears natural between them. They are definitely friends able to share their burdens and provide support through some trying circumstances. This friendship though could become a bit more. But each of them is out of practice as far as romantic relationships are concerned. It doesn’t matter though as there is no pretence and plenty of honesty flows between them. I loved how Hamish is gentle with Ruth and steps in to be whatever she needs at the time and she is the same with Hamish.
When Ruth courageously made the sea change at age 57 from the city to the seaside town of Cutler’s Bay, she opened a Rosie’s Café and ran a successful business. But now that she is five years older (62) she is feeling worn down from all the work and worry. The person she sees in the mirror has aged and she has lost her energy and sparkle. She needs a change. And once she makes that decision to move forward again, she realises a new direction—in fact a new business that draws upon her past travels and resident time in Paris. She is able to utilise her love of clothes and desire to help others who need them. A great new goal that will appeal to her skills and interests and be less hectic and less demanding at this stage in her life.
Hamish was a diesel mechanic and worked in the bush, then retired and moved to the city but became ill at ease with his new surroundings. When his 89 year old father dies, he comes to Cutlers Bay to tend to the house left to him and his only sister. They are not close and her behaviour towards him is quite grating at times but we learn more about their past and understand how they got to this point in their sibling relationship. Hamish witnessed a loss in his family at a young age and it overshadowed his life. It has caused some psychological wounds that must be treated and he eventually gets the courage to do so. While sorting out his father’s home, he becomes energised by renovation ideas and once visiting Rosie’s Café strikes up a friendship with Ruth. It seems Cutler’s Bay works its magic on him. And life begins looking up.
This is a solid story with firm bones that left me nodding my head often, understanding the characters and their dilemmas. It displays the struggles of most people today getting older and being faced with different options and needs. Ruth and Hamish are very likeable characters and I enjoyed following their journeys as they navigated the maze of ageism. I heartily recommend The Seachangers for anyone who likes a well written modern day Australian story laced with wit and wisdom but older readers may appreciate its topics even more. 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Thanks to HQ Fiction and Negalley for a review copy.
