Lowly’s Book Blog

A very interesting book this one. I first read a review of it a last year, long before I read the book and I was very excited to see it come to the top of the reading list.

This book is about a year in the life of 3 young adults who have come to Alice Springs to start their lives of independence. Cathy was raised on a Queensland station, so she is familiar with life in the dry regions of Australia. But she wanted to make her own way and comes to Alice looking for a job until she sorts out what she is going to do with her life. She quickly finds a job working in the pub and soon she discovers she is very good at hospitality.

Jay has also come to the Alice for a job. He is a radio DJ looking for a change from Melbourne. His people are from the south, but for a while he is working at the local indigenous station doing the morning shift. But he is also looking for purpose and meaning in his life.

Margie has been Cathy’s best friend since school. But after school finished Margie qualified as a nurse. She can get a job anywhere, but it is her idea that Cathy and her share a flat in Alice Springs for a year. Margie is out to have a good time, as simple as that. Nothing is going to get in her way.

Cathy and Jay find each other. They seem to be soulmates, friends as well as lovers. But can this candle continue to burn?

This book is certainly for older secondary readers. Not only because of the sexual content, but also some maturity is needed before the reader can understand the motives of our various main characters.

I certainly enjoyed this book. Probably more than any other by Meme McDonald.