Finding Joy in Oyster Bay

 Finding Joy in Oyster Bay

Reviewed By  Grasshopper2       December 5, 2024

 

Author  Susan Duncan

Distributor:      Allen and Unwin
ISBN:                 9781761471544
Publisher:         Allen and Unwin
Release Date:   December 2024  

   Website:   https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Susan-Duncan-Finding-Joy-in-Oyster-Bay-9781761471544

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Finding Joy in Oyster Bay is Susan’s Duncan’s eighth novel. She has developed a keen sense of description when it comes to the Australian bush and River to Coast life. She describes the various plants, trees birds and snakes which inhabit her environment, and enables the reader to understand the remoteness of her home.

In Finding Joy in Oyster Bay, Susan introduces a variety of characters ranging from the residents of a retirement village called GeriEcstasies, to a new baby. All of their interactions and lifestyles are guided by their environment. The community all know each other and are mostly supportive when someone is experiencing hardship.

The story begins with Kate; at 2am she is seen leaving her house, partner and new baby to catch a water taxi too…….no one knows where. The local folk of step in to support Sam and Claire, the baby. However, this causes stresses and strains for the carers. Many of the locals, who choose to live in the remote area of Cook’s Basin, have had difficult times in their past and their quiet lifestyles enables them to empathise and support their neighbours.

The residents in the retirement home work out a way of supporting Kate in a non-judgemental way while allowing her privacy. She is living in a cabin, a local farmer brings her some chooks and a cow to milk, enabling her to live quietly. Other characters such as Sam, her partner, and Ettie, her friend, understand that Kate has a terrible backstory and wait patiently for a resolution.

Finding Joy in Oyster Bay is a good book to enjoy as a holiday read.

Fiction, General