Once, Rich and Sandy were environmental activists, part of a world-famous blockade in Tasmania to save the wilderness. Now, 25 years later, they have both settled into the uncomfortable compromises of middle age - although they've gone about it in very different ways. About the only thing they have in common these days is their 15-year-old daughter, Sophie. When the perennially restless Rich decides to take Sophie, whom he hardly knows, on a trek into the Tasmanian wilderness, his overconfidence and her growing disillusion with him set off a chain of events that no one could have predicted. Instead of respect, Rich finds antagonism in his relationship with Sophie; and in the vast landscape he once felt an affinity with, he encounters nothing but disorientation and fear. Ultimately, all three characters will learn that if they are to survive, each must traverse not only the secret territories that lie between them but also those within themselves.
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"I enjoyed this book although there were a few problems with the initial premise. Everyone knows that you don't wear new hiking boots on a multi day hike especially on trails as difficult as the ones described. But the characters were memorable and I was kept intrigued for most of the book." — Lois (4 out of 5 stars)
"I enjoyed this book although there were a few problems with the initial premise. Everyone knows that you don't wear new hiking boots on a multi day hike especially on trails as difficult as the ones described. But the characters were memorable and I was kept intrigued for most of the book."
" Cate Kennedy has a relaxed and beautiful writing style. Lovely "
" Loved it - the drama, the humour and the characters! And the descriptions of the Tasmanian bush. "
" Beautifully put together and the only problem I have with this story is that it as too short. The 'disappearance' seemed to be truncated. Can't wait to read this author's next novel. "
" A girl goes hiking in Tasmania with her estranged father and they become lost. A good character study of the girl, her father, and her mother, which also gives insight into their pasts. Well-written page-turner. "
" I couldn't put the book down. It is the story of an estranged father and troubled teenage daughter who are trying to get to know one another on a hiking trip in Tasmania. "
" I had no idea what was going to happen but as I live in a popular area for "hippies", have a daughter studying photography and have walked the Cradle Mountain walk with my son and teach troubled (sometimes) adolescents, the themes of this book coincided 100% with the interests of my life. "
" I liked the setting for the book...and watching how the relationships between parents and children changed. "
" Really enjoyed this book. The descriptions of hiking through the Tassie bush, brought back great bushwalking memories for me and has inspired to get back out there. Maybe I could add to the swarms on the Overland Track one day? "
" Couldn't finish it - was bored with the storyline. "
" Dysfunctional parents & rebellious adolescents in the wilderness, bound to end badly. a good read....Even better when a book is set in a place you know "
" I found the characters difficult to like and therefore was little interested in their journey. "
" A creepy waste of time. "
" Wow! This author really got under my skin. The characters in this book are just so vivid and real. It's a funny, sad, happy book. Poetic too. I stayed up til midnight finishing it. "
" Good character study book. I haven't read one of those lately. I really liked the rebellious daughter, though her parents were both annoying. To me,they did little to redeem themselves. "
" A really excellent book with fine characterisation. Sophie is so recognisable as a 15 year old girl. The portrayal of the Overland Track and the Labyrinth was spot-on accurate too, as was the sense of fear when they were lost. "
" I loved this book. It started off very mellow but ever so slowly draws the reader into the intracacies of the characters. They are so richly and carefully drawn with such quirky characteristics. An excellent story teller. "
" A brilliant Australian novel, with very real and believable characters, a great Tasmanian setting and an immensely satisfying ending. Amazing. "
" I read this book because it was shortlisted for the 2010 NSW Premier's Literary Award - Christina Stead Prize for Fiction and sounded like a good read and it was a fantastic read! "
" A gripping read. The interior lives of the main characters, and the way the relationships and identities weave and warp, is beautifully crafted. A story that feels real and true. "
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