I always finish Sandie Docker’s novels feeling uplifted and better informed, and her latest book The Redgum River Retreat is yet another cracker, this time shining a light on music therapy and an overlooked part of Australia’s history. As well soaking up Sandie’s trademark warmth and sensitively explored subplots, I very much enjoyed learning about the Snapshots from Home project, which saw Aussie photographers responding to requests from soldiers on the frontline.

I could almost smell the prin...