The Opal Desert

by Di Morrissey

The Opal Desert is the story of three women from different generations with unresolved issues in their lives who meet in the fictitious NSW town of Opal Lake.

Kerrie, in her 40s, has just lost her famous sculptor husband who had been the centre of her existence and for whom she made many sacrifices and she now finds her life has lost direction.

Shirley, approaching 80, was betrayed by her lover many years before and has retreated from the world, becoming a recluse living in an underground dugout.

Anna, 19, has a promising athletic career but is torn between the commitment to her sport which could carry her to the Olympics, or enjoying life like other young people.

The friendship that develops between these three women, who meet in the strangely beautiful but desolate landscape of the opal fields, helps them resolve and come to terms with the next stage of their lives.

Genres: Fiction, Australia, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook, Drama

406 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2011

About the author

Di Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.

Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.

In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.

After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.

Reviews

[Kathryn]

This is the first Di Morrissey I have read, and I can’t imagine why it has taken me so long to read one! I think I thought her writing might be a bit over-sentimental, but this one wasn’t. I thought the writing was wonderful. This one was set in Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill and the surrounds - I almost felt like I was there, and it's made me want to plan a trip there at some point! The description of the places was great, the storyline was interesting, and whenever I put it down, I wanted to pick it back up again!

This is my first 5★ read of 2015, and I am certainly keen to read more Di Morrissey’s!!

[itsdanixx]

I enjoyed this much more than I expected. I’ve never read any Di Morrissey before and this is not my usual type of book at all but someone gave this to me because I actually visited Opal Mines on my recent trip around Australia so they thought I’d find this interesting, and they were right, I did!
I liked the descriptions of the towns, the mines and the opals, I enjoyed the friendship between the three women and I kind of feel inspired to start painting again.

[Deborah]

My first Di Morrisey book, and my last. Pleasant enough, predictable. I found the info about opal mining interesting. But, there are so many more well-written challenging books that I would rather spend my time reading.

[Lily Mulholland]

A good storyline marred by horribly wooden dialogue and omnipotent narration not used to good effect. First Di Morrissey book I've read and while I enjoyed it, I think it's probably one for her fans.

[Bronwyn]

Was a bit disappointed with this story, it all seemed too predictable, and a bit amateur. have really enjoyed some of her other novels but felt this fell well short.

[Sarah-Jane Frances]

I have read and enjoyed quite a few Di Morrissey books and this one was no exception. I was particularly drawn to this story as it took me back to my own experiences living in an opal mining town - Coober Pedy. I think I enjoyed reading about the remote towns, dugouts, opals and outback scenery more than the actual story itself. It was a simple storyline with a small enough cast of characters that you could feel included in their individual journeys. A good book to read in between heavier novels or to experience a little of our amazing Australian outback. Even though the main town was fictional there are many references to actual mining towns which I thought were honest and accurate in their portrayal.

[Gail]

Di Morrissey is really really good at making places come alive. After reading this one, I wanted to go out to the outback and see it for myself. Her stories are always good and I love the relationships she creates. The way this particular story unfolds is lovely, with everyone's secrets coming out when they are ready. If you want to experience Australia without actually setting foot on Aussie soil (but hey - why would you settle for that??) then Di Morrissey can take you there.....

[Janine]

An interesting location to read about but a bit predictable.

[Patricia Johnson]

I have read Australian authors before...I enjoy Di Morrissey's story telling of the environments of the Australian continent.

As a teenager I was drawn to travel, and at 18 I purchased a ticket to Sydney and applied for a working visa....this time was the 'BEST' time of my life. I travelled throughout Australia from Tazmania to Darwin; Sydney to Perth and on to Melbourne. My travels also took me to the Opel country. I truly enjoyed the entire experience. Reading Di Morrissey's books brings me back to a wonderful time in my life.

This book 'paints' a picture of life in the cities but focuses on the life of a miner in the Opal fields.

[Carinya Kappler]

Di Morrissey has captured the splintered existence of Kerrie, recently widowed from a happy busy global marriage to a famous sculptor, now searching for her own identity and missed creative opportunities in the vast featureless desert and Opal mines of inland Australia.
I found this novel to be interesting descriptive and intriguing. The characters of the Opal township are not always savoury but the loyalty and comradeship grown out of unforgiving circumstances proves again to bring out the best in the best people.
A very good read.
Carinya

[Shereen Lang]

This is my 3rd Di Morrissey book and totally enjoying them all so far.
I enjoyed reading about the remote towns, dugouts, opals and outback scenery, The way this story unfolds is lovely, with everyone's secrets coming out when they are ready. If you want to experience Australia’s outback without setting foot on Aussie soil, it’s a must read.
The story of 3 Australian women at different stages of life (19, nearly 40 & nearly 80) & how they intertwine in Outback opal mining towns such as Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill, and fictional Opal Lake, it was unexpecting beautiful.

[Joy Norman]

I like the authors writing however I did feel that some of this book became very laborious. It would seem that just like people who have gold fever there are those that have opal fever! Most of the people were out for what they could get and few of them looked after one another, the ratters were deplorable. The artwork and what people where attempting was amazing with very few creature comforts I enjoyed the book

[Natalie M]

What an unexpected surprise. The story of 3 Australian women at different stages of life (19, nearly 40 & nearly 80) & how they intertwine in Outback opal mining towns such as Lightning Ridge, Broken Hill, and fictional Opal Lake. Beautifully told, deep & believable protagonists, surprisingly fast paced, honest & full of life’s lessons. Not my usual genre but thoroughly impressed.

[N]

Enjoyed reading about the opal mining towns in NSW, especially as I have been wanting to go for a visit for years now. The book definitely meanders for far too long and if you didn't want to read about the desolate landscape and life in a rural Australian town, it would be a bit much.

All the women had the same voice; Kerrie, Anna, young Shirley and the step daughter.

[Chiro Pipashito T H]

Some books are meant to be entertaining instead of very thoughtful or intellectually stimulating. This is one such book. But the flow of the story was quite good and the turn of the events were interesting. Di Morrissey highlights various Australian things/ heritages one novel at a time and in this novel she tells about the history of opal mining. Fascinating indeed!

[Growlcat]

I found the writing in this book quite stilted at times, and although the content was interesting (I have been to White Cliffs and seen the solar experiment), it seemed to read like a tour guide for outback Australia in parts.
Nevertheless, I did finish reading it, but I would say it is more a holiday read than anything more serious.

[Lisa Wiltshire]

This book had been sitting on my self for sometime. I was a beautiful story with a twist near the end. The reason I gave it three stars was the terminology used. There were words missing and big words used to describe things that could have had simpler words and I would love to have had Anna have a bigger part in the story.

[Paul McBride]

A pretty typical Di Morrissey book. This told mostly in the present with just a few chapters told in the past. As is usually the case the story takes place in Australia.
You learn a little about prospectors mining opals, and get to see how three women with completely different backgrounds meet and help each other with the struggles they are going through.

[Ejlkasld]

I am an avid reader of Di Morrissey novels. I luv the history of Australia that she weaves through all of her novels. This was particularly good as I really enjoyed the history of the opal trade. The characters were so warm and it was so nice to have 3 strong female characters in focus.

[Deb Keats]

What a slow and tedious book, so glad I have finished it. I have read other Di Morrissey books and have enjoyed them, this one - not so. I felt the story was not really getting anywhere.. will leave it a while before I read any more of Di's I think.

[Sandy]

This was a re-read, but again I was intrigued by the pictures of the desolate and dangerous landscape and the passion which opals can inspire. The characters were an diverse mixture, and it was interesting following their individual and intertwined stories. A thoroughly good read.

[Dianne]

An easy read, celebrating the Australian outback and national gemstones through the perspective of women's experiences and relationships, with just a dash of drama.
I almost downgraded this a star due to the "sermonising" in the last few lines, but that was possibly being too harsh.

[Kim]

Excellent read. Set in the Opal deserts of Australia three very different women meet and together face the next stages of their lives.

I love the geographical and historic research Di Morrissey uses within her writing. Well worth reading.

[Melanie Tatt]

Not my favourite but is an easy read. Had me on the edge of my seat a couple of times. This book made me want to buy an opal ring or opal peice of jewelery…. I don’t even like opals!! Haha how does Di suck you in so well!!!???

[Andrea Pink]

I finished it because I am stubborn.
Decent story idea but I found the writing quite pedestrian and ordinary. Dialogue seemed forced, no tension or surprise built in.
I think this is not my kind of writing, but it was worth the try. (Recommended by mum)

[Lorraine Wilson]

Having just returned from Broken Hill and White Cliffs and visiting Lightening Ridge a couple of years ago, Di captured the places beautifully.
I loved the characters and they brought to life the essence of these places.

[Chris Webster]

I really enjoyed this book. The setting was unfamiliar to me and it was well described and atmospheric. I liked the characters, there was a bit of suspense drawn in towards the end but overall it was engaging and interesting, a comforting, heartwarming read.

[Kay]

An interesting tale of friendship, what we find when we are lost and the opal mining days in a small community. A bit of chic lit but one with substance and a good story line.

[Sarah Johnston]

This was an interesting read but for me it wasn't one of Di Morrissey's best. I came to understand things about opals that I didn't know before - the story itself didn't grab me.

[Helen Stephenson]

We really enjoyed this book and it’s spurred us on to read more. A really interesting plot lots of fantastic characters. A really great read.