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Salvation Jane
SALVATION
Things haven't been going too well for Jane Patterson; her boyfriend has exited and as a parting gesture has emptied her bank account. An unexpected bequest from her late uncle is an opportunity for a fresh start.
Convinced the legacy will change not only her luck but her life, Jane heads off to claim her inheritance. Her expectations of owning a five star hotel are shattered when she meets Patterson's down-at-heel clientele. Figuring it's going to take more than a few dollars to turn the homeless shelter into an up-market back-packer's hostel, she turns to her local politician. She is surprised and delighted when he agrees to fast-track a tourism grant. But then he hasn't told her of his plans to ban vagrants from the streets and criminalize homelessness. When Jane discovers her conscience, she finds herself playing the politician at his own game.
Reader Opinions
"Cynical politics, greedy corporations and the realities of social conscience in the western world."
"
A politically-charged drama based on a real event in Australian politics"
"A realistic reflection of politics around the world"
"Romance, mystery, political thriller, sociological treatise, comedy, drama - all there"
"Political intrigue with a splash of romance"
Salvation a "political conspiracy thriller" that turns the tables on scheming politicians.
Things haven't been going too well for Jane Patterson; her boyfriend has exited and as a parting gesture has emptied her bank account. An unexpected bequest from her late uncle is an opportunity for a fresh start.
Convinced the legacy will change not only her luck but her life, Jane heads off to claim her inheritance. Her expectations of owning a five star hotel are shattered when she meets Patterson's down-at-heel clientele. Figuring it's going to take more than a few dollars to turn the homeless shelter into an up-market back-packer's hostel, she turns to her local politician. She is surprised and delighted when he agrees to fast-track a tourism grant. But then he hasn't told her of his plans to ban vagrants from the streets and criminalize homelessness. When Jane discovers her conscience, she finds herself playing the politician at his own game.
Reader Opinions
"Cynical politics, greedy corporations and the realities of social conscience in the western world."
"
A politically-charged drama based on a real event in Australian politics"
"A realistic reflection of politics around the world"
"Romance, mystery, political thriller, sociological treatise, comedy, drama - all there"
"Political intrigue with a splash of romance"
Salvation a "political conspiracy thriller" that turns the tables on scheming politicians.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 18, 2013
22 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Ann Massey
11 books27 followersAnn Massey writes fiction that draws on different literary traditions. Ann calls her books square-pegs because they don't slot neatly into a specific genre slot. She is the author of four genre-bender books. Her latest book, "The Little Dog Laughed", a quirky historical fantasy was published on 15 January 2016. Ann holds a college degree in teaching and currently teaches English Literature. Outside of teaching, she worked in the newspaper industry as a sub-editor and marketing manager. In 1986 she won the prestigious INMA marketing award. After living in England and Borneo, she has settled in the beach-side suburb of Quinns Rocks in Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 10, 2014
Salvation Jane by Ann Massey is a politically-charged drama featuring Jane Patterson, a resident of Sydney who relocates to Perth as a result of a bequeathment and finds herself the crestfallen owner of a borderline flophouse. Massey’s female protagonist is portrayed as a scrappy, idealistic Aussie woman who grows indignant over the prevailing attitude towards the underprivileged in Perth, and her struggle against the powers-that-be sets up a dramatic conflict that provides plenty of room for discussion.
Councillor Leonard Hardie appears as the major antagonist in this novel. The oily career politician brings his charm and benevolent authority to the table, only the repartee gives way to a game of arms as Jane’s candor slowly dissolves his deceptive veneer. Push comes to shove as Jane’s mascot, Horrie Nelson and his friends are marginalized and persecuted by the movers and shakers in the City Council. The destitute community is plagued by sanctions and restrictions enforced by the police, until a mysterious bombing threatens to close the hotel and put an end to Jane’s ministry. It is the intercession of Ida Wright that comes as a turning point for Jane and her focus group, and the playing field is evened as we see that not all rich people have cold, hard hearts of bloodless gold.
Massey’s Jane Patterson is both personable and admirable, keeping the novel from veering into didacticism. There is a necessary amount of expository dialogue as both sides are presented in the discussion of the homeless situation plaguing major cities around the globe. Yet Jane provides a solution, and Salvation Jane by Ann Massey reminds us there’s always room for one more needy person in our communities and our hearts.
Councillor Leonard Hardie appears as the major antagonist in this novel. The oily career politician brings his charm and benevolent authority to the table, only the repartee gives way to a game of arms as Jane’s candor slowly dissolves his deceptive veneer. Push comes to shove as Jane’s mascot, Horrie Nelson and his friends are marginalized and persecuted by the movers and shakers in the City Council. The destitute community is plagued by sanctions and restrictions enforced by the police, until a mysterious bombing threatens to close the hotel and put an end to Jane’s ministry. It is the intercession of Ida Wright that comes as a turning point for Jane and her focus group, and the playing field is evened as we see that not all rich people have cold, hard hearts of bloodless gold.
Massey’s Jane Patterson is both personable and admirable, keeping the novel from veering into didacticism. There is a necessary amount of expository dialogue as both sides are presented in the discussion of the homeless situation plaguing major cities around the globe. Yet Jane provides a solution, and Salvation Jane by Ann Massey reminds us there’s always room for one more needy person in our communities and our hearts.
December 19, 2013
An interesting, engaging book about the homeless in Australia and the emotional awakening of a woman called Jane Patterson. After a run of bad luck Jane inherits a hotel, but finds that not all inheritances are what one expects. The gift in this inheritance is that Jane begins a rewarding journey, along the way learning to help others.
Jane and her homeless are likeable characters one can sympathise with; the lines between good and bad are clearly drawn, and as Jane's eyes are opened to a new view, it's hard not to be pleased that Jane's journey is turning her into a more mature, compassionate person - it's this that makes SALVATION JANE a realistic and hard-hitting story, but with a hopeful edge.
SALVATION JANE is a thought provoking book, with interesting character development and a strong message about political agendas that are for the politicians' benefit and not the benefit of the people they serve.
Although set in Australia, I found the similarities to the plight of the homeless living in broken down apartment blocks here in Johannesburg eerily familiar. Thus, SALVATION JANE is a story that's uniquely Australian and yet it deals with a universal theme that most readers will be able to relate to.
Jane and her homeless are likeable characters one can sympathise with; the lines between good and bad are clearly drawn, and as Jane's eyes are opened to a new view, it's hard not to be pleased that Jane's journey is turning her into a more mature, compassionate person - it's this that makes SALVATION JANE a realistic and hard-hitting story, but with a hopeful edge.
SALVATION JANE is a thought provoking book, with interesting character development and a strong message about political agendas that are for the politicians' benefit and not the benefit of the people they serve.
Although set in Australia, I found the similarities to the plight of the homeless living in broken down apartment blocks here in Johannesburg eerily familiar. Thus, SALVATION JANE is a story that's uniquely Australian and yet it deals with a universal theme that most readers will be able to relate to.
October 13, 2014
This is a heart warming story about a woman who inherits a hotel for the homeless and is initially keen to turn it into a commercial hotel for tourists, having little regard for the impact on the lives of the local homeless people. However, she gradually appreciates the characters working and staying at the hotel, and recognises how the homeless are being generally badly treated by the politicans and society in general. Jane becomes a politician determined to fight for the homeless and upsets a good number of people along the way.
This is a story with a very strong social message. However, the author weaves her message into interesting characters and events so we can enjoy the story without feeling on the end of a heavy lecture.
The story is well written and presnts a less than positive portrait of politics in Australia but sadly I believe it is a realistic reflection of politics around the world.
If you like a book that makes you think about the society we inhabit and the challenges we collectively should be tackling, then you will really enjoy this book.
This is a story with a very strong social message. However, the author weaves her message into interesting characters and events so we can enjoy the story without feeling on the end of a heavy lecture.
The story is well written and presnts a less than positive portrait of politics in Australia but sadly I believe it is a realistic reflection of politics around the world.
If you like a book that makes you think about the society we inhabit and the challenges we collectively should be tackling, then you will really enjoy this book.
January 19, 2015
Of all my many reads in 2014 this one stands out taking a spot as one of my all time favorite books. Massey's portrayal of Jane is very human and easy to sympathize with. The seemingly impossible set of circumstances Jane faces brings many conflicts both internal and external. The story evokes strong emotions. Although it can evoke anger and frustration it never lingers far from the next laugh. Massey hilariously portrays life like characters with all their very human foibles. SALVATION JANE offers a window for us into the human cost of one of our largest social problems, homelessness. The subject matter can be heavy but the tone never betrays the seriousness of the characters plight while remaining comedic and entertaining. SALVATION JANE doesn't wallow or harp on a subject that is fraught with pain. Instead the characters offer insights to one another as they each discover their own way of improving their own lives and those lives around them when able.
October 22, 2013
The story was ok and certainly had a good message. I did enjoy reading it overall and it kept me interested. It was certainly a good topic. However the writing was less than stellar and the editing was just non-existent. I understand that with the advent of easily published ebooks offered (for free especially) editing is an afterthought, but honestly it leaves me feeling like I should definitely not buy any more of this author's books. In my opinion (for what it's worth) an author's free offering is meant to entice the reader to buy more books, therefore it should be carefully edited as if it were a paid novel.
September 13, 2013
Found it difficult to put this book down once i started. Read in two days as i just couldn't get enough. Salvation Jane gave me a look at a world I wouldn't of thought of looking at. All the characters were believable and most were easy to relate to and develop interest in. Would recomend this book to all. I am going to pass this on to my nan (87) to read now as the other thing i noticed was there was no bad language which in my eyes is another plus
October 18, 2024
3.5 stars, and would have been four if it had been through a quick edit.
I read the physical copy of the book, published in 2013, and there were a number of grammatical issues. They did somewhat fit the main character and her level of education/patience but they did sadly detract from the ever increasingly important theme of the book.
Homelessness now is worse in WA than it was when she wrote the book. The housing market has escalated and vacancies are at 0.7%. Most people know someone living rough who has a job.
There should be no developed country where earning a wage doesn't allow someone the comfort of somewhere to call home.
I enjoyed the characters and the obvious romantic arc as well as the surprise elevator violence because that's just realistic.
I really did enjoy this book and I have been telling people I've been reading it, so if you're on the fence, give it a go. It's got heart.
I read the physical copy of the book, published in 2013, and there were a number of grammatical issues. They did somewhat fit the main character and her level of education/patience but they did sadly detract from the ever increasingly important theme of the book.
Homelessness now is worse in WA than it was when she wrote the book. The housing market has escalated and vacancies are at 0.7%. Most people know someone living rough who has a job.
There should be no developed country where earning a wage doesn't allow someone the comfort of somewhere to call home.
I enjoyed the characters and the obvious romantic arc as well as the surprise elevator violence because that's just realistic.
I really did enjoy this book and I have been telling people I've been reading it, so if you're on the fence, give it a go. It's got heart.
October 12, 2017
An Amazing Tale
Salvation Jane, the story of a young woman who against all odds fought her way into the political pool and fought for the poor. Though demonized by many, tormented and embarrassed by the media, she never gave up. An inspirational story of one person's willingness to cast off the ugliness of those who disagreed and tried to make the world a better place for the less fortunate.
Salvation Jane, the story of a young woman who against all odds fought her way into the political pool and fought for the poor. Though demonized by many, tormented and embarrassed by the media, she never gave up. An inspirational story of one person's willingness to cast off the ugliness of those who disagreed and tried to make the world a better place for the less fortunate.
July 29, 2013
Jane Patterson is a typical Australian city girl, who has just broken up with her philandering boyfriend when she inherits a hotel from her recently deceased uncle on the other side of the country. She moves to collect her inheritance believing she is going to build a new, more prosperous life for herself as a business owner.
What she finds isn't quite what she expected. Her hotel is actually low rent accommodation for homeless men, and is full of the smelly, unwashed dregs of society. She is horrified, dismayed, and determined to spruce the place up and turn it into a backpackers hostel which will flourish with the tourist trade.
Along the way though, she learns that maybe not everything is as she assumed. Maybe, just maybe, the homeless don't choose to be homeless.
This book is set in Perth, Western Australia and is full of Australian flavor and Australian terminology and pop culture references. One of my favorites is "it's going straight to the pool room" which is a line showing pride and appreciation from a classic Australian movie, The Castle.
As an Australian resident, who is horribly ignorant regarding the Australian political system, I also found it educational.
Salvation Jane reads like chick lit, but has a message and a moral. A very welcome addition to the collective works of author Ann Massey.
What she finds isn't quite what she expected. Her hotel is actually low rent accommodation for homeless men, and is full of the smelly, unwashed dregs of society. She is horrified, dismayed, and determined to spruce the place up and turn it into a backpackers hostel which will flourish with the tourist trade.
Along the way though, she learns that maybe not everything is as she assumed. Maybe, just maybe, the homeless don't choose to be homeless.
This book is set in Perth, Western Australia and is full of Australian flavor and Australian terminology and pop culture references. One of my favorites is "it's going straight to the pool room" which is a line showing pride and appreciation from a classic Australian movie, The Castle.
As an Australian resident, who is horribly ignorant regarding the Australian political system, I also found it educational.
Salvation Jane reads like chick lit, but has a message and a moral. A very welcome addition to the collective works of author Ann Massey.
July 2, 2013
On the surface, Salvation Jane could come across as "chick lit." Poke a little deeper and you find a serious commentary on current social conditions in Perth, Australia. Our heroine, Jane, inherits a hotel from her uncle. Excited at the prospect of instant wealth she arrives to find a derelict building serving as a shelter for homeless men. Hours spent laundering the sheets and towels does nothing to improve her mood so she decides to convert the shelter into a hostel for back-packing tourists. One thing leads to another and Jane finds herself involved in politics--naively playing with the big boys--using the street people as leverage.
For this Canadian reader, Salvation Jane was an education in the economic conditions of the area, in the plight of the poor, in the culture and language of Australia.
Well written and intriguing. You keep turning the pages to see what Jane will do next--sometimes biting your nails as she gets herself into one scrap after another. There are love interests too, not always the best for Jane, but she perseveres.
The ending is satisfying and fitting for the story.
For this Canadian reader, Salvation Jane was an education in the economic conditions of the area, in the plight of the poor, in the culture and language of Australia.
Well written and intriguing. You keep turning the pages to see what Jane will do next--sometimes biting your nails as she gets herself into one scrap after another. There are love interests too, not always the best for Jane, but she perseveres.
The ending is satisfying and fitting for the story.
September 24, 2014
This is the story of an ordinary, not so young woman's emotional growth from rather shallow materialism to a thinking, caring human being. But it's more than that. It's also a comment on a cynical politics, greedy corporations and the realities of social conscience in the western world. Everyone needs to read this ... it also paints a telling picture of the Australian social landscape at the beginning of the 21st century.... Now I'm a bit of a sucker for novels with a message - an essential ingredient of a good novel in my view - and this message is so important as the the mass media (owned by the rich) does nothing but magnify the myth that the poor and homeless are that way because of their own fault and laziness. This book sets the story straight. It doesn't glorify the homeless but in an intelligent and balanced way, it juxtaposes the plight of the poor with the soul-less selfishness of the rich corporate and political class (a misnomer as "class" is one thing they lack). You'll enjoy it!
July 10, 2014
The subject was interesting and daring. Portraying the homeless as individuals with their own struggles is commendable. I think many will enjoy this book.
However, for me, I didn't connect at all to Jane. I didn't like her. My sympathies were with those around her, but Jane herself elicited no sympathy. I got almost halfway through the book when I realized I had no stake in her, but I was interested in the outcome so I skipped the second half of the book and finished the last two chapters.
Also, the author could have asked someone to proofread it. The author is comma happy and quotation shy; so many commas, so few beginning quotes. End quotes were good, just many of the beginning quotes were left off.
However, for me, I didn't connect at all to Jane. I didn't like her. My sympathies were with those around her, but Jane herself elicited no sympathy. I got almost halfway through the book when I realized I had no stake in her, but I was interested in the outcome so I skipped the second half of the book and finished the last two chapters.
Also, the author could have asked someone to proofread it. The author is comma happy and quotation shy; so many commas, so few beginning quotes. End quotes were good, just many of the beginning quotes were left off.
June 19, 2014
Given To Me For An Honest Review
This book is about a young woman who inherits a hotel after the death of her uncle. She believes it to be more that it really is. She gets involved with several of the people who live at the hotel and work at the restaurant next door. It is about politics, murder, romance, and underhandedness. A book that once you start you won't put down. Great characters, fantastic read. I recommend it highly to all.
This book is about a young woman who inherits a hotel after the death of her uncle. She believes it to be more that it really is. She gets involved with several of the people who live at the hotel and work at the restaurant next door. It is about politics, murder, romance, and underhandedness. A book that once you start you won't put down. Great characters, fantastic read. I recommend it highly to all.
Want to read
September 16, 2013I have won this book through the goodreads giveaway.
Thank you so much for the added personal note!
I will edit this review after I read it.
Thank you so much for the added personal note!
I will edit this review after I read it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews