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Downstream
What happens when your great Australian dream gets washed away? And then tries to drag your marriage down with it?
Lismore resident Rob – a happily married empty-nester, enjoying his late middle age – has always defined himself by the quality of the roof over his head and the state of his family life. Solid. Safe. Stable. But when the 2022 flood hits, he and his wife Sal find themselves homeless, their lives now the very opposite of secure and predictable.
While government and insurance investigations drag on, Rob and Sal are left with no choice but to rent while they wait to find out the fate of their badly damaged home. After a mix-up with contracts, they reluctantly agree to share a home unit in Ballina with strangers – a slightly older hippy couple, also impacted by the floods, who couldn’t be more different from their new flatmates.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom flat with very thin walls … Surely they can stick it out for six months – they’re all grown-ups, right? As each awkward, yet entertaining week rolls into the next, they graciously try to deal with one another’s personal quirks while waiting for life to get back to normal.
Only life has bigger plans for all four of them.
Downstream is a story about the forsaken dreams and buried secrets that lie below the surface of our everyday lives – until they reappear in the aftermath of trauma and disruption. With compassion and humour, Annika Johansson explores what ‘marriage’ and ‘home’ really mean, when you are faced with the prospect of losing them both.
Lismore resident Rob – a happily married empty-nester, enjoying his late middle age – has always defined himself by the quality of the roof over his head and the state of his family life. Solid. Safe. Stable. But when the 2022 flood hits, he and his wife Sal find themselves homeless, their lives now the very opposite of secure and predictable.
While government and insurance investigations drag on, Rob and Sal are left with no choice but to rent while they wait to find out the fate of their badly damaged home. After a mix-up with contracts, they reluctantly agree to share a home unit in Ballina with strangers – a slightly older hippy couple, also impacted by the floods, who couldn’t be more different from their new flatmates.
A two-bedroom, one-bathroom flat with very thin walls … Surely they can stick it out for six months – they’re all grown-ups, right? As each awkward, yet entertaining week rolls into the next, they graciously try to deal with one another’s personal quirks while waiting for life to get back to normal.
Only life has bigger plans for all four of them.
Downstream is a story about the forsaken dreams and buried secrets that lie below the surface of our everyday lives – until they reappear in the aftermath of trauma and disruption. With compassion and humour, Annika Johansson explores what ‘marriage’ and ‘home’ really mean, when you are faced with the prospect of losing them both.
320 pages, Paperback
Published April 30, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 25, 2024
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Downstream is Australian author Annika Johansson’s debut novel. It’s an enjoyable and thought provoking read which explores the real meaning of family and home when everything you have worked for is washed away.
Inspired by the Lismore river floods Downstream is a story about happily married sixty six year old Rob and his wife Sal who find themselves homeless after the catastrophic floods have washed through their home and possessions, ruining everything in it’s path.
The pair find themselves short of accomodation options and due to a mix up they end up sharing a home unit with a lively hippy couple Leni and Greta who have also been hit by the floods. As you can imagine their predictable and comfortable lives are suddenly gone and it’s going to take a long time before things get back to normal for them.
It soon becomes clear their living arrangements are becoming challenging and the story takes us on their journey with wit and compassion.
I enjoyed the parties, the new friendships and support and the explosion of buried secrets from the past. The story is narrated by Rob which surprised me as I was expecting it to be narrated by the woman in the story, Sal. The characters were well developed and likeable.
Publisher Bonnier Echo Imprint Echo
Publication Date 30 April 2024
Thank you so much Echo Publishing for the surprise copy
Downstream is Australian author Annika Johansson’s debut novel. It’s an enjoyable and thought provoking read which explores the real meaning of family and home when everything you have worked for is washed away.
Inspired by the Lismore river floods Downstream is a story about happily married sixty six year old Rob and his wife Sal who find themselves homeless after the catastrophic floods have washed through their home and possessions, ruining everything in it’s path.
The pair find themselves short of accomodation options and due to a mix up they end up sharing a home unit with a lively hippy couple Leni and Greta who have also been hit by the floods. As you can imagine their predictable and comfortable lives are suddenly gone and it’s going to take a long time before things get back to normal for them.
It soon becomes clear their living arrangements are becoming challenging and the story takes us on their journey with wit and compassion.
I enjoyed the parties, the new friendships and support and the explosion of buried secrets from the past. The story is narrated by Rob which surprised me as I was expecting it to be narrated by the woman in the story, Sal. The characters were well developed and likeable.
Publisher Bonnier Echo Imprint Echo
Publication Date 30 April 2024
Thank you so much Echo Publishing for the surprise copy
May 1, 2024
Thank you Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
It is so refreshing when you read a story that aligns with your perspective and thought process.
When your life and dreams are literally washed away what are you left with?
The adjustments, the sacrifice and self reflection anchor the real priorities.
Rob and Sal evacuated from their home in lethal floods that affected Lismore.
The turmoil and frustration of finding temporary accommodation, the grief for loss of property and possessions and the unknown when left in the hands of the bureaucrats all taking their toll.
Finding themselves living in a 2 bedroom unit with a couple they did not know was challenging to say the least.
Friendship, parties and secrets from the past challenge their marriage and reinforce the need to assess what is important in life.
I was immersed in this, no pun intended, as this scenario was played out by many during the floods and other natural disasters that wreak havoc to life.
Finding out what is most important is so true as our time is short on the earth.
Home is where the heart is but is it the structure you slaved years for……….
This was so relatable and realistic that I had the scenes vividly playing out in my head.
It is so refreshing when you read a story that aligns with your perspective and thought process.
When your life and dreams are literally washed away what are you left with?
The adjustments, the sacrifice and self reflection anchor the real priorities.
Rob and Sal evacuated from their home in lethal floods that affected Lismore.
The turmoil and frustration of finding temporary accommodation, the grief for loss of property and possessions and the unknown when left in the hands of the bureaucrats all taking their toll.
Finding themselves living in a 2 bedroom unit with a couple they did not know was challenging to say the least.
Friendship, parties and secrets from the past challenge their marriage and reinforce the need to assess what is important in life.
I was immersed in this, no pun intended, as this scenario was played out by many during the floods and other natural disasters that wreak havoc to life.
Finding out what is most important is so true as our time is short on the earth.
Home is where the heart is but is it the structure you slaved years for……….
This was so relatable and realistic that I had the scenes vividly playing out in my head.
May 10, 2024
Inspired by the Lismore floods of 2022 Annika Johansson has written a compassionate and heartfelt story about losing everything, getting out of your comfort zone and finding new meanings to life.
Rob and Sal have lost their home, car and every possession in the Lismore floods. People everywhere are looking for accommodation and after sleeping on couches of family for weeks they finally land a unit in Ballina, only to find out it's been double leased. The two couples decide to share the two bedroom one bathroom unit.
The story is narrated in the first person by Rob and we could really see how far out of his comfort zone he was living with the other couple who, although around the same age, were much more outgoing and relaxed about life.
At the beginning of the book we are led to think Sal is anxious and somewhat of an introvert however it is soon obvious that Rob is projecting his anxiety on to Sal and in the presence of the other couple she shows her true self; warm and spontaneous.
Annika Johansson includes fact in amongst this fictional tale and it is this, that makes the story come alive on the page. We know hundreds of people did lose everything in the floods and had to fight for compensation.
I quite often wondered if Rob and Sal's marriage would survive under the pressure as there were many dark moments as losing everything threatens Rob's sense of self. However, Johansson adds humour through two vastly different couples thrust together and forced to live, get along and struggle through insurance delays and government red tape whilst also living in extremely close proximity.
Downstream is a heartfelt story and an ode to the strength and resilience of humankind. I found this a pleasant, light read with likeable characters, perfect imagery and plenty of humour.
A fabulous debut. I'm excited to see what Annika comes up with next!
Rob and Sal have lost their home, car and every possession in the Lismore floods. People everywhere are looking for accommodation and after sleeping on couches of family for weeks they finally land a unit in Ballina, only to find out it's been double leased. The two couples decide to share the two bedroom one bathroom unit.
The story is narrated in the first person by Rob and we could really see how far out of his comfort zone he was living with the other couple who, although around the same age, were much more outgoing and relaxed about life.
At the beginning of the book we are led to think Sal is anxious and somewhat of an introvert however it is soon obvious that Rob is projecting his anxiety on to Sal and in the presence of the other couple she shows her true self; warm and spontaneous.
Annika Johansson includes fact in amongst this fictional tale and it is this, that makes the story come alive on the page. We know hundreds of people did lose everything in the floods and had to fight for compensation.
I quite often wondered if Rob and Sal's marriage would survive under the pressure as there were many dark moments as losing everything threatens Rob's sense of self. However, Johansson adds humour through two vastly different couples thrust together and forced to live, get along and struggle through insurance delays and government red tape whilst also living in extremely close proximity.
Downstream is a heartfelt story and an ode to the strength and resilience of humankind. I found this a pleasant, light read with likeable characters, perfect imagery and plenty of humour.
A fabulous debut. I'm excited to see what Annika comes up with next!
May 15, 2024
Loved this novel immensely. Really does make you ponder how you would adjust to life after losing everything. Coping with “starting again” and having to compromise at a time in your life when you thought you would never have to compromise again. A fun and fast paced read, I didn’t want to put it down. When I did (between commutes and kids) I found myself reflecting on the story frequently.
July 2, 2024
Not the type of book I usually read but it was a good read.
July 10, 2024
A heart-warming and very readable book exploring the rippling effects of a disaster like the Lismore floods. The characters are larger than life, and the relationships between them grow and twist in a way that keeps you hooked. A great read.
March 2, 2025
This story about the aftermath of the Lismore floods wad written with compassion and empathy. Rob was a great character going through the trauma of losing it all and questioning his life. There was some humour woven into this tough topic, along with some great self-discovery for a man in his 60s. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the thoughtful portrayal of a tough time in recent Aussie history. 3.5 stars rounded up.
July 11, 2024
Rob's internal monologue frequently felt too simple and silly, but this is a sweet read that doubles as a love letter to Lismore.
July 13, 2024
I remember the Lismore floods of 2022, I was deeply saddened for the people that lost everything.
Saw pictures of books destroyed from the Lismore library. Not knowing how I could help.
So I donated some children's books and puzzles. Which they had been asking for.
Saw pictures of books destroyed from the Lismore library. Not knowing how I could help.
So I donated some children's books and puzzles. Which they had been asking for.
July 30, 2024
A great little coming of age story (of sorts!) except the protagonist is an Aussie bloke in his late 60’s who has suddenly found himself homeless after 40 years of stability in the family home…
Easy to read, and quite funny in parts - imagine your parents shacking up with hippies and being led astray!
Set in the aftermath of the Lismore floods, this book certainly ticked my love of historical fiction box.
I don’t remember the last time I read a story written in a male voice and it did give me the ick at first, but I soon started to think that maybe I have the mind of a 60-something man because I could relate to soo much of what he was thinking and saying… an interesting choice of main character for a female author!
I wonder what a real 60+ Aussie bloke would think?
Easy to read, and quite funny in parts - imagine your parents shacking up with hippies and being led astray!
Set in the aftermath of the Lismore floods, this book certainly ticked my love of historical fiction box.
I don’t remember the last time I read a story written in a male voice and it did give me the ick at first, but I soon started to think that maybe I have the mind of a 60-something man because I could relate to soo much of what he was thinking and saying… an interesting choice of main character for a female author!
I wonder what a real 60+ Aussie bloke would think?
December 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book based around the aftermath of the terrible floods in Lismore. It consists of the musings of a 60 something man, Rob, who, along with his wife Sal, is left homeless and bereft. Forced by circumstance to share a flat with another couple who are completely opposite in style and outlook to Rob and Sal, this book is about looking the unknown in the face and learning to deal with it with grace, humour and open mindedness.
May 15, 2024
Fabulous debut novel from Annika Johannson.
Delving into the intricacies of relationships put under pressure from a terrible time in the history of the Nth River floods.
Quirky, interesting, keeping me hooked page after page. Bravo
Delving into the intricacies of relationships put under pressure from a terrible time in the history of the Nth River floods.
Quirky, interesting, keeping me hooked page after page. Bravo
May 23, 2024
Downstream by Annika Johansson is published by Echo, April 2024.
Review by Lorraine Parker
As I read the opening lines of Chapter One I am immediately captivated by the authors prose. “The life Sal and I had two weeks ago is now a peeling, stewing carcass. We’d had nowhere to run, forced to wait it out as the flood waters surged higher and higher, cheered on my buckets of rain thrown from the darkness” p1.
The flooding rains that hit the north coast of NSW in 2022 had far reaching and devastating effects on Lismore in particular, families, individuals, businesses, schools, local council, and government. This is the story of 2 couples, told more through the eyes of Rob who cherished his retirement with his wife Sal, secure, safe and stable in their street where they had lived ‘forever’.
Help was at hand from their relatives. It was a roof over their heads. They shared themselves around, not wanting to be a burden. It was tougher than they could have imagined. Help was at hand on so many fronts; a government hand out, furniture, clothing, second hand goods, kindness and empathy. However, on the rental front landlords had a field day with overwhelming huge prices. That is, if one could get a foot in the door! Such was the demand.
Ballina was the only prospect and yes, Rob and Sal with luck, signed up for a small unit. What joy to purchase a brand new fridge and to organise a move in day. The thought of their own space buoyed their feelings. A great moment to be given the keys, by their agent, on move in day. Delivery of their meagre goods and brand new fridge all organised. Surprise! Another couple (hippies thought Sal) were also there.
Lenny and Greta had also signed up for the same unit! The agents went into a huddle. The couples tried convincing each other that their need was the greater. Lenny and Greta also flood victims with no home (but from Murwillumbah). Lenny came up with a solution. They could share! After all there were two bedrooms! Sal was horrified! Sal was also desperate!
Lenny was generous. He offered them the choice of bedrooms. Somewhat mollified Rob talked her round. Surely they can work out living arrangements and be adult enough to last the 6 months. They knew not a single thing about each other. With close living and thin walls this soon changes.
Partying helped a lot.
Annika Johansson carries the reader on an intriguing, captivating, all consuming journey of revelations that can occur after trauma, disruption and change in personal space. Of how we can hide our feelings, in marriage or partnerships, for years. How strangers can both divide, support and encompass one another.
My empathy and loyalties for each couple, and each individual are thrown around page after fascinating page. I loved the thread of humour that binds so many variables together, including communities, families, government bureaucracy, and insurance red tape and interpersonal relationships.
A must read for all with so many hidden gems of wisdom.
Review by Lorraine Parker
As I read the opening lines of Chapter One I am immediately captivated by the authors prose. “The life Sal and I had two weeks ago is now a peeling, stewing carcass. We’d had nowhere to run, forced to wait it out as the flood waters surged higher and higher, cheered on my buckets of rain thrown from the darkness” p1.
The flooding rains that hit the north coast of NSW in 2022 had far reaching and devastating effects on Lismore in particular, families, individuals, businesses, schools, local council, and government. This is the story of 2 couples, told more through the eyes of Rob who cherished his retirement with his wife Sal, secure, safe and stable in their street where they had lived ‘forever’.
Help was at hand from their relatives. It was a roof over their heads. They shared themselves around, not wanting to be a burden. It was tougher than they could have imagined. Help was at hand on so many fronts; a government hand out, furniture, clothing, second hand goods, kindness and empathy. However, on the rental front landlords had a field day with overwhelming huge prices. That is, if one could get a foot in the door! Such was the demand.
Ballina was the only prospect and yes, Rob and Sal with luck, signed up for a small unit. What joy to purchase a brand new fridge and to organise a move in day. The thought of their own space buoyed their feelings. A great moment to be given the keys, by their agent, on move in day. Delivery of their meagre goods and brand new fridge all organised. Surprise! Another couple (hippies thought Sal) were also there.
Lenny and Greta had also signed up for the same unit! The agents went into a huddle. The couples tried convincing each other that their need was the greater. Lenny and Greta also flood victims with no home (but from Murwillumbah). Lenny came up with a solution. They could share! After all there were two bedrooms! Sal was horrified! Sal was also desperate!
Lenny was generous. He offered them the choice of bedrooms. Somewhat mollified Rob talked her round. Surely they can work out living arrangements and be adult enough to last the 6 months. They knew not a single thing about each other. With close living and thin walls this soon changes.
Partying helped a lot.
Annika Johansson carries the reader on an intriguing, captivating, all consuming journey of revelations that can occur after trauma, disruption and change in personal space. Of how we can hide our feelings, in marriage or partnerships, for years. How strangers can both divide, support and encompass one another.
My empathy and loyalties for each couple, and each individual are thrown around page after fascinating page. I loved the thread of humour that binds so many variables together, including communities, families, government bureaucracy, and insurance red tape and interpersonal relationships.
A must read for all with so many hidden gems of wisdom.
July 14, 2024
Downstream by Annika Johansson tells the story of a life and community uprooted by a natural disaster. Rob and Sal, a later-in-life couple, must go back to renting after their home is left uninhabitable by a flood.
The clever premise puts them in a situation where they must share the two-bedroom apartment with another couple in the same situation. Annika milks the situation for all its cringe-worthy potential. Sharing a bathroom and paper-thin walls leaves the couples with little if any privacy.
The story is narrated by Rob, whose previously predictable life starts unravelling now his living arrangements are at the mercy of the government and insurance companies. Annika deftly shows how people can change behaviour under stressful conditions and Sal catches Rob off-guard. He finds himself fighting not only for his home but for his marriage.
This is a delightful, heart-warming story about the meaning of home, filled with love, angst and lashings of rain.
The clever premise puts them in a situation where they must share the two-bedroom apartment with another couple in the same situation. Annika milks the situation for all its cringe-worthy potential. Sharing a bathroom and paper-thin walls leaves the couples with little if any privacy.
The story is narrated by Rob, whose previously predictable life starts unravelling now his living arrangements are at the mercy of the government and insurance companies. Annika deftly shows how people can change behaviour under stressful conditions and Sal catches Rob off-guard. He finds himself fighting not only for his home but for his marriage.
This is a delightful, heart-warming story about the meaning of home, filled with love, angst and lashings of rain.
August 17, 2025
An easy read focusing on family and what you think is 'home'. A devastating flood lays waste to an emptier nester couple's home, forcing them out on their own to look for somewhere to live while insurance companies play with their lives and futures. Finding the rental market almost impossible with all and sundry looking for a place to live, the couple rent a 2 bedroom unit that has mistakable also been rented to another couple. Both couples are faced with a decision, to share or not to share. The story tells of how strangers can become friends, relationship and all of their beauty and ugliness and how sometime where you are right now can be 'home'.
October 26, 2025
We were lucky when the big floods came, living in the hinterland on a ridge. The road into Mullum washed away and so we had to go the long way for months, and I lost a month of Year 12 because my school was completely non-operational. I had friends that lost everything, had floodwater fill their homes and they lay trapped on balconies and upper floors of their homes for hours in the night, surrounded by rising floodwater. I didn’t really realise how much trauma I had associated with the floods until reading this book. It was an awful time for the entire Northern Rivers, and this book has given it the respect and appreciation it deserves within a charming story.
August 20, 2024
Downstream by Annika Johansson is a great new novel brought about and in memory of the floods in 2022 around the Lismore area of northern New South Wales and up and down the coast.
What do you do when your great Australian dream gets washed away dragging your marriage down with it?
Do you go back to where you started? Stay where you are or move on. Or, make do with what you have.
I found this book highly entertaining, full of humour and even laughed out loud a couple of times!
It was well-written and a fabulously good read, witty and clever. 📚 👌
What do you do when your great Australian dream gets washed away dragging your marriage down with it?
Do you go back to where you started? Stay where you are or move on. Or, make do with what you have.
I found this book highly entertaining, full of humour and even laughed out loud a couple of times!
It was well-written and a fabulously good read, witty and clever. 📚 👌
April 20, 2024
Thanks you to Netgalley and Echo Publishing for an early copy of Downstream in exchange for an honest review.
Downstream is an interesting fictional take of an older married couple impacted by the Northern Rivers Floods and explores the aftermath of these changes.
I really enjoyed following their journey and found it interesting to read about how they adapted. It was a little slow in the middle and frustrating to read from Rob’s perspective at times, I would’ve loved to hear from Sal!
Downstream is an interesting fictional take of an older married couple impacted by the Northern Rivers Floods and explores the aftermath of these changes.
I really enjoyed following their journey and found it interesting to read about how they adapted. It was a little slow in the middle and frustrating to read from Rob’s perspective at times, I would’ve loved to hear from Sal!
September 16, 2024
I was interested to give this one a go; the description of the Lismore floods and the aftermath was heartfelt and impactful. Unfortunately the story itself didn’t do much for me; the narration was repetitive in parts and the pacing was strange. It felt like key elements were brushed over and the character and relationship development all seemed to happen off page/between scenes.
January 6, 2025
“The life that Sal and I had two weeks ago is now a peeling, stewing carcass.”
In February 2022, Lismore and the Northern Rivers region of NSW experienced the worst flooding disaster in Australian recorded history. The flooding was catastrophic, enveloped almost the entire town of Lismore, swamped and destroyed houses and businesses, and led to four deaths. So, it is no wonder such a traumatic event and the real stories about residents’ options in the aftermath of the flood inspired Northern Rivers author Annika Johansson’s novel, Down Stream...
Told from the perspective of Rob, Johansson’s Down Stream captures the grief and the disarray that comes after a traumatic event and losing one’s home. Johansson’s quirky story was inspired by a conversation she had about a friend’s family’s options after the Lismore flood. The lingering trauma sits in the background like a waterlogged towel, waiting to be rung out...(read more at https://www.otherterrainjournal.com.a...).
(Thank you to Echo Publishing for my review copy)
In February 2022, Lismore and the Northern Rivers region of NSW experienced the worst flooding disaster in Australian recorded history. The flooding was catastrophic, enveloped almost the entire town of Lismore, swamped and destroyed houses and businesses, and led to four deaths. So, it is no wonder such a traumatic event and the real stories about residents’ options in the aftermath of the flood inspired Northern Rivers author Annika Johansson’s novel, Down Stream...
Told from the perspective of Rob, Johansson’s Down Stream captures the grief and the disarray that comes after a traumatic event and losing one’s home. Johansson’s quirky story was inspired by a conversation she had about a friend’s family’s options after the Lismore flood. The lingering trauma sits in the background like a waterlogged towel, waiting to be rung out...(read more at https://www.otherterrainjournal.com.a...).
(Thank you to Echo Publishing for my review copy)
May 16, 2024
I loved this novel from start to finish. I was super excited to read it as I frequently travel to the Lismore area & was heart broken by the devastation from the floods. Congratulations Annika on your first novel & I can't wait to read your next one. Keep up the good work!
November 5, 2024
A very pleasant, easy to read novel. Finished it in under 24 hours. Gives insight into the plight of those tragically affected by the floods and the impact it had/still has.
The writing is simple and fairly predictable but a nice gentle long weekend read.
The writing is simple and fairly predictable but a nice gentle long weekend read.
January 12, 2025
This has been on my list for 6 months and I finally got around to reading it. Loved it! Very relatable, eye opening and an enjoyable plot. I loved that music was worked into the novel and I found myself playing those songs whilst reading. A book with its own soundtrack is pretty cool.
January 7, 2025
Really evocative premise with next level writing. The characters, the setting and the narrative are all executed with writing that is so, so beautiful.
January 13, 2025
i know so many people who were affected by those floods and its weird having a book talking about it all now. decent book but rob annoys me
March 21, 2025
This was just ok. I was interested in the concept of rebuilding your life after the floods but felt there was way more melodrama than necessary. 3 stars
May 8, 2025
Easy to read and some fun characters. Cliche ending
November 25, 2025
Kind of irritating rigid boomer protagonist but had some good moments for sure.
October 21, 2025
4 / Told from Rob’s point of view this is a sweet tale of a simple man in a turbulent time.
The devastating flood of their home in Lismore and a real estate mixup finds Rob and Sal flatsharing out of necessity with a couple that couldn’t be more different. Living with new people brings new experiences and Rob’s wife Sal has let a secret slip which has Rob questioning his life.
There are “what if’s” all around with so much upheaval in their lives Rob, Sal, Lenny and Greta all have things and choices they are reflecting on.
I feel Annika has captured the man and the area of Lismore in a stressful time very well, along with new friendships and new ways forward for the likeable group.
This is a coming of age story bought on by change (maybe climate change but Rob’s still not sure about that).
It’s 3 years this month since the heartbreaking Lismore flood of 2022 as I’m writing this. There are still houses fenced off and people struggling on with their lives and I hope they’ve got a few good friends to buoy them along.
Below are a few of my favourites
“Memories of our early dates fray around the edges, like faded photographs held tight in the clutches of a weathered album. I’m not sure what’s escaped through the blurred corners, what I might’ve missed.”
“To us, what a surprise friendship, to an unknown future whatever that may hold.”
“Look what swimming in the deep end can do to one’s risk assessment system. It shrinks from a raft to a twig and you just start enjoying what the depth brings.”
Congrats on your debut Annika Johansson
4 ⭐️ Audiobook - Luke O’Neill
The devastating flood of their home in Lismore and a real estate mixup finds Rob and Sal flatsharing out of necessity with a couple that couldn’t be more different. Living with new people brings new experiences and Rob’s wife Sal has let a secret slip which has Rob questioning his life.
There are “what if’s” all around with so much upheaval in their lives Rob, Sal, Lenny and Greta all have things and choices they are reflecting on.
I feel Annika has captured the man and the area of Lismore in a stressful time very well, along with new friendships and new ways forward for the likeable group.
This is a coming of age story bought on by change (maybe climate change but Rob’s still not sure about that).
It’s 3 years this month since the heartbreaking Lismore flood of 2022 as I’m writing this. There are still houses fenced off and people struggling on with their lives and I hope they’ve got a few good friends to buoy them along.
Below are a few of my favourites
“Memories of our early dates fray around the edges, like faded photographs held tight in the clutches of a weathered album. I’m not sure what’s escaped through the blurred corners, what I might’ve missed.”
“To us, what a surprise friendship, to an unknown future whatever that may hold.”
“Look what swimming in the deep end can do to one’s risk assessment system. It shrinks from a raft to a twig and you just start enjoying what the depth brings.”
Congrats on your debut Annika Johansson
4 ⭐️ Audiobook - Luke O’Neill
January 8, 2025
Downstream is a heartwarming and thought provoking debut novel that explores the challenges that people face after a natural disaster. Whilst covering the fall out of the Lismore floods in a sensitively bit with a touch of humour it also looked the family, marriage, starting over in later life and the importance of home.
The characters were so well developed. I enjoyed getting to know both couples - Rob and Sal and Lenny and Greta. All very different but likable in their own way. Coming from very different backgrounds they had different reactions to their situation and it made for some very comedic interactions. I enjoyed the way the story played out and all the different secrets that came out. A beautiful story that will stay with me for some time.
The characters were so well developed. I enjoyed getting to know both couples - Rob and Sal and Lenny and Greta. All very different but likable in their own way. Coming from very different backgrounds they had different reactions to their situation and it made for some very comedic interactions. I enjoyed the way the story played out and all the different secrets that came out. A beautiful story that will stay with me for some time.
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