Decade

by Deb Pugh

Decade by Deb Pugh. 1960s Newcastle, Australia — a new family moves in next door, bringing foreign accents, chaos, and a golden-haired boy who will change everything for seven-year-old Joy. Between long summers at the beach, blackberry-picking adventures, and the secret pains of schoolyard life, Joy grows up in a decade filled with protest, music, and the beginnings of change. Heartfelt, funny, and deeply nostalgic, Decade is a coming-of-age story about friendship, first loves and finding your place in a turbulent world.

Genres: Coming Of Age

287 pages, Paperback

Published September 18, 2025

Reviews

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

1960s in Newcastle, Australia, was filled with immigrants, music (such good music!), protests of the Vietnam War, surfing, new friendships and adventures of all kind. When seven year old Joy spotted the new neighbours arriving next door, she was excited to see playmates of around her own age. But mostly there was Carl, blonde, kind, caring and compassionate who became Joy's instant friend. Carl's home life was turbulent, so he spent most of his time at Joy's, almost instantly part of her family. And as the years passed and they grew older, school changed - Joy was always an excellent student, while Carl was not. But Carl was a great surfer, someone everyone watched and admired.

In 2022, Joy and Carl found one another again, and WhatsApp became their method of communication; of memories and reminiscence. Of discovery and a realisation of miscommunication...

Decade is the debut novel by Aussie author Deb Pugh; a coming of age novel filled with truths and fiction. It brought back memories of my own youth, as I was a teen in the mid 60s, loved the music of the time, and the adventures we had as kids. An excellent debut, and a book well worth reading, both for "oldies" and young ones wanting to get a glimpse into life in the 60s & 70s in Australia. Highly recommended.

With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story about an exceptional young romance - a story that brings you back to your own first love. Entertaining, funny and full of emotion.

[Susie Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this book. It was easy to be transported to a place & time and I became absorbed in the book! I love this natural writing style. Having not grown up in Newcastle it was wonderful to explore the place in my mind, and to be back in my youth again.

I enjoyed reading about the complexities and confusion of friendship and young love- and communication!
Lovely book which would highly recommend.