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The Drifter
Cate Christie is a party girl, unable to commit to anything, until she is involved in a tragic accident that changes everything. To escape her guilt and her parents' bitter disapproval, Cate leaves Perth for her aunt Ida's isolated farm in country Western Australia.
Henry is a drifter, a young swagman-like character who wanders onto the Christie family property and takes up residence in a disused shed. With secrets of his own, the last thing he wants is to get tangled up in Cate and Ida's lives.
Against their own better judgement, the fates of Cate and Henry and Ida inexorably intertwine and they learn to face the realities of life, death and letting go.
A witty, charming and moving debut rural romance about what makes a good death and, more importantly, what makes a good life.
Henry is a drifter, a young swagman-like character who wanders onto the Christie family property and takes up residence in a disused shed. With secrets of his own, the last thing he wants is to get tangled up in Cate and Ida's lives.
Against their own better judgement, the fates of Cate and Henry and Ida inexorably intertwine and they learn to face the realities of life, death and letting go.
A witty, charming and moving debut rural romance about what makes a good death and, more importantly, what makes a good life.
368 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2016
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May 12, 2017
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Anthea Hodgson makes a graceful entrance into the Australian writing scene with her first novel, a quintessential piece of Australian rural literature, titled The Drifter. Classified as a rural romance, alongside established rural fiction writers such as Rachael Johns and Fiona Palmer, The Drifter is a romance novel. I believe at its core, The Drifter is a poignant story of finding the meaning of life, death and all that in between – through the healing power of the country landscape.
Cate Christie is the central protagonist in Anthea Hodgson’s debut novel. The first thing you need to know about Cate and her male counterpart lead Henry, is that both are lost spirits, floating through life, with no clear set goals. Cate was once a free spirited young woman without a care in the world, when a tragic accident ripped her world apart. Since this tragedy, she has been unable to function in her old life based in the city. Consequently, Cate decides to make the move to her great aunt’s farm, in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Cate hopes to find a kind of solace in the country. She ends up meeting a travelling swagman or ‘drifter’ called Henry, who is staying on her great Ida’s farm, in exchange for help around the property. Henry is a man who carries the heavy burden of a secret in his past, a secret big enough to take him far away from his former life. When Ida takes a turn for the worst health wise, Cate and Henry must band together to protect Ida. Along the way, the two find their wounds begin to heal, love blossoms and they embrace the true meaning of community.
Life doesn’t get much sweeter when you discover a new author from your favourite genre and a local one at that. It was a true blessing to be able to discover the writing of new west Aussie author Anthea Hodgson, through an opportunity to read and review her first book.
When you read many books from a genre you enjoy, although the sense of predictability these novels bring to the floor is comforting, it is always nice when one goes off in a different direction. I saw many of the elements I have come to love about rural fiction novels in The Drifter – but I also saw something original in this book. The Drifter reads more like a contemporary work of fiction than a simple rural romance. It is a book that explores intricate feelings concerning death, loss and most importantly, life itself. It is deep, meaningful and highly personable novel, made possible by Hodgson’s fine writing style. Hodgson manages to offer a delicate balance between refined prose and authentic colloquialism, through her character’s dialogue. I completely engaged with Hodgson’s writing, particularly the language between the characters, which managed to capture the true essence of her characters down to a tea.
The Drifter is essentially Cate and Henry’s personal journey but it also the story of the endearing great aunt Ida. Ida is well formed character wise, at many times I felt like I was standing next to her as Hodgson’s character building was so strong. Ida was a character I will not forget in a hurry, I just loved her musings on life, loss and love. The other supporting characters – even the dog, all play a significant part in The Drifter. The sense of community is high in this novel and I thought the depiction of the small country town in which The Drifter was set was captured perfectly. I also enjoyed the sense of familiarity that came with this book setting wise, particularly in the areas of the novel where the main character Cate is based in the city, it made my connection to the book even stronger.
Readers will find both Cate and Henry’s back stories intriguing and for me, this was the driving force of the novel. I thought the flashbacks filtered through at various points in the novel, alluding to Cate’s current state of mind, worked well. Piecing together the details of Cate’s tragedy and why Henry is now a drifter was the central purpose for turning the pages of this novel. The romance is also a big drawcard in The Drifter, as it offers the reader a great contrast between sultry and heartfelt love. When I reached the conclusion of The Drifter I was saddened to reach the end of my journey with Cate, Henry, Ida and co but the conclusion though sad in places, came with an uplifting close. The subtle messages on life that can be taken away from this novel is what set it apart from many I have read from the same genre.
The Drifter is a rousing work of contemporary Australian rural fiction, focussing on the elements of our existence that are of great meaning to us – life, loss and love. Anthea Hodgson has certainly made a grand entrance in the field of rural fiction with her first novel. I am already eagerly awaiting her next novel.
Anthea Hodgson makes a graceful entrance into the Australian writing scene with her first novel, a quintessential piece of Australian rural literature, titled The Drifter. Classified as a rural romance, alongside established rural fiction writers such as Rachael Johns and Fiona Palmer, The Drifter is a romance novel. I believe at its core, The Drifter is a poignant story of finding the meaning of life, death and all that in between – through the healing power of the country landscape.
Cate Christie is the central protagonist in Anthea Hodgson’s debut novel. The first thing you need to know about Cate and her male counterpart lead Henry, is that both are lost spirits, floating through life, with no clear set goals. Cate was once a free spirited young woman without a care in the world, when a tragic accident ripped her world apart. Since this tragedy, she has been unable to function in her old life based in the city. Consequently, Cate decides to make the move to her great aunt’s farm, in the wheatbelt region of Western Australia. Cate hopes to find a kind of solace in the country. She ends up meeting a travelling swagman or ‘drifter’ called Henry, who is staying on her great Ida’s farm, in exchange for help around the property. Henry is a man who carries the heavy burden of a secret in his past, a secret big enough to take him far away from his former life. When Ida takes a turn for the worst health wise, Cate and Henry must band together to protect Ida. Along the way, the two find their wounds begin to heal, love blossoms and they embrace the true meaning of community.
Life doesn’t get much sweeter when you discover a new author from your favourite genre and a local one at that. It was a true blessing to be able to discover the writing of new west Aussie author Anthea Hodgson, through an opportunity to read and review her first book.
When you read many books from a genre you enjoy, although the sense of predictability these novels bring to the floor is comforting, it is always nice when one goes off in a different direction. I saw many of the elements I have come to love about rural fiction novels in The Drifter – but I also saw something original in this book. The Drifter reads more like a contemporary work of fiction than a simple rural romance. It is a book that explores intricate feelings concerning death, loss and most importantly, life itself. It is deep, meaningful and highly personable novel, made possible by Hodgson’s fine writing style. Hodgson manages to offer a delicate balance between refined prose and authentic colloquialism, through her character’s dialogue. I completely engaged with Hodgson’s writing, particularly the language between the characters, which managed to capture the true essence of her characters down to a tea.
The Drifter is essentially Cate and Henry’s personal journey but it also the story of the endearing great aunt Ida. Ida is well formed character wise, at many times I felt like I was standing next to her as Hodgson’s character building was so strong. Ida was a character I will not forget in a hurry, I just loved her musings on life, loss and love. The other supporting characters – even the dog, all play a significant part in The Drifter. The sense of community is high in this novel and I thought the depiction of the small country town in which The Drifter was set was captured perfectly. I also enjoyed the sense of familiarity that came with this book setting wise, particularly in the areas of the novel where the main character Cate is based in the city, it made my connection to the book even stronger.
Readers will find both Cate and Henry’s back stories intriguing and for me, this was the driving force of the novel. I thought the flashbacks filtered through at various points in the novel, alluding to Cate’s current state of mind, worked well. Piecing together the details of Cate’s tragedy and why Henry is now a drifter was the central purpose for turning the pages of this novel. The romance is also a big drawcard in The Drifter, as it offers the reader a great contrast between sultry and heartfelt love. When I reached the conclusion of The Drifter I was saddened to reach the end of my journey with Cate, Henry, Ida and co but the conclusion though sad in places, came with an uplifting close. The subtle messages on life that can be taken away from this novel is what set it apart from many I have read from the same genre.
The Drifter is a rousing work of contemporary Australian rural fiction, focussing on the elements of our existence that are of great meaning to us – life, loss and love. Anthea Hodgson has certainly made a grand entrance in the field of rural fiction with her first novel. I am already eagerly awaiting her next novel.
December 30, 2020
Cate Christie enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest, but the day she had a tragic accident, her partying days ended abruptly. Her parent’s disappointment in Cate was too much for her to bear, so when the idea of her going to stay with her aunt Ida for a while is suggested she thinks this
would be best for everyone.
Soon after Cate arrives at the farm of her aunts Ida, she encounters a man who at first glance seems very untidy. Cate quickly learns that the man named Henry has settled in the shed not far from the main house. Cate feels very uneasy around Henry, unlike Mac aunt Ida’s old dog who has taken a shine to him.
As every day passed Cate's relationship with her aunt grew and she enjoyed going into town with her and meeting her friends and the friendly locals. Although Cate had her reservations about Henry she could see he was a great help around the farm for her aunt, but he also had a secret past one he wasn’t about to share with either Cate or Ida.
The Drifter by Australian author Anthea Hodgson is a compelling and moving story that I enjoyed a lot. With likeable characters, especially aunt Ida, who was forever making cups of tea and let’s not forget the cake to go with that tea. And of course I mustn’t forget the loveable dog Mac who of course I just adored. If you enjoy reading rural romance, then this one is a must read for you.
would be best for everyone.
Soon after Cate arrives at the farm of her aunts Ida, she encounters a man who at first glance seems very untidy. Cate quickly learns that the man named Henry has settled in the shed not far from the main house. Cate feels very uneasy around Henry, unlike Mac aunt Ida’s old dog who has taken a shine to him.
As every day passed Cate's relationship with her aunt grew and she enjoyed going into town with her and meeting her friends and the friendly locals. Although Cate had her reservations about Henry she could see he was a great help around the farm for her aunt, but he also had a secret past one he wasn’t about to share with either Cate or Ida.
The Drifter by Australian author Anthea Hodgson is a compelling and moving story that I enjoyed a lot. With likeable characters, especially aunt Ida, who was forever making cups of tea and let’s not forget the cake to go with that tea. And of course I mustn’t forget the loveable dog Mac who of course I just adored. If you enjoy reading rural romance, then this one is a must read for you.
September 12, 2016
Grief stricken, Cate Christie moved from her home in Perth, Western Australia to her Aunty Ida’s lonely and isolated farm approximately three hours away. Cate’s parents were disappointed in her – the suggestion that she stay with Aunty Ida was a double edged sword with her elderly aunt needing help around the farm. Cate’s guilt over what had happened meant she would do anything to atone…
When Cate encountered a bearded, scruffy man not long after she arrived she was unnerved. It seemed he had taken up residence in the old mud house set away from the main house and though he was a stranger, Mac, Ida’s old dog had taken to him. And Ida was happy for the “nice young man” to stay and help out. Learning his name was Henry (though she really wasn’t sure about that!) Cate kept her barriers up when he was around.
Gradually Cate renewed her relationship with Aunty Ida – she found the gentle and kind old lady was a stalwart of the community, loved by all the townsfolk. She involved Cate in many of the activities while talking about the past and Cate’s Uncle Jack who had passed some time previously. And all the while Henry was quietly in the background, mending fences, moving sheep and making himself useful.
But what were the secrets that Henry held so close to his chest? And would Cate be able to escape the past and make peace with herself?
The Drifter by Aussie author Anthea Hodgson is a moving rural romance and this author’s debut novel. Interspersed with delightful flashes of humour which had me chuckling, I loved Aunty Ida’s character – she reminded me so much of my own elderly relatives of days gone by; her mannerisms, never ending cups of tea with the accompanying cakes. And of course Mac! He was adorable – I had no problems “seeing” him while he was chasing the rabbits; while he was having his tummy rubbed. We all know a Mac! The Drifter is one I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no trouble recommending it to lovers of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
When Cate encountered a bearded, scruffy man not long after she arrived she was unnerved. It seemed he had taken up residence in the old mud house set away from the main house and though he was a stranger, Mac, Ida’s old dog had taken to him. And Ida was happy for the “nice young man” to stay and help out. Learning his name was Henry (though she really wasn’t sure about that!) Cate kept her barriers up when he was around.
Gradually Cate renewed her relationship with Aunty Ida – she found the gentle and kind old lady was a stalwart of the community, loved by all the townsfolk. She involved Cate in many of the activities while talking about the past and Cate’s Uncle Jack who had passed some time previously. And all the while Henry was quietly in the background, mending fences, moving sheep and making himself useful.
But what were the secrets that Henry held so close to his chest? And would Cate be able to escape the past and make peace with herself?
The Drifter by Aussie author Anthea Hodgson is a moving rural romance and this author’s debut novel. Interspersed with delightful flashes of humour which had me chuckling, I loved Aunty Ida’s character – she reminded me so much of my own elderly relatives of days gone by; her mannerisms, never ending cups of tea with the accompanying cakes. And of course Mac! He was adorable – I had no problems “seeing” him while he was chasing the rabbits; while he was having his tummy rubbed. We all know a Mac! The Drifter is one I thoroughly enjoyed, and I have no trouble recommending it to lovers of the genre.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
October 10, 2018
Every now and then, you come across a book which is a joy to read and where you can quite literally taste the author's delight in writing the story. The Drifter by Anthea Hodgson was exactly that for me.
The Drifter is the story of Cate, a twentysomething party girl whose life has come unstuck with the death of Brigit, her best friend since her schooldays. Cate retreats to her great-aunt Ida's farm in the Western Australian (WA) wheatbelt to lick her wounds and fly under the radar for a spell. Living at the farm gives Cate the chance to discover what life is really about and she realises that there is so much more to herself than sparkly heels, and a love of cocktails and champagne.
Enter stage right, Henry the swaggie, the drifter, the hobo who is hiding out in a run-down building on Ida's farm with his weird bear, shaggy hair and troubling past.
I loved this book. Hodgson's sense of humour really nailed it for me. I loved the witty one-liners and Cate's self-deprecation (think Bridget Jones's Diary). But most of all, I adored how Hodgson brought living on the WA land genuinely to life. A standout read in rural romance.
The Drifter is the story of Cate, a twentysomething party girl whose life has come unstuck with the death of Brigit, her best friend since her schooldays. Cate retreats to her great-aunt Ida's farm in the Western Australian (WA) wheatbelt to lick her wounds and fly under the radar for a spell. Living at the farm gives Cate the chance to discover what life is really about and she realises that there is so much more to herself than sparkly heels, and a love of cocktails and champagne.
Enter stage right, Henry the swaggie, the drifter, the hobo who is hiding out in a run-down building on Ida's farm with his weird bear, shaggy hair and troubling past.
I loved this book. Hodgson's sense of humour really nailed it for me. I loved the witty one-liners and Cate's self-deprecation (think Bridget Jones's Diary). But most of all, I adored how Hodgson brought living on the WA land genuinely to life. A standout read in rural romance.
December 18, 2017
Fabulous
I absolutely loved this novel. It drew me in, the characters were so real and the story so relatable. I loved Henry, I hope I find myself a Henry. I loved Ida, what a great old lady with such an optimistic view on life. I loved Cate's relationship that grew with Ida from running away from the terrible thing that had happened. I enjoyed the whole thing and wish it had been a much longer novel as I didn't want it to end.
I absolutely loved this novel. It drew me in, the characters were so real and the story so relatable. I loved Henry, I hope I find myself a Henry. I loved Ida, what a great old lady with such an optimistic view on life. I loved Cate's relationship that grew with Ida from running away from the terrible thing that had happened. I enjoyed the whole thing and wish it had been a much longer novel as I didn't want it to end.
October 16, 2017
Cate and Henry are both running from their past. They find refuge - and each other - on Great Aunt Ida's farm in the Western Australian wheatbelt.
Cate is a party girl from the city who is grieving the recent death of her best friend. While waiting for the police to investigate and press charges against her over the accident, she moves in with her great Aunt Ida to help her sort a lifetime of memories and clutter.
Frail, widowed and with no children of her own, Aunt Ida is a wise, calming and positive influence. Yet, her character is not written stereotypically. I wish I had an Aunt Ida!
Henry is a swagman who has secretly been living in a derelict outbuilding on Aunt Ida’s farm. When Cate finds out about him, she lets him stay - he’s proved himself quite useful, carrying out repairs on the property and ensuring the livestock are well cared for.
Cate and Henry form a tentative friendship which, over time, develops into a romance. But this is much more than a 'romance novel'. It explores deeper themes of grief, repentance, losing and finding family, and honoring final wishes when death is inevitable.
The book is warm, comfortable, enjoyable and sad. Beautifully written with gentle humor woven throughout, it was a pleasure to read.
The rural Australian landscape is well drawn and easily visualised. Living in Perth with my fair share of long drives to the countryside, I could relate to the settings.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Perth author, Anthea Hodgson and I’m looking forward to her next book.
Cate is a party girl from the city who is grieving the recent death of her best friend. While waiting for the police to investigate and press charges against her over the accident, she moves in with her great Aunt Ida to help her sort a lifetime of memories and clutter.
Frail, widowed and with no children of her own, Aunt Ida is a wise, calming and positive influence. Yet, her character is not written stereotypically. I wish I had an Aunt Ida!
Henry is a swagman who has secretly been living in a derelict outbuilding on Aunt Ida’s farm. When Cate finds out about him, she lets him stay - he’s proved himself quite useful, carrying out repairs on the property and ensuring the livestock are well cared for.
Cate and Henry form a tentative friendship which, over time, develops into a romance. But this is much more than a 'romance novel'. It explores deeper themes of grief, repentance, losing and finding family, and honoring final wishes when death is inevitable.
The book is warm, comfortable, enjoyable and sad. Beautifully written with gentle humor woven throughout, it was a pleasure to read.
The rural Australian landscape is well drawn and easily visualised. Living in Perth with my fair share of long drives to the countryside, I could relate to the settings.
I really enjoyed this debut novel from Perth author, Anthea Hodgson and I’m looking forward to her next book.
January 14, 2018
A rural romance full of tension and dealing with grief. Loved it so much I suggested it to my book club. They all liked it - which was a first (we've since disbanded as everyone had very different reading tastes).
February 4, 2018
As I sift through my thoughts and prepare to write this review, I feel as though I might end up having to put a disclaimer at the top, something along the lines of:
Warning – this review may be longer than the topic novel.
That’s how much I loved this story.
Cate Christie, our main character in The Drifter, was not someone I could initially relate to. A party girl, drifting aimlessly from job to job, her life in the city was concerned with the here and the now; fun and frivolity, consequences be damned. You only live once, so party like there’s no tomorrow, dance like nobody’s watching, celebrate the moment, etc. etc. A life like that is not sustainable though and reality, when it bites, bites hard, leaving a lasting impression. While I couldn’t relate to Cate the party girl, wounded Cate was a different matter. She crawled into my heart straight away and I think she’s still in there.
Cate hides herself behind witty banter and sarcastic introspection. She has a significant lack of regard for her own worth and finds the appreciation of others difficult to accept. She excels at pretending and rejects emotional connection. When she lands on her great-aunt Ida’s doorstep, what she expects to find is vastly different to what she actually encounters. Ida is failing in health as her age advances. She’s overwhelmed by her farm but unwilling to let it go. For Ida, Cate’s arrival is a timely blessing. And then there’s the ghost in the old homestead, who turns out to be another wounded drifter, ‘swagman Henry’, who is neither a swagman or actually named Henry, but that’s beside the point. These three form a connection that becomes impenetrable, a little family unit that gives each of them exactly what they need. It’s utterly beautiful and I alternated between laughing and crying for the entire novel.
The story of why Cate is in her current predicament unfolds in pieces. We learn snippets of her reckless lifestyle along the way, but we also see the strong bond of genuine friendship that existed between her and her best friend, lending weight to her grief and self recrimination. These memories also countered Cate’s more brittle moments, casting a light on her motivations for self destruction. From these memories, I was left with a hollow feeling of despair; so many lives are lost so often as a result of reckless living, taking risks that just aren’t worth it, but have almost become a standard by product of youthful invulnerability. Casting a light on this with such sharp realism was a winning aspect of this novel for me.
Henry remains more of a mystery throughout, but despite his unknown past, you get a sense very early on that he’s a keeper. There’s a depth to him that transcends his tragedy, but like Cate, he needs time and trust. The connection between these two just sparked from the get go, and I loved their banter. Aided with the matchmaking skills of a smart old dog and an even smarter old lady, well, resistance was probably futile, but they gave it a good whirl. The Drifter is more of a love story than a romance to my mind, a slow build between two people who think they aren’t worthy of living themselves yet reject that notion in each other.
Ida was a real treasure. Her body was failing her but her mind most certainly wasn’t. I hated seeing her reduced to the status of a small child but could see the truth in it; how often this must happen. Who are we to choose how another person lives, or even dictate how that person should die? I appreciated Anthea casting a light onto this tricky family dynamic with such informed sensitivity. Dismissal of the elderly by virtue of them being elderly is just not good enough, yet its prevalence stands. The respect that Cate had for Ida was truly remarkable and really lifted me. It also made me miss both of my grandmothers quite fiercely.
What else did I love about this novel? The small country community atmosphere, which was so authentic. The endless cups of tea, cakes and biscuits – especially that last pot of tea, I wept while they drank that one! Henry’s muscles. Mack the dog. Ida’s sweet reminiscing about Jack. The mental image of Henry showering with a garden hose (see note about Henry’s muscles above). Cate’s instinctive kindness and her efforts at fitting into the community and living on the farm. Ida’s love for Cate. That knitted jumper – this one really had me! The small ways in which we touch each other’s lives for the better. The many ways in which we demonstrate how much we love each other. And then there’s that all-purpose culinary delight, Depression Surprise, a tasty way to make use of your extra rabbits. Surprisingly though, no recipe in the back of the book…
The Drifter is an amalgamation of a heartfelt story with terrific characters in a great setting. Fortunately for me, Anthea’s next release, The Cowgirl, is just around the corner and it promises another wonderful rural journey for its readers. Aren’t we the lucky ones?!
Warning – this review may be longer than the topic novel.
That’s how much I loved this story.
Cate Christie, our main character in The Drifter, was not someone I could initially relate to. A party girl, drifting aimlessly from job to job, her life in the city was concerned with the here and the now; fun and frivolity, consequences be damned. You only live once, so party like there’s no tomorrow, dance like nobody’s watching, celebrate the moment, etc. etc. A life like that is not sustainable though and reality, when it bites, bites hard, leaving a lasting impression. While I couldn’t relate to Cate the party girl, wounded Cate was a different matter. She crawled into my heart straight away and I think she’s still in there.
Cate hides herself behind witty banter and sarcastic introspection. She has a significant lack of regard for her own worth and finds the appreciation of others difficult to accept. She excels at pretending and rejects emotional connection. When she lands on her great-aunt Ida’s doorstep, what she expects to find is vastly different to what she actually encounters. Ida is failing in health as her age advances. She’s overwhelmed by her farm but unwilling to let it go. For Ida, Cate’s arrival is a timely blessing. And then there’s the ghost in the old homestead, who turns out to be another wounded drifter, ‘swagman Henry’, who is neither a swagman or actually named Henry, but that’s beside the point. These three form a connection that becomes impenetrable, a little family unit that gives each of them exactly what they need. It’s utterly beautiful and I alternated between laughing and crying for the entire novel.
The story of why Cate is in her current predicament unfolds in pieces. We learn snippets of her reckless lifestyle along the way, but we also see the strong bond of genuine friendship that existed between her and her best friend, lending weight to her grief and self recrimination. These memories also countered Cate’s more brittle moments, casting a light on her motivations for self destruction. From these memories, I was left with a hollow feeling of despair; so many lives are lost so often as a result of reckless living, taking risks that just aren’t worth it, but have almost become a standard by product of youthful invulnerability. Casting a light on this with such sharp realism was a winning aspect of this novel for me.
Henry remains more of a mystery throughout, but despite his unknown past, you get a sense very early on that he’s a keeper. There’s a depth to him that transcends his tragedy, but like Cate, he needs time and trust. The connection between these two just sparked from the get go, and I loved their banter. Aided with the matchmaking skills of a smart old dog and an even smarter old lady, well, resistance was probably futile, but they gave it a good whirl. The Drifter is more of a love story than a romance to my mind, a slow build between two people who think they aren’t worthy of living themselves yet reject that notion in each other.
Ida was a real treasure. Her body was failing her but her mind most certainly wasn’t. I hated seeing her reduced to the status of a small child but could see the truth in it; how often this must happen. Who are we to choose how another person lives, or even dictate how that person should die? I appreciated Anthea casting a light onto this tricky family dynamic with such informed sensitivity. Dismissal of the elderly by virtue of them being elderly is just not good enough, yet its prevalence stands. The respect that Cate had for Ida was truly remarkable and really lifted me. It also made me miss both of my grandmothers quite fiercely.
What else did I love about this novel? The small country community atmosphere, which was so authentic. The endless cups of tea, cakes and biscuits – especially that last pot of tea, I wept while they drank that one! Henry’s muscles. Mack the dog. Ida’s sweet reminiscing about Jack. The mental image of Henry showering with a garden hose (see note about Henry’s muscles above). Cate’s instinctive kindness and her efforts at fitting into the community and living on the farm. Ida’s love for Cate. That knitted jumper – this one really had me! The small ways in which we touch each other’s lives for the better. The many ways in which we demonstrate how much we love each other. And then there’s that all-purpose culinary delight, Depression Surprise, a tasty way to make use of your extra rabbits. Surprisingly though, no recipe in the back of the book…
The Drifter is an amalgamation of a heartfelt story with terrific characters in a great setting. Fortunately for me, Anthea’s next release, The Cowgirl, is just around the corner and it promises another wonderful rural journey for its readers. Aren’t we the lucky ones?!
November 23, 2016
The Drifter is a book that sneaks up on you, until you’re completely captivated by its charm and melancholy. I’m a fan of Australian rural fiction, yet The Drifter is a unique fit as it deals with loss, secrets, life, death and grief. Despite the heavy subject matter, it’s an ultimately uplifting story.
The book begins as Cate arrives at her great aunt’s farm. Cate’s always been a drifter, darting from job to job with no real purpose but after a devastating accident she’s forced to reassess her life. Life in Perth is not what it used to be, so Cate decides to help Great Aunt Ida in the middle of nowhere. It’s not what the party girl expected, with no mobile phone reception and Ida’s thorough job of hoarding decades’ worth of items. Cate is willing to have a go though, and Ida is more than happy to accept her. Ida is a gentle soul with a great deal of wisdom. In her own quiet ways, she integrates Cate into the small community, increasing her self-worth. She doesn’t question or judge, but lets Cate grieve and heal in her own time.
One thing that Cate does find a bit odd is the way Ida insists that there’s the ghost of her late husband doing jobs on the farm. After a little detective work, Cate discovers ‘Henry’, living in an old shack. Ida is delighted that her ghost has a name (and a nice body), but Cate is much more wary around Henry. Swaggies (swagmen) aren’t really a modern thing in Australia, so what has Henry got to hide? A drifter like him must have some secrets too…
Little by little, both Cate and Henry’s reasoning for hiding and secrets come to the fore. However, Hodgson still leaves a few key points to the very end, so the reader is rather surprised at the outcome! But overall, the book has a few overarching themes: life and death, redemption and facing your fears. The three main characters (Cate, Henry and Ida) all tackle these in their own way with different results. While they do this, they support each other’s journey. It was pleasing to read about the support offered to Cate through the small rural community, just by being Ida’s grand-niece. She was accepted and later supported by them when her past came to the country. The stark contrast between Ida and Cate’s parents’ treatment of her was uncomfortable to read at times. While Ida gives unconditional love, Cate’s parents are boxed in by societal constraints and a mulish belief that their way is the only right way. Offering Henry and Ida as a foil to that lets the reader know that there isn’t one correct track in life, that you can still ‘make it’ no matter how circuitous your road is.
Overall, the writing comes across as gentle, but Hodgson has a firm grip on the story. Underneath the multilayered characters lies a strong plot that guides the reader through Cate, Henry and Ida’s journeys. It’s sweet, sad but most of all hopeful. I really look forward to reading more of Anthea Hodgson’s work after this confident debut novel.
Thank you to Penguin Books and the author for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
The book begins as Cate arrives at her great aunt’s farm. Cate’s always been a drifter, darting from job to job with no real purpose but after a devastating accident she’s forced to reassess her life. Life in Perth is not what it used to be, so Cate decides to help Great Aunt Ida in the middle of nowhere. It’s not what the party girl expected, with no mobile phone reception and Ida’s thorough job of hoarding decades’ worth of items. Cate is willing to have a go though, and Ida is more than happy to accept her. Ida is a gentle soul with a great deal of wisdom. In her own quiet ways, she integrates Cate into the small community, increasing her self-worth. She doesn’t question or judge, but lets Cate grieve and heal in her own time.
One thing that Cate does find a bit odd is the way Ida insists that there’s the ghost of her late husband doing jobs on the farm. After a little detective work, Cate discovers ‘Henry’, living in an old shack. Ida is delighted that her ghost has a name (and a nice body), but Cate is much more wary around Henry. Swaggies (swagmen) aren’t really a modern thing in Australia, so what has Henry got to hide? A drifter like him must have some secrets too…
Little by little, both Cate and Henry’s reasoning for hiding and secrets come to the fore. However, Hodgson still leaves a few key points to the very end, so the reader is rather surprised at the outcome! But overall, the book has a few overarching themes: life and death, redemption and facing your fears. The three main characters (Cate, Henry and Ida) all tackle these in their own way with different results. While they do this, they support each other’s journey. It was pleasing to read about the support offered to Cate through the small rural community, just by being Ida’s grand-niece. She was accepted and later supported by them when her past came to the country. The stark contrast between Ida and Cate’s parents’ treatment of her was uncomfortable to read at times. While Ida gives unconditional love, Cate’s parents are boxed in by societal constraints and a mulish belief that their way is the only right way. Offering Henry and Ida as a foil to that lets the reader know that there isn’t one correct track in life, that you can still ‘make it’ no matter how circuitous your road is.
Overall, the writing comes across as gentle, but Hodgson has a firm grip on the story. Underneath the multilayered characters lies a strong plot that guides the reader through Cate, Henry and Ida’s journeys. It’s sweet, sad but most of all hopeful. I really look forward to reading more of Anthea Hodgson’s work after this confident debut novel.
Thank you to Penguin Books and the author for the copy of this book. My review is honest.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
September 29, 2016
As an Australian living overseas I am always looking to read books written by Australian authors and always happy to discover a "new" Australian author and so I was delighted to come across the debut novel "The Drifter" written by Australian author Anthea Hodgson (I purchased this book online and read it as an eBook through iTunes Australia). I really loved this book which engaged me throughout the story because of how well the author developed and wrote likable characters that made me, as a reader, want to know more about them, and somehow she also made me care for the main characters too. I enjoyed greatly the subtle lines of humor throughout the book that made me laugh out loud and the lovely and descriptive writing about Australia which made me long for home and the countryside. This is a wonderful and engaging book that towards the end made me neglect my work as I wanted to find out what would happen to the main characters and how the story would end. I would definitely recommend "The Drifter" to friends, and my book club.
March 11, 2022
he Drifter is about redemption and romance between two damaged people. Cate Christie escaped to her Aunt Ida's farm in an isolated spot in Western Australia after a tragic accident that killed her best friend. Cate Christie found a swagman Henry hiding in Aunt Ida's sheds, and they bonded. However, will their secrets keep them apart? The readers of The Drifter will continue to follow Cate Christis and Henry to find out what happens.
The Drifter is the debut book by Anthea Hodgson and a fantastic addition to the Australian rural romance scene. I did enjoy reading this book and engaged with the plot and the characters. Anthea Hodgson did an excellent job promoting guilt issues and how it affects people. I love the way Anthea Hodgson portrayed her characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Drifter is well written and researched by Anthea Hodgson. I like Anthea Hodgson's description of the settings of The Drifter that commitment the book's plot.
The readers of The Drifter will understand the importance of the elderly dying in their own homes, not in a hospital. Also, the readers of The Drifter will learn about the Australian Transient called the Swagman.
I recommend this book.
The Drifter is the debut book by Anthea Hodgson and a fantastic addition to the Australian rural romance scene. I did enjoy reading this book and engaged with the plot and the characters. Anthea Hodgson did an excellent job promoting guilt issues and how it affects people. I love the way Anthea Hodgson portrayed her characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Drifter is well written and researched by Anthea Hodgson. I like Anthea Hodgson's description of the settings of The Drifter that commitment the book's plot.
The readers of The Drifter will understand the importance of the elderly dying in their own homes, not in a hospital. Also, the readers of The Drifter will learn about the Australian Transient called the Swagman.
I recommend this book.
April 2, 2025
I loved this one—set in rural Western Australia, this story of a drifter and a young woman with a secret to hide was tender, moving and thoroughly enjoyable in every way. I raced through this book in two days and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
October 15, 2017
Loved this one, a story of overcoming grief and the mistakes we make and growing up.
July 23, 2023
Really enjoyed this
October 12, 2016
I really wish I could give this book more starts. Well written, well paced, brilliant characters and such a wonderful story. This book was really hard to put down, I loved the main Character Cate right from the start, her journey of redemption made me cry. She had such depth and an honesty about her that you knew that she really was sorry for what had occurred. Henry was someone who we might already know, and he was the perfect other side of the coin for Cate. I loved Ida and as I live in a small country town I feel that Anthea got this spot on. Cate's, Henry's and Ida's journeys provided me with one of the best reads I have had all year, and would be for this genre in my top 3. Bloody fantastic and \I can't wait to see what else this author writes.
October 1, 2016
Absolutely loved the book. It isn't your typical country romance, it has a bit of everything.....romance, adventure, mystery, suspense and humour.
It is a very enjoyable read, I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next! The author has a great unique writing style which makes you really connect to the characters and their situations, you go along with their journey and you feel what they feel.
Would definitely recommend as a good read.
It is a very enjoyable read, I definitely wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen next! The author has a great unique writing style which makes you really connect to the characters and their situations, you go along with their journey and you feel what they feel.
Would definitely recommend as a good read.
January 3, 2022
If it wasn't for the Rachael John's Online Book Club, I wouldn't have heard of this amazing Aussie author! 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒓𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 is Anthea Hodgson's debut novel, and if you love a tender hearted story full of family, friends and main characters falling in love, this one is for you!
Party girl Cate Christie is facing charges relating to the car accident that killed her best friend Bridgit. Seeking refuge, Cate travels to her great-aunts farm in the Western Australia wheat fields. There, Bridgit meets swagman Henry, who is also running from his past. Having his own secrets, Henry is reluctant to open up to Cate, but when an emergency occurs, they bind together to take care of Aunty Ida when she can't go on.
There's a lot of sexual tension between Cate and Henry (AKA Princess and Big Hairy Swagman). Their love story is absolutely sweet even though you want to rip out your hair in frustation at how S L O W it takes them to get their act together! They are perfect for each other! Even if they are planning to move on when the crisis is over...
Life lessons are learnt, redemption sought and forgiveness given in this splendid story. I can see why Anthea's books are treasured in the bookish community. She just evokes so much emotion- I was in tears by the end. Aunty Ida and her friends can teach us all a lot about how to live your best life. I want my own Aunty Ida now!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Party girl Cate Christie is facing charges relating to the car accident that killed her best friend Bridgit. Seeking refuge, Cate travels to her great-aunts farm in the Western Australia wheat fields. There, Bridgit meets swagman Henry, who is also running from his past. Having his own secrets, Henry is reluctant to open up to Cate, but when an emergency occurs, they bind together to take care of Aunty Ida when she can't go on.
There's a lot of sexual tension between Cate and Henry (AKA Princess and Big Hairy Swagman). Their love story is absolutely sweet even though you want to rip out your hair in frustation at how S L O W it takes them to get their act together! They are perfect for each other! Even if they are planning to move on when the crisis is over...
Life lessons are learnt, redemption sought and forgiveness given in this splendid story. I can see why Anthea's books are treasured in the bookish community. She just evokes so much emotion- I was in tears by the end. Aunty Ida and her friends can teach us all a lot about how to live your best life. I want my own Aunty Ida now!!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
November 2, 2017
This is my first Anthea Hodgson book I have read and found it very enjoy able to read. It is the story of Cate Christie who lives in Western Australia in the city and moves to the country to her Aunt
Ida farm after the death of her best friend Brigit in car accident in which she was in the with her and blames her self.
Cate has been charged with causing her friends death as she told police she was driving as they were drunk the night of the accident.
Henry a swag-man who come to stay a the shed at Aunt Ida farm is also running from his past as well.
The Drifter if is about family, acceptance and finding love when you least expect too as Cate found with Henry and Aunty Ida. A great read would recommend it.
Ida farm after the death of her best friend Brigit in car accident in which she was in the with her and blames her self.
Cate has been charged with causing her friends death as she told police she was driving as they were drunk the night of the accident.
Henry a swag-man who come to stay a the shed at Aunt Ida farm is also running from his past as well.
The Drifter if is about family, acceptance and finding love when you least expect too as Cate found with Henry and Aunty Ida. A great read would recommend it.
June 10, 2023
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Australian country romance with an ex party girl and a down on his luck jackaroo type. Cate goes to stay with her great aunt that from the book seems like the whole family ignores out in the country she meets a guy staton on the aunts property and forms a semi friendship leading to romance. There is guilt from an accident in the city and disappointed parents. You can practically taste the CWA lady tea on the page but I fail to see the realism of a small town embracing a family member or a beloved town person that has ignored this person for years in their old age. It’s not a bad story but I cannot get past the neglect of the older family member until someone needs to ‘find themselves’ in the country.
An Australian country romance with an ex party girl and a down on his luck jackaroo type. Cate goes to stay with her great aunt that from the book seems like the whole family ignores out in the country she meets a guy staton on the aunts property and forms a semi friendship leading to romance. There is guilt from an accident in the city and disappointed parents. You can practically taste the CWA lady tea on the page but I fail to see the realism of a small town embracing a family member or a beloved town person that has ignored this person for years in their old age. It’s not a bad story but I cannot get past the neglect of the older family member until someone needs to ‘find themselves’ in the country.
June 19, 2022
What a wonderful book of friendship with Cate and Brigit and how a tragedy changes their lives and their family members, but Cate needs to get away so she goes to visit her wonderful Auntie Ida"s farm in Western Australia , Ida has many many lovely friends that have been their for her threw her life and her husbands , so Cate gets to know her all her friends and another person working at the farm Henry ..............I cant say anything more you will have to read this warm and heartfelt tale for yourselves ..............I will be looking for more of Anthea"s books thats for sure ........
May 26, 2018
3 and a half stars from me I enjoyed this rural romance, which I picked up prior to the author giving a talk at our local library Its set in the wheat fields of Western Australia, the author captures the locale and characters well. The subtitle asks 'How far would you go for a second chance? 'Both Cate and Henry have secrets they'd prefer not to share, but they are drawn together as they are both close to Ida Cate's great aunt. The story had enough complexity to keep me interested
February 23, 2025
This is the first book I have read by Anthea and it won't be the last. I enjoyed her story about Cate, Henry and Ida a very dear and loved member of the country town Windstorm. She was dearly loved by the whole community and treasured by her beautiful Cate. Cate had to move to the country to look after her dear aunt Ida and find herself after a tragedy in her own life. Well done Anthea i enjoyed this book from cover to cover .⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
March 6, 2017
I loved and connected with this book instantly. The title drew me in, the writing style drew me in, the characters drew me in and I fell in love with all the characters. I never wanted the book to end. This book is written so beautifully how can you not love each character. It draws you in until the last moment. I couldnt put this book down. Cant wait for another.
December 13, 2017
I picked up this book expecting a rural romance. It was not what I expected!
'The Drifter' is not just another love story, it is a love letter to life and the Australian outback.
Highly recommend 'The Drifter' to anyone who is homesick for the outback or anyone who wants an insight into what it is like to live in a remote Australian community. You will feel the heat, smell the dust, feel the love, and get that sense of coming home.
I cannot wait to read Ms Hodgson's next book.
'The Drifter' is not just another love story, it is a love letter to life and the Australian outback.
Highly recommend 'The Drifter' to anyone who is homesick for the outback or anyone who wants an insight into what it is like to live in a remote Australian community. You will feel the heat, smell the dust, feel the love, and get that sense of coming home.
I cannot wait to read Ms Hodgson's next book.
December 7, 2016
This book was very easy and quick to read. It had a few twists and turns in it which made it more than the usual rural romance. As it was set in Western Australia I enjoyed identifying with the places in it.
December 16, 2016
An enjoyable "chick-lit" read set in Western Australia. Anthea Hodgson's debut novel is about building a new life and coping with death - a thoughtful and well written novel. Look forward to reading more of her books.
July 8, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. A rural romance with a great sense of humour written by a local WA author. What a guilty pleasure to read all afternoon and into the night - and yet I feel no guilt at all 😊
November 4, 2018
I enjoyed every moment of this book.
The author draws you into this tale and leaves you wanting more. I finished this novel in a day as I found it hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about family relationships, self forgiveness in a story set in the beautiful state I live in.
The author draws you into this tale and leaves you wanting more. I finished this novel in a day as I found it hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about family relationships, self forgiveness in a story set in the beautiful state I live in.
July 14, 2019
I am not a big fan of romance, but I really liked this book. I think it helped that one of the main characters, Aunty Ida bought back memories of all the strong country woman from my childhood. This book was funny, sad and uplifting. A really good read.
July 13, 2018
Loved this story!
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