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The Red Coast
The latest story in an ancient landscape from Australia's favourite storyteller with the new novel The Night Tide out now.Di Morrissey returns to the red earth of the Kimberley with a passionate story of resistance and resilience under its soaring blue skies.After the upheaval which separated Jacqui Bouchard from her beloved son, she has finally settled in Broome, a magical remote town on the northwest coast of Australia. But when a proposed mining development is unveiled, the town begins to tear itself apart. Rifts run deep, as friends, families and lovers are faced with a battle that could change their lives irrevocably. As everyone takes sides, Jacqui confronts her own to stay or leave? Who to trust . . . Who to love?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
166 people are currently reading
259 people want to read
About the author
Di Morrissey
77 books379 followersDi Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.
In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.
After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
November 26, 2021
The Red Coast by Australian author, Di Morrissey is set in Broom Western Australia. When reading a book by this author you can tell she has done a lot of research which gives the reader a lot of history in the area and beautiful descriptions throughout the book. I have to admit that I found it a bit slow at first, but I am happy that I persevered as I really enjoyed it. Recommended.
October 31, 2017
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Australia’s favourite storyteller, Di Morrissey, returns with a new release, The Red Coast. In her latest novel, Morrissey revisits the site of one her most famous novels and my own personal favourite book from her expansive collection, Tears of the Moon, as The Red Coast is set in Broome again. This time around Morrissey explores one woman and the passionate community around her, who rally together to resist a large-scale mining development proposing to encroach on the ancient red coast landscape of beautiful Broome.
Jacqui Bouchard has settled into life in Broome, after a tumultuous separation from her French ex husband and his meddling family. When she buys the town’s bookshop she finally feels as if Broome is the place where she must lay her roots. Despite missing her fourteen year old son terribly while he continues to live with his father in France, Jacqui looks forward to the day when her son can visit her treasured new home. Trouble brews on the horizon for Jacqui and the residents of the sleepy tourist town, when a corporate mining company releases plans to build a mine site at the very heart of the town. Fearing what this could do to the traditional land owners, community, environment, tourism and lucrative pearling industry, Jacqui along with many residents from the Broome, rally together in an effort to thwart these destructive plans to their pristine red coast. However, it is a fight that divides the town, as friends and loved ones are pitted against one another. On a personal note, Jacqui’s fight to save her beloved Broome from the hands of the mining sharks, challenges her ability to trust and love again. The Red Coast is a powerful Australian yarn that demonstrates the willpower of the Australian people to preserve the integrity of our ancient lands.
I was beyond pleased when I received The Red Coast to review, as I am a long standing fan of Di Morrissey’s work. I always look forward to the end of the year when Morrissey tends to release her latest novel. It pleased me even further when I discovered The Red Coast returns to Broome, the location of my favourite novel of Di’s collection, Tears of the Moon. Fans of Morrissey’s work will be happy to discover that there are a few loose references to two of Di’s most popular past novels, Tears of the Moon and Kimberley Sun. I will point out that although there are some crosses and overlapping characters to these two backlist novels, it is not a requirement to read them in order to enjoy The Red Coast. The Red Coast is a novel that easily stands on its own two feet.
I can assure you, based on Morrissey’s beautiful descriptive prose, which brings out the very best feature wise of Broome and the Kimberley coast, The Red Coast is a joy to read. Morrissey’s ability to convey a sense of place to her readership is undeniable. It is clear through Morrissey’s descriptions of the book’s locale that she knows this area well and is passionate about this remote region of Australia. She mentions some areas in this novel that I am aware of but also highlights some hidden sites in the vicinity, which was enlightening. In some ways, the picturesque and vivid descriptions of the Kimberley coast, at the capable hands of Di Morrissey, could almost be viewed as the perfect tourist postcard for the region. For me, it cemented my wishes to one day visit this isolated and rich landscape of my home state.
Morrissey’s latest novel does not shy away from a number of issues that are both contemporary and relevant to Australia today. In The Red Coast, Morrissey explores and highlights the pitfalls of large mining companies moving into a tourist mecca, such as Broome. In The Red Coast’s case, Morrissey’s narrative explores such problems as indigenous land rights, the protection of ancient sites, potential environmental and coastal damage, loss of community due to the influx of mine workers, impacts on the local tourist economy and the posible devestation to the pearling industry. It is a fight that one bookshop owner cannot do alone, as we witness in the unfolding story of The Red Coast. Jacqui receives support from local journalists, media representatives, traditional land owners, business heads and passionate members from the local community , in the fight to save Broome. In the same breath, Morrissey’s novel highlights how, in the fight to stop the mining company from basing itself in this pristine location, the battle has the power to tear families, friendships and previous alliances apart. It does make for some gut wrenching reading. However, on a positive note, Morrissey’s novel shows us that it is possible to incite change but often it takes many hands to join together to make the impossible achievable.
As much as this is a stunning portrait of Broome and the Kimberley Coast, The Red Coast is also about the main protagonist, Jacqui Bouchard’s personal growth journey. The events that occur in the novel work to shape Jacqui’s character, as she must move out of her comfort zone and learn who to both trust and love. In addition, Jacqui is faced with a dilemma as she must consider how far she is willing to go to support a cause she believes in, even if it threatens her life. By the end of the novel, we get a wonderful sense of just how far Jacqui has come, despite a sad setback. It is a character journey that I followed closely and thoroughly enjoyed.
The Red Coast is another example of the talent of author extraordinaire Di Morrissey. Morrissey’s work never fails to entertain and educate me in the same breath. The Red Coast is incredibly passionate story that wakes us up to the plight and power of the operations of mining companies in Australia. It is most of all, a wonderful tribute to Broome and the surrounding Kimberley coast.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Australia’s favourite storyteller, Di Morrissey, returns with a new release, The Red Coast. In her latest novel, Morrissey revisits the site of one her most famous novels and my own personal favourite book from her expansive collection, Tears of the Moon, as The Red Coast is set in Broome again. This time around Morrissey explores one woman and the passionate community around her, who rally together to resist a large-scale mining development proposing to encroach on the ancient red coast landscape of beautiful Broome.
Jacqui Bouchard has settled into life in Broome, after a tumultuous separation from her French ex husband and his meddling family. When she buys the town’s bookshop she finally feels as if Broome is the place where she must lay her roots. Despite missing her fourteen year old son terribly while he continues to live with his father in France, Jacqui looks forward to the day when her son can visit her treasured new home. Trouble brews on the horizon for Jacqui and the residents of the sleepy tourist town, when a corporate mining company releases plans to build a mine site at the very heart of the town. Fearing what this could do to the traditional land owners, community, environment, tourism and lucrative pearling industry, Jacqui along with many residents from the Broome, rally together in an effort to thwart these destructive plans to their pristine red coast. However, it is a fight that divides the town, as friends and loved ones are pitted against one another. On a personal note, Jacqui’s fight to save her beloved Broome from the hands of the mining sharks, challenges her ability to trust and love again. The Red Coast is a powerful Australian yarn that demonstrates the willpower of the Australian people to preserve the integrity of our ancient lands.
I was beyond pleased when I received The Red Coast to review, as I am a long standing fan of Di Morrissey’s work. I always look forward to the end of the year when Morrissey tends to release her latest novel. It pleased me even further when I discovered The Red Coast returns to Broome, the location of my favourite novel of Di’s collection, Tears of the Moon. Fans of Morrissey’s work will be happy to discover that there are a few loose references to two of Di’s most popular past novels, Tears of the Moon and Kimberley Sun. I will point out that although there are some crosses and overlapping characters to these two backlist novels, it is not a requirement to read them in order to enjoy The Red Coast. The Red Coast is a novel that easily stands on its own two feet.
I can assure you, based on Morrissey’s beautiful descriptive prose, which brings out the very best feature wise of Broome and the Kimberley coast, The Red Coast is a joy to read. Morrissey’s ability to convey a sense of place to her readership is undeniable. It is clear through Morrissey’s descriptions of the book’s locale that she knows this area well and is passionate about this remote region of Australia. She mentions some areas in this novel that I am aware of but also highlights some hidden sites in the vicinity, which was enlightening. In some ways, the picturesque and vivid descriptions of the Kimberley coast, at the capable hands of Di Morrissey, could almost be viewed as the perfect tourist postcard for the region. For me, it cemented my wishes to one day visit this isolated and rich landscape of my home state.
Morrissey’s latest novel does not shy away from a number of issues that are both contemporary and relevant to Australia today. In The Red Coast, Morrissey explores and highlights the pitfalls of large mining companies moving into a tourist mecca, such as Broome. In The Red Coast’s case, Morrissey’s narrative explores such problems as indigenous land rights, the protection of ancient sites, potential environmental and coastal damage, loss of community due to the influx of mine workers, impacts on the local tourist economy and the posible devestation to the pearling industry. It is a fight that one bookshop owner cannot do alone, as we witness in the unfolding story of The Red Coast. Jacqui receives support from local journalists, media representatives, traditional land owners, business heads and passionate members from the local community , in the fight to save Broome. In the same breath, Morrissey’s novel highlights how, in the fight to stop the mining company from basing itself in this pristine location, the battle has the power to tear families, friendships and previous alliances apart. It does make for some gut wrenching reading. However, on a positive note, Morrissey’s novel shows us that it is possible to incite change but often it takes many hands to join together to make the impossible achievable.
As much as this is a stunning portrait of Broome and the Kimberley Coast, The Red Coast is also about the main protagonist, Jacqui Bouchard’s personal growth journey. The events that occur in the novel work to shape Jacqui’s character, as she must move out of her comfort zone and learn who to both trust and love. In addition, Jacqui is faced with a dilemma as she must consider how far she is willing to go to support a cause she believes in, even if it threatens her life. By the end of the novel, we get a wonderful sense of just how far Jacqui has come, despite a sad setback. It is a character journey that I followed closely and thoroughly enjoyed.
The Red Coast is another example of the talent of author extraordinaire Di Morrissey. Morrissey’s work never fails to entertain and educate me in the same breath. The Red Coast is incredibly passionate story that wakes us up to the plight and power of the operations of mining companies in Australia. It is most of all, a wonderful tribute to Broome and the surrounding Kimberley coast.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
November 16, 2018
I usually love books by Di Morrissey but felt this one wasn't one of her best...really struggled to keep on reading it as it just didn't hold my interest but got there in the end. I really enjoyed her earlier books on Broome but feel she has probably written one too many centered on this area. Will be interested to read her next book and see if she reignites my passion for her storytelling.
December 14, 2019
Stopped halfway through. The writing is just to blah - all the voices of the characters seem the same, and it seems they are just getting information across, rather than being a character. Might pick it up later and finish it- I do usually enjoy a Di Morrisey now and again because they do tend to pick up after the ‘establishment phase’ and turn into a good story with a great sense of place, but that hasn’t happened yet in this one, and I’m halfway through..
January 13, 2021
This book read like a brochure for Broome. The information was put into the book in such a way that the conversations between the characters didn’t ring true.
The characters had no depth and didn’t capture my interest at all.
Super boring book
The characters had no depth and didn’t capture my interest at all.
Super boring book
January 17, 2018
Great Australian read! Set in Western Australia's Kimberley region. Loved it.
February 6, 2018
Another very enjoyable read by Di Morrissey! All throughout this book I felt like I was right there with the people of Broome! Thank you Carolyn for the recommendation!
May 2, 2018
Another good yarn from Di Morissey, this time highlighting the battle between the mining giants and the people living in and around Broome. The story had everything: amazing scenery brilliantly described, Aboriginal history, traditions and rock art, relationships of every kind, and a win for the little man. Knowing that the main event of the story is based on fact gave it more impact.
The characters are quite well drawn, but I can't say I lost any sleep worrying about their dilemmas. Perhaps the fact that I knew the outcome contributed to this. Or perhaps because Di Morissey's books all use the same formula.
The characters are quite well drawn, but I can't say I lost any sleep worrying about their dilemmas. Perhaps the fact that I knew the outcome contributed to this. Or perhaps because Di Morissey's books all use the same formula.
December 17, 2019
Di Morrissey books are well researched and interesting to read. This book draws the reader into the allure of the Kimberleys and particularly, Broome. It highlights the issues that can arise when a town is divided by opinion, in this case mining for gas on Indigenous sites of significance. Underlying this is the main character’s quest for purpose and love in a small town setting whilst coping with the unreasonable expectations of her ex husband as they co-parent their teenage son.
April 13, 2018
I love how with all of Di Morrissey’s books, you feel like the characters are friends and you are entwined in their lives. This book is certainly no different. I loved the other 2 books set in Broome and now more then ever I want to go traveling.
December 7, 2017
I was a little disappointed with this book. It didn't grab me like Tears of the moon. i wanted more depth.
September 23, 2019
This book started a bit slow but got going a little way in. It was mainly about standing up for what you believe in even if it does mean going against people or corporations with money. The characters in the book were trying to stop a large company from drilling for oil in their area because of aboriginal traditions and to preserve the pristine coastline.
During this process the story focused on Jacqui as the main character. She has her son visit her from France each year for a couple of weeks, as that is all she is allowed by her chauvinistic French ex-husband. After her son visits and then leaves to return to France her ex rings to inform her that her son will not be visiting whilst he is at uni.
In the meantime she is helping with the cause of saving the coastline and flies out to put forward the reasons why mining shouldn't go ahead and is involved in a plane crash. Although she is uninjured it changes her.
Eventually, she fights for her son to visit and wins against her ex, and the mining company pulls out as well leaving their area untouched from drilling.
During this process the story focused on Jacqui as the main character. She has her son visit her from France each year for a couple of weeks, as that is all she is allowed by her chauvinistic French ex-husband. After her son visits and then leaves to return to France her ex rings to inform her that her son will not be visiting whilst he is at uni.
In the meantime she is helping with the cause of saving the coastline and flies out to put forward the reasons why mining shouldn't go ahead and is involved in a plane crash. Although she is uninjured it changes her.
Eventually, she fights for her son to visit and wins against her ex, and the mining company pulls out as well leaving their area untouched from drilling.
April 19, 2023
As all of Di Morrissey’s books this was an easy read. I have read so many of her books because I appreciate and enjoy the research that goes into them and the rich Australian history.
I really enjoyed reading about Broome and also the aspects of the Aboriginal culture and history. I was surprised to see the link to Lily and Tears of the Moon which I had read years ago. I liked alot of the characters especially Eddie, Lydia and Wally and the close bonds the townsfolk have but also how welcoming and accepting the Aboriginal mobs were to sharing their culture with white people. Know is power and sharing these things was why they eventually landed on such a favourable outcome.
I did get a little frustrated at times with the main character Jacqui and her relationship with her son was strange to me, however I think this tension is a testament to the writing. I felt that Jacqui really came into herself and started to see how she wanted her life to play out and took on the battles and the opportunities with open eyes and heart.
I really enjoyed reading about Broome and also the aspects of the Aboriginal culture and history. I was surprised to see the link to Lily and Tears of the Moon which I had read years ago. I liked alot of the characters especially Eddie, Lydia and Wally and the close bonds the townsfolk have but also how welcoming and accepting the Aboriginal mobs were to sharing their culture with white people. Know is power and sharing these things was why they eventually landed on such a favourable outcome.
I did get a little frustrated at times with the main character Jacqui and her relationship with her son was strange to me, however I think this tension is a testament to the writing. I felt that Jacqui really came into herself and started to see how she wanted her life to play out and took on the battles and the opportunities with open eyes and heart.
January 15, 2019
She remembered how she’d felt when she’d arrived in France – the fascination, the differences, the history everywhere you turned, its culture and otherworldliness, its significance. In comparison, she had considered her homeland raw and new and – she shook her head at the thought now –uncultured, with its hearty and youthful uncouthness, its brash cut-and-thrust style accepted as an asset. Yet she’d remained totally unaware of the depth of history Australia could lay claim to. She knew of the million-plus visitors each year to the Chauvet Cave in France, with their replica of art 35,000 years old. Here, her own backyard could claim living art in thousands of caves and shelters, up to 65,000 years old, and its stories and history lived on in oral and physical ceremonies by the artists’ descendants.
An okay read. Storyline wasn't overly compelling. Her strength lies in her descriptive language and it felt quite pared down compared to other novels I've read by her.
An okay read. Storyline wasn't overly compelling. Her strength lies in her descriptive language and it felt quite pared down compared to other novels I've read by her.
December 17, 2017
Mmmm, certainly not one of Di Morrissey's better books. Knowing Broome as well as I do probably put the story off kilter a tad for me as I know that some of the names of places and shops don't exist so it was weird as I knew the location and the street and the roads that they were travelling but in my minds eye I'm walking those streets, driving those roads and it just didn't gel. The story line surrounding the threat of a gas pipe being put through the land just added to the disappointment for me knowing full well that this wasn't going on.
I also found the main character a bit insipid and situation with the French born son was somewhat pathetic.
Moral of the story I would say is don't read a fictional book about a place that you know too well as it means that you just question everything and don't believe any of it for a minute.
I also found the main character a bit insipid and situation with the French born son was somewhat pathetic.
Moral of the story I would say is don't read a fictional book about a place that you know too well as it means that you just question everything and don't believe any of it for a minute.
February 5, 2022
This was my first Di Morresey book, and possibly last. I finished it purely as I did like all the descriptions of North WA, which is where I am from. The main character is dull, and very passive when it comes to fighting to keep seeing her son once-a-year. Yet we are supposed to see her as a warrior. My main issue with this book is, similar to other white authors writing about Indigenous stories and issues (a la Jasper Jones) it that the heroes are all white. In this novel, the three people who conquer the mining company, including the voice for the Aboriginal community - Wally - are all white. But, over all, an easy - if what dull- read.
July 6, 2022
Di Morrissey returns to the red earth of the Kimberley with a passionate story of resistance and resilience under its soaring blue skies.
After the upheaval which separated Jacqui Bouchard from her beloved son, she has finally settled in Broome, a magical remote town on the northwest coast of Australia.
But when a proposed mining development is unveiled, the town begins to tear itself apart. Rifts run deep, as friends, families and lovers are faced with a battle that could change their lives irrevocably.
As everyone takes sides, Jacqui confronts her own dilemma: to stay or leave? Who to trust . . . Who to love? (less)
After the upheaval which separated Jacqui Bouchard from her beloved son, she has finally settled in Broome, a magical remote town on the northwest coast of Australia.
But when a proposed mining development is unveiled, the town begins to tear itself apart. Rifts run deep, as friends, families and lovers are faced with a battle that could change their lives irrevocably.
As everyone takes sides, Jacqui confronts her own dilemma: to stay or leave? Who to trust . . . Who to love? (less)
February 28, 2018
To begin with I found the book a bit slow and not overly engaging but in the end I was pleased I persisted . The author did a credible job of describing the turmoil of the loss of the aboriginal culture and the efforts of the remaining dependents to maintain what was left of the culture against the progression of time and environmental degradation by wealthy mining industries. It was also a David and Goliath story ....small versus big.
April 26, 2020
An environmental war is the basis of this book. Just like the struggles our American Indians had to endure so did the Australian Aborigines. There is also a "love" involvement as a woman deals with "new" love and the struggle dealing with her French X-husband.
However, the description of the Kimberly in Northwestern Australia was beautifully described. I put it on my list of "must see" vacation trips.
However, the description of the Kimberly in Northwestern Australia was beautifully described. I put it on my list of "must see" vacation trips.
March 27, 2021
Australian history, thousands of years of Aboriginal traditions colliding, shaping and merging with white culture all combine to make a powerful story of changing times and the importance of ancient culture. The stark beauty of northwest Australia is the setting for a woman’s journey to healing and wholeness as she recognizes her connection to the town of Broome, the land of The Kimberly, and all of its various residents and visitors.
February 28, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, was a bit slow going through the middle but enough to keep me interested. There were Insights into aboriginal lives and concerns to protect their history, stories and land. With some romance added to keep the story a bit spicy. A tribute to woman creating a full life after divorce.
August 12, 2024
Jacqui is a divorced woman who has settled into a new life in Broome owning Red Coast Books store. Along comes an old childhood friend who is also a lawyer for a mining company who want to start gas exploration and processing on the coast. The aboriginal traditions are upset by the news and a protest starts putting Jacqui between love and politics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 9, 2017
Love stories set in Australia and this is an excellent portrayal of Broome and the Kimberley’s. A very easy read but predictable and lacking some depth in the characters and the storyline. Still is was a relaxing and enjoyable to read.
November 21, 2017
Another great read by the queen of Australian literature!
I love that Di Morrissey's books are so well, damn Australian! Set in the present day but well researched and full of history. There's usually an unexpected twist st the end, as well!
I love that Di Morrissey's books are so well, damn Australian! Set in the present day but well researched and full of history. There's usually an unexpected twist st the end, as well!
Read
August 23, 2019I bought this book at a used book stand while on vacation in Australia. I enjoyed reading fiction with a taste and knowledge of Australian culture and history. Will definitely read more of her novels if I can find them in the states.
November 5, 2019
Pleasant, interesting and well-rounded. While I wasn't blown away by this story, Di Morrissey's celebration of the harsh beauty of Australia's north-west was a joy to read - the clear winner for me, over characters and story line.
April 11, 2024
Been looking forward to visiting Perth and surrounding areas for a long time. This book has merely renewed my appetite. I didn't think it was one of her best books, but it was an enjoyable enough read.
January 5, 2025
Another excellent book by Di Morrissey. Her description takes you right into the lives and places she writes about.
As the third book in a trilogy about Broome Tears of the Moon and Kimberley Sun should be read first. While the books stand alone the links fill in background if read in order.
As the third book in a trilogy about Broome Tears of the Moon and Kimberley Sun should be read first. While the books stand alone the links fill in background if read in order.
July 3, 2025
If you haven’t read Tears of The Moon and Kimberley Sun by Di Morrissey then you might be a little confused. This is the third book in the Broome Trilogy. It’s a wonderful story about culture, family, country and community.
December 28, 2017
always love to read Di Morrissey's latest book, this one did't disappoint.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews