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White Horses
From one of Australia's bestselling and much-loved authors comes a sweeping, powerful story of a young woman who has to overcome terrible loss and trauma to find the courage to live life on her terms.Following the disappearance of her mother when she was just a young child, Drift has been raised by her father, growing up to work alongside him as an itinerant cattle drover along the beautiful coastline of remote Western Australia. It's a tough life, but nurtured and taught by two wise women - Wilma, a gentle travelling librarian and straight-talking Charlie, the legendary mobile saddler - Drift grows up to become a confident, idealistic young woman.But the world Drift lives in can be ugly and brutal. After a frightening assault, Drift meets a handsome young stockman, but he is not all that he seems and she is drawn into a baffling world of lies and mysteries, centring on a lushly beautiful property called The Planet, run by a wealthy American woman. When Drift's father is hospitalised following a tragic accident and the young man she loves disappears, Drift has to find the courage to make her own way in the world. Drawing upon the deep well of women's wisdom taught her by Charlie and Wilma, Drift has to overcome heartbreak, betrayal, loneliness and pain in order to forge her path, own her truth, and create the kind of world that she wants to live in.Drift is a heroine to cheer for, and White Horses is a novel full of authentic Australian heart and soul, warmth and humour, as big and as generous as those wide-open skies in Western Australia. Offering a vision of a vibrant and thriving rural Australia based on Treasure's own experience and knowledge of regenerative agriculture, White Horses is both inspiring and captivating; another classic from the much-loved author of the iconic and bestselling novels Jillaroo and The Farmer's Wife .'Treasure writes with true grit, wit and warmth' Australian Women's Weekly'This isn't classic Rachael Treasure. This is even better. Treasure has produced a polished, heart-wrenching and hopeful novel that will thrill old fans and garner many new ones.' Better Reading
464 pages, Paperback
Published August 19, 2019
134 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Treasure
23 books310 followersRachael Treasure lives in southern rural Tasmania with her two young children. She is passionate about encouraging non-readers to read, inspiring farmers to consider regenerative agricultural practices and animal handlers to better understand their dogs and livestock. She is a graduate of Orange Agricultural College and has a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) from Charles Sturt University, Bathurst. She has worked as a jillaroo, rural journalist, ABC radio broadcaster, professional woolclasser, part-time vet nurse, family farm manager, drover and stock camp cook. She has written 4 novels and a short story collection, all bestsellers.
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www.facebook.com/rach.treasure
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www.facebook.com/rach.treasure
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
August 18, 2019
3.5★s
The day Drift – Melody Wood – turned twenty-one was no different from any other. Her father, Split (Dennis), had cared for her since she was a child when her mother disappeared. His grief was still raw and on occasion he lost himself in the bottle. But their life as cattle drovers was one Drift loved. Carefree, with the dogs and horses to keep them company while working the cattle, they roamed the coast of Western Australia. Drift had two women in her life who had made a difference – Wilma the travelling librarian, and Charlie a mobile saddler - and both had instilled confidence and the calmness of life in her.
When Drift was attacked and brutally assaulted, her life changed. She no longer trusted men and when she was embroiled in the secrets and lies she was expected to keep, Drift withdrew into herself. Further tragedy hit her and it was only the wise words of Wilma and Charlie that kept her sane. But could she make her own way in the world? Did she have the courage and fortitude to overcome all that she’d lost?
White Horses by Aussie author Rachael Treasure is an intriguing look at life and its journey in the vast countryside of Western Australia. Heartbreak and courage, loss and tragedy – the story has a powerful message. It was overly wordy and too descriptive in places in my opinion, which I feel would have benefitted a tighter editing, but overall the coming of age story is a poignant and heartfelt one. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The day Drift – Melody Wood – turned twenty-one was no different from any other. Her father, Split (Dennis), had cared for her since she was a child when her mother disappeared. His grief was still raw and on occasion he lost himself in the bottle. But their life as cattle drovers was one Drift loved. Carefree, with the dogs and horses to keep them company while working the cattle, they roamed the coast of Western Australia. Drift had two women in her life who had made a difference – Wilma the travelling librarian, and Charlie a mobile saddler - and both had instilled confidence and the calmness of life in her.
When Drift was attacked and brutally assaulted, her life changed. She no longer trusted men and when she was embroiled in the secrets and lies she was expected to keep, Drift withdrew into herself. Further tragedy hit her and it was only the wise words of Wilma and Charlie that kept her sane. But could she make her own way in the world? Did she have the courage and fortitude to overcome all that she’d lost?
White Horses by Aussie author Rachael Treasure is an intriguing look at life and its journey in the vast countryside of Western Australia. Heartbreak and courage, loss and tragedy – the story has a powerful message. It was overly wordy and too descriptive in places in my opinion, which I feel would have benefitted a tighter editing, but overall the coming of age story is a poignant and heartfelt one. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2019
When I started making notes to write this review of White Horses by Rachael Treasure, I was disheartened to realise that on balance, the negatives for me outweighed the positives. This has nothing to do with the quality of writing as such, and everything to do with specific elements of the story that I personally didn’t care for.
Treasure’s passion for regenerative agriculture, and ethical animal husbandry, something she herself practices on her farm in Tasmania, is admirable and is clearly communicated in White Horses. It’s evident, even to a lay person, that the agricultural industry needs to embrace more sustainable, holistic methods of farming and Treasure doesn’t hesitate to drive this point this point home at every opportunity. ‘The Planet’ does sound inspirational, but there is no denying it has a cultish vibe, especially with the talk of the ‘Waking World’ vs the ‘Sleeping World’.
I really wasn’t too keen on the spiritual overtones of the story overall. While I’m all for love and light, compassion and cooperation, I personally found the endless philosophising a bit grating, and I thought the idea of the ‘ghost girl’ was cheesy.
I liked Drift (aka Melody Wood) well enough, she is smart, capable, idealistic, and feisty but also insecure and a bit naive. Her unusual upbringing, spent droving with her father, certainly seemed to have had some benefits, especially when it came to her connection with the land and the environment, but I was a little bothered that the author seemed to consider her isolation from her peers and unfamiliarity with technology somehow laudable.
The romance between Drift and ‘the stockman’ was okay, and obviously it all turns out fine. I would have preferred we had the opportunity to ‘see’ them spend more time together, instead we really only witness them at two crisis points.
*spoiler* One point I feel compelled to make is that the likelihood of ‘the stockman’ being legally allowed to re-enter the country, which leads to the HEA, would be almost nil, and it bugged me.
My biggest issue with the book however was the lack of repercussions for the men who assaulted Drift. It appeared that in both instances there were no formal charges laid against any of the men for the attacks on her (though it was hinted that they eventually faced consequences for other crimes). Perhaps I’m mistaken in my interpretation, but it seemed to me that the author implied that Drift was too ‘spiritual’ to require that the men answer for their crimes against her, and I was uncomfortable with that idea.
White Horses has received several glowing reviews from readers who were delighted with it, unfortunately I just wasn’t one of them.
May 8, 2020
Not bad but a little bit gushy in places. An easy to read outback story that wasn't the typical Australian station story. One where its a happily ever after ending and you feel like things were solved too tidily. Great escapism
June 28, 2024
3 stars
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Read by Miranda Nation
Duration: 19 hrs, 16 min. 1.25x Speed
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda/HarperCollins audio
Read by Miranda Nation
Duration: 19 hrs, 16 min. 1.25x Speed
July 11, 2020
The author takes us down paths of exploring important issues and then deals with them in such a preachy and/or uninformed way that it leaves anyone with experience or knowledge of these issues annoyed or even angry.
Multiple sexual assaults are described in detail and then not dealt with. Apparently you can get justice by simply telling a police officer about it while sitting on a park bench, months after the incident. No formal reporting, no gathering of evidence, no court processes... but don’t let that get in the way of a happy ending.
There are so many plot holes it’s not funny and what remains is resolved far too conveniently. The horses, the ghost girl, the missing mother, how the fuck did Charlie die?, alcoholic depressed father suddenly wakes up from a coma and finds love, luckily the jilted fiancé found another woman. The storyline is a convoluted and immature mess.
It’s clear Rachael Treasure had an agenda in writing this book. It’s just a shame she had to insult most of rural Australia and dismiss the seriousness of sexual assault in the process.
Multiple sexual assaults are described in detail and then not dealt with. Apparently you can get justice by simply telling a police officer about it while sitting on a park bench, months after the incident. No formal reporting, no gathering of evidence, no court processes... but don’t let that get in the way of a happy ending.
There are so many plot holes it’s not funny and what remains is resolved far too conveniently. The horses, the ghost girl, the missing mother, how the fuck did Charlie die?, alcoholic depressed father suddenly wakes up from a coma and finds love, luckily the jilted fiancé found another woman. The storyline is a convoluted and immature mess.
It’s clear Rachael Treasure had an agenda in writing this book. It’s just a shame she had to insult most of rural Australia and dismiss the seriousness of sexual assault in the process.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 16, 2019
Chapter 6 was as far as I got. When I realised that the last thing I wanted to do was pick up that book to keep reading I knew it was time to dump it
You should never dread reading a book
The dialogue is terrible, the descriptions crass and it’s just sooooo depressing.
By the time the story moved on from “Drift” Wood and we were introduced to her father “Split” Wood (aaarrrrggghh I detest these stupid nick names authors insist on giving their characters) I figured that I really wasn’t going to like this book.
A missing mother, a weirdo father and a sad daughter whose troubles just keep getting worse - not for me. I must admit I struggle to see where the average of 4 stars comes from
You should never dread reading a book
The dialogue is terrible, the descriptions crass and it’s just sooooo depressing.
By the time the story moved on from “Drift” Wood and we were introduced to her father “Split” Wood (aaarrrrggghh I detest these stupid nick names authors insist on giving their characters) I figured that I really wasn’t going to like this book.
A missing mother, a weirdo father and a sad daughter whose troubles just keep getting worse - not for me. I must admit I struggle to see where the average of 4 stars comes from
June 8, 2020
I did not enjoy the first few pages of this book, but I was pleased I persevered as it was actually quite a good read. Maybe the author should consider re-writing the beginning without some of the coarseness? This is the story of a young, female, Australian drover, helping her father fatten cattle in the long-paddock and her journey of self-discovery as she learns about life, despair, joy and love as she becomes a woman.
May 19, 2020
A predictable plot. There was a little too much “cool sea breezes” “salmon touched skies” and “the universe will heal you if you let it” for my liking. And I fail to see why a book must be peppered with so much swearing to make it realistic when so many of the characters are so vastly unrealistic.
No.
I had to downgrade the rating to two stars. The “universe will tell you what to do” themes have really been frustrating my sense of serious logic and the sex scenes were trashy. It was not average.
No.
I had to downgrade the rating to two stars. The “universe will tell you what to do” themes have really been frustrating my sense of serious logic and the sex scenes were trashy. It was not average.
January 15, 2020
I found this dragged on and I read to the end only as I had so much time already invested in it. I found the main character at times difficult to like, the storyline often uncomfortable and unbelievable, and (even as someone who lives in the country) the environmental preaching over the top. I found narrator Miranda Nation's rendition of the foreign accents jarring.
August 19, 2020
What a preachy load of hypocritical eye roll.
Drift has all these ridiculous standards set for everyone one in her life, yet can't manage to stick to them herself. Openly slut shaming while demanding (rightfully) that she should be able to wear and do as she pleases without the fear of "man". She has no time for anyone suffering from mental health issues and are suicidal.. Unlucky for her dad and boyfriend.. She is just the absolute worst.
You will feel personally attacked by this novel if you are: a man, a woman, a farmer, a person who lives in the country, a person who lives in the city, a person with mental health issues, a victim of abuse, a famous person, a person who lives in a house, a person who has a phone, a person who watches TV, a person who eats packaged food, a person under the age of 30, and a religious person (but not a cult religion, that's A ok!)
And apparently every single woman in this novel is a philosophical higher being. Vomit.
Drift has all these ridiculous standards set for everyone one in her life, yet can't manage to stick to them herself. Openly slut shaming while demanding (rightfully) that she should be able to wear and do as she pleases without the fear of "man". She has no time for anyone suffering from mental health issues and are suicidal.. Unlucky for her dad and boyfriend.. She is just the absolute worst.
You will feel personally attacked by this novel if you are: a man, a woman, a farmer, a person who lives in the country, a person who lives in the city, a person with mental health issues, a victim of abuse, a famous person, a person who lives in a house, a person who has a phone, a person who watches TV, a person who eats packaged food, a person under the age of 30, and a religious person (but not a cult religion, that's A ok!)
And apparently every single woman in this novel is a philosophical higher being. Vomit.
March 31, 2020
I've had a read through all the reviews of this book on Good Reads because I was amazed that it rated at 4 stars. In general, it seems to me, that the 5 star reviews are generic and do not actually reflect a thoughtful commentary on this novel. So here's my more scrupulous review of this book.
'White Horses' has merit in that it has a solid plot, a likeable heroine and some admirable messages. But it is hopelessly over-written, cluttered with recognisable stereotypes and horribly preachy at times. Here's an example of a bit that a good editor should have removed: **(spoiler) " ... " with you came your dad." /Sophia blushed a little. The romance now had morphed into a firm partnership between two people who were utterly right for each other. /" The // indicates what I believe is overly indulgent editing. From the numerous interactions the couple have had, does the reader need the writer to spell out that they are 'utterly right for each other'?
Then, the stock characters! Shaynene - Drift's tramp-stamped, foul- mouthed friend whose days are obsessed with celebrity gossip and getting "roots" (laid). She's a clear foil to the clean-living, unsophisticated heroine, but she's so worldly, so alien in every respect that she fails ... we wonder, instead, what they could have in common to make them friends. Conveniently, too, for the motherless Drift, there are women who have no family of their own, who step in to offer the most sage and pertinent advice: Wilma and Charlie. Then straight out of the pages of the fairytale mould of true, blue, dinkum-fairy-godmother- stereotype, steps Charlie, sprinkling stardust and transformation in one fell swoop of dollars galore.
My final misgiving about this book is the preachy tone it adopts about regenerative agricultural practices. I'm sure they're laudable, but I felt that the message was rammed in way too often. And 'The Planet' was not a good advert for this type of farming - it seemed too full of cult-like characters, and the time when a frantic Drift was trying to get the Planet's gates opened but encountered kids playing on the intercom was just weird!
So, this is an honest review from a reader who persevered, despite being tempted to quit on the book many times. Perhaps if the author had focused the book just on a 'coming of age' story, I'd have enjoyed it more. Whose to say?
'White Horses' has merit in that it has a solid plot, a likeable heroine and some admirable messages. But it is hopelessly over-written, cluttered with recognisable stereotypes and horribly preachy at times. Here's an example of a bit that a good editor should have removed: **(spoiler) " ... " with you came your dad." /Sophia blushed a little. The romance now had morphed into a firm partnership between two people who were utterly right for each other. /" The // indicates what I believe is overly indulgent editing. From the numerous interactions the couple have had, does the reader need the writer to spell out that they are 'utterly right for each other'?
Then, the stock characters! Shaynene - Drift's tramp-stamped, foul- mouthed friend whose days are obsessed with celebrity gossip and getting "roots" (laid). She's a clear foil to the clean-living, unsophisticated heroine, but she's so worldly, so alien in every respect that she fails ... we wonder, instead, what they could have in common to make them friends. Conveniently, too, for the motherless Drift, there are women who have no family of their own, who step in to offer the most sage and pertinent advice: Wilma and Charlie. Then straight out of the pages of the fairytale mould of true, blue, dinkum-fairy-godmother- stereotype, steps Charlie, sprinkling stardust and transformation in one fell swoop of dollars galore.
My final misgiving about this book is the preachy tone it adopts about regenerative agricultural practices. I'm sure they're laudable, but I felt that the message was rammed in way too often. And 'The Planet' was not a good advert for this type of farming - it seemed too full of cult-like characters, and the time when a frantic Drift was trying to get the Planet's gates opened but encountered kids playing on the intercom was just weird!
So, this is an honest review from a reader who persevered, despite being tempted to quit on the book many times. Perhaps if the author had focused the book just on a 'coming of age' story, I'd have enjoyed it more. Whose to say?
July 11, 2019
What a great read! Such a gorgeous, all-consuming story! Chockful of heart and soul, courage and warmth. The heart of the story is Drift, and there’s something really pure about her that I love – she’s so sincere and authentic – and I think a big message of this book is that you need to find the courage to be your authentic self as that’s where real happiness lies – that’s certainly a big part of her journey. But so many of the other supporting characters I love too, Wilma and Charlie particularly – love ‘em! And the descriptions of the landscape, the animals, all so beautiful and vivid. And I love how Rachael gets across her ideas about sustainable farming and nurturing the land – the property called The Planet is so inspiring to read about! – it’s so naturally and beautifully woven in. Just a great Australian story, totally engrossing.
August 9, 2019
Congratulations Rachael on another wonderful novel. Thought provoking on a number of levels. I didn’t want to put it down. Drift is a very likeable girl who faces numerous challenges but is supported by some strong but caring women. Every girls needs a Charlie, Wilma or Sophia in their life to encourage strength and self belief. While Drift has an unconventional childhood in someways it seems far less complicated without social media pressure and the pressure to conform. To feel like I was out on the land and in vast open spaces is a wonderful escapism and the pleasure of reading a really good book. Highly recommend.
August 8, 2019
This is Rachael's best book yet. It's an utterly absorbing story of a young woman at a crossroads, who gradually learns to pick up the reins of her own life. A brilliant mix of earthy tongue-in-cheek humour, complicated family dynamics, romance, a search for identity and all set in the beautiful wilds of WA. Drift is a brilliant heroine, flawed, insecure, feisty, determined and challenged. And as a city girl I really loved all the insight into farming and agriculture, plus the gorgeous animals. Highly recommend.
September 25, 2019
I love Rachel's writing style, grit, grime and big subjects that face so many people and get shoved under the rug or handled badly. This was one of the very few books where I started to read and did not want to stop....I wanted to know what happens to her, what her future became. I put work aside to read this for hours....well done! dragging me away from work and earning money, no easy feat.
October 11, 2019
I thought this was a great Australian read. I loved all the stars aligning, all the woo woo, all the passion and drive the author obviously feels for our planet and the path we are on. I loved the alternative farming ideas. The wise women and seasons and moons. I can see this book isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but for me I loved it
March 28, 2020
Difficult. And both excellent and highly disappointing. The writing is superb, and the depictions rich. But I was thinking the preachiness was a bit much by the halfway point and it only became worse. Such a shame when there was the opportunity to deal with some extremely important issues.
October 31, 2019
Melody ‘Drift’ Wood along with her father (Split Wood) make a living by droving cattle along the rural Western Australian highways. Their life is simple and uncomplicated until celebrity surfer Kai goes missing at sea. The town is quickly descended upon by journalists and Kai’s posse of supporters all looking for an answer to his disappearance and the influx turns the quiet routine on its head. To further complicate matters Melody is sexually assaulted and her father’s inner demons continue to rage out of control. Yet, Melody is not alone she has a strong group of women who support her and guide her through the good and difficult times.
I have to be honest and admit I really struggled with this novel. One of the issues was the blurb that announces that Melody is brutally sexually assaulted and while reading you are waiting for this event to happen and guess who the culprit is. Mind you when all is realised and revealed, there is no surprise as it is a very ugly male character. It was disappointing as it is almost a cliché as to how the profession and the way the character had been portrayed. One of the other issues I had was with the dialogue as in some sections it was overly formal. Mind you, I did love the use of Australian colloquialisms sprinkled throughout the book as it certainly has some unique phrases.
The strength of the book lies in the central character Melody who has to overcome several hurdles in her journey to enlightenment. I say that as Melody seems to have no driving force except to find herself. The opportunities that open up for Melody are gifted to her or an idea is suggested by those around her. While I found Melody to be a character who was vulnerable, flawed and able to develop resilience she just seemed to coast along without any real purpose until the end.
The other characters are interesting and form some interesting counterpoints. Melody’s main love interest Eli/Kai, well he is just a complete selfish git! The whole needing to find oneself at the expense of others just did not work for me regardless of how ripped his abs are! I am not sure why so many people felt disposed to help him in this quest given he did not display any redeeming qualities. The other kind of character is ‘the Planet’ and its regenerative agriculture practices. It came across as a bit hippy cultish and I was kind of waiting for everyone to break out in group singing session after dinner.
Despite all the negatives that I have, Treasure can write. Her descriptions, the pacing are wonderful but it was just elements of the story that I struggled with. This was just not a book for me but I am sure others will love it.
I have to be honest and admit I really struggled with this novel. One of the issues was the blurb that announces that Melody is brutally sexually assaulted and while reading you are waiting for this event to happen and guess who the culprit is. Mind you when all is realised and revealed, there is no surprise as it is a very ugly male character. It was disappointing as it is almost a cliché as to how the profession and the way the character had been portrayed. One of the other issues I had was with the dialogue as in some sections it was overly formal. Mind you, I did love the use of Australian colloquialisms sprinkled throughout the book as it certainly has some unique phrases.
The strength of the book lies in the central character Melody who has to overcome several hurdles in her journey to enlightenment. I say that as Melody seems to have no driving force except to find herself. The opportunities that open up for Melody are gifted to her or an idea is suggested by those around her. While I found Melody to be a character who was vulnerable, flawed and able to develop resilience she just seemed to coast along without any real purpose until the end.
The other characters are interesting and form some interesting counterpoints. Melody’s main love interest Eli/Kai, well he is just a complete selfish git! The whole needing to find oneself at the expense of others just did not work for me regardless of how ripped his abs are! I am not sure why so many people felt disposed to help him in this quest given he did not display any redeeming qualities. The other kind of character is ‘the Planet’ and its regenerative agriculture practices. It came across as a bit hippy cultish and I was kind of waiting for everyone to break out in group singing session after dinner.
Despite all the negatives that I have, Treasure can write. Her descriptions, the pacing are wonderful but it was just elements of the story that I struggled with. This was just not a book for me but I am sure others will love it.
June 5, 2021
While I enjoyed the read or perhaps the writing of the book, I found some parts hard to get my head around and those things became distracting and/or made the book feel unfinished. I didn't like the slut shaming, the attitudes towards women (fair enough having them in a book but when there's no resolution or no growth or acknowledgement in the male characters, it leaves a sour taste), the fact that the men who sexually assaulted the main character appear to get away with it - it's mentioned the police are investigating and they will pay for their crimes as such, but there is no follow up or clarity around that, and it was clear the author is a big fan of the type of farming that was repeatedly mentioned through the book. I know some of the attitudes to women depicted are still alive and well in many parts of Australia, but some of the storyline just didn't feel believable. All that said, I managed to read the book in a day 'couldn't put it down' style partly because the story still got me in and I was hoping to see some solid believable inspiring conclusions. I can't say it felt like they were delivered, but the ending was tidied up nicely just the same with a HEA.
August 15, 2019
I just love Rachael Treasure’s novels and White Horses is another enjoyable read. Rachael Treasure has a very easy to read writing style that allows the story to flow and creates believable characters. Love the down to earth and gutsy Australian setting and characters in White Horses. The colloquiums are so endearing and ring so true for the Australian rural environment. A very compelling read which kept me captivated throughout. As well as an enjoyable story there were also some interesting issues raised about living in rural Australia.
Highly recommended read for this genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher HarperCollins Australia for a ebook copy to read and review
Highly recommended read for this genre.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher HarperCollins Australia for a ebook copy to read and review
September 30, 2020
After a poor start I did eventually get into this book and start to appreciate and understand the character Drift and her relationship with the supporting characters. With a few pit falls along the way it all ends well with Drift and her father Split both finding happiness and love, and moving out of the poor house so to speak. This is not a ground breaking novel by any stretch, but it's written well, although don't expect to be blown away with the prose. A mediocre work therefore 3 stars seems appropriate.
January 9, 2021
This book carries us through the journey of Drift, a young teen entering into adulthood. She is thrown into the evil clutches of the world, all of a sudden. This is not heavy literature, but it depicts the pain which many women trying to be independent go through.
Why is it so difficult for a woman to venture alone into the world?
The main character was complacent, human and weak; and it's not a typical heroic story. I found the book a little dull at some places and some of the notions especially about the modern amenities were disagreeable.
Why is it so difficult for a woman to venture alone into the world?
The main character was complacent, human and weak; and it's not a typical heroic story. I found the book a little dull at some places and some of the notions especially about the modern amenities were disagreeable.
November 4, 2019
Although I enjoyed this book, I did have some reservations. Top marks for having some strong female characters and calling out male bad behaviour. I liked the themes of environmental awareness, fame and its problems,love, family and friendship. Sometimes the environmental themes became almost preachy, and repetitive. The visions etc were a bit much for me. But overall, I enjoyed Drift's journey and appreciated the wonderful Australian setting.
May 3, 2020
This book took me a little while to get in to, it starts out developing the main characters. I had the thought something has to happen soon and boy didn't it. I lovely mixture of love, devastation, and loss. Some beautiful lessons on self discovery. It's hard not to relate to multiple situations in the book. I finished the book feeling inspired and is deep self reflection. If the normal outback novel isn't your thing this still has so many other beautiful aspects.
June 1, 2020
After having this book (being highly recommended by a book club) on my TBR list for a few months, I finally read it. There are some beautiful writing that I'm sure quodophiles would enjoy but I just could not get the main character, Drift or Melody Wood. She sounded like a character in a bad Soap Opera. While the main story line was interesting enough, there was just too many unnecessary additions to the story and Drift's personality seemed to change to suit each plot... just too unbelievable.
July 8, 2020
Drift has had a difficult life and on her 21st birthday she asks the universe for change. Her life encounters change and tragedy over and over across the next 3 years as she swerves from challenge to challenge trying to chart a course forward and deal with her pain. Rachel Treasure's life philosophy permeates every inch of this story which can be a little irritating, but the story at the heart of this novel is warm and breathes with true life and hope.
January 1, 2024
Another great read from Treasure. Some parts of this novel are quite confronting, which is new for Treasure. Yet again another strong female protagonist in this story, along with the sustainable practices in agriculture. I love how Treasure has transformed her stories from the classic “rural romance” to stories that resonate that with a message about sustainability on the land and the value women have in this space.
September 14, 2019
It started as a total romance which it not a genre I would normally read but it then added regenerative agriculture and sustainable living and spirituality to the story which I found very interesting. I finished the book just in time for last night's author talk at Tamworth Library and really enjoyed listening to Rachael.
March 5, 2020
Overall an enjoyable read that encompasses the growth of Drift, a young woman in terms of her emotional maturity, wisdom and spirituality, and confidence in her different relationships. I would have given a higher rating but felt that at times the 'wise woman' advice was repetitive and/or laboured.
June 25, 2023
Completely unenjoyable, I did not finish this book, and am surprised it has such a high rating. The writing is unnecessarily over-descriptive, which detracts from the ‘story’, but I couldn’t actually figure out what the story was even meant to be about. Very slow moving book, filled with irrelevant interactions and characters. Disappointing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews