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A Caravan Like a Canary
Two road trips. Twenty years apart. Can the memories of a troubled family past finally be put to rest?
When Tara Button's mother asks her to drive the bright yellow family caravan from one end of the state to the other, it's her charming but unreliable brother, Zac, who convinces her it's a good idea. Besides, the road trip might keep Zac out of trouble - and that's always been a second job for Tara.
Tara doesn't expect Zac's enigmatic friend Danh to come along for the ride. Or the bikies that seem to be following them up the coast .
As they travel along the open road, memories of the Buttons' last trip in the caravan engulf Tara, while a rediscovered love for the wild, glorious ocean chips away at her reserve. When forced to face her past, will Tara find the courage to let go and discover her dreams?
When Tara Button's mother asks her to drive the bright yellow family caravan from one end of the state to the other, it's her charming but unreliable brother, Zac, who convinces her it's a good idea. Besides, the road trip might keep Zac out of trouble - and that's always been a second job for Tara.
Tara doesn't expect Zac's enigmatic friend Danh to come along for the ride. Or the bikies that seem to be following them up the coast .
As they travel along the open road, memories of the Buttons' last trip in the caravan engulf Tara, while a rediscovered love for the wild, glorious ocean chips away at her reserve. When forced to face her past, will Tara find the courage to let go and discover her dreams?
451 pages, Paperback
Published March 29, 2022
17 people are currently reading
375 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
September 7, 2022
This book was is hard for me to rate as I didn’t like the way the story line went it was lack.lustre & I couldn’t get invested in the characters what so ever.
It starts with the Button family who owns a yellow Caravan they say it’s like a canary & caravan two siblings & their mother go from one end of australia to the others murder happens accidents etc this was not my cup of tea loved the cover it’s gorgeous.
It starts with the Button family who owns a yellow Caravan they say it’s like a canary & caravan two siblings & their mother go from one end of australia to the others murder happens accidents etc this was not my cup of tea loved the cover it’s gorgeous.
June 30, 2022
Tricky one to review because it is getting so much love and I can only give it like! Something was missing for me and I was never truly engaged by the story or the characters. It must be me though because nearly everyone else who has reviewed it so far was enraptured!
The story is basically a road trip with two siblings who could not be less alike if they tried. It is also a history of old events which led up to the current day, including domestic violence, murder and accidental death. The caravan which starts the trip yellow like a canary is a focal point for all the family's disasters.
If you are considering reading this do not be put off by me. Read all the other happy reviews. Maybe I was just having a bad day.
The story is basically a road trip with two siblings who could not be less alike if they tried. It is also a history of old events which led up to the current day, including domestic violence, murder and accidental death. The caravan which starts the trip yellow like a canary is a focal point for all the family's disasters.
If you are considering reading this do not be put off by me. Read all the other happy reviews. Maybe I was just having a bad day.
March 30, 2022
Tara Button and her brother Zac lived with their Nan in Perth when their mother was unable to care for them, and when Nan eventually died, their mum, who was in Elsewhere, way up north on the Western Australian coast from Perth, asked Tara and Zac to bring her old yellow caravan up to Elsewhere. It was derelict after being in the shed at Nan’s house for twenty years, but when Zac had it fixed, Tara took time off from work and they headed up the coast of WA. Zac’s best friend, Danh, went along for the ride, sharing the driving. But it was the bikies who appeared every now and again, following them, menacing them, that rattled Zac…
Twenty years prior, when Tara and Zac were kids, their mother, along with the baby, Sunny, Tara and Zac, headed north from Perth with the little canary yellow caravan. They stopped at small towns, sometimes for a couple of nights, sometimes for a week. Tara was bothered about not doing any schoolwork, but Zac was thrilled not to be at school. Tara spent most of her time keeping Zac out of trouble, but one thing she knew – she loved the beauty and majesty of the ocean.
Tara’s memories swamped her as she, Zac and Dahn travelled the coastal road. But her worry over Zac continued. What would happen once they reached Elsewhere?
A Caravan Like a Canary by Aussie author Sasha Wasley is a wonderful novel, as it moves back and forth in time, sharing Tara and Zac’s childhood, and the traumas they went through. Current day Tara had had to grow up fast, but Zac was still irresponsible, even as an adult. I liked Danh, enigmatic, calm, respectful, kind – a great friend to both the Button’s. A poignant, memorable contemporary novel, A Caravan Like a Canary is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Pantera Press AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty years prior, when Tara and Zac were kids, their mother, along with the baby, Sunny, Tara and Zac, headed north from Perth with the little canary yellow caravan. They stopped at small towns, sometimes for a couple of nights, sometimes for a week. Tara was bothered about not doing any schoolwork, but Zac was thrilled not to be at school. Tara spent most of her time keeping Zac out of trouble, but one thing she knew – she loved the beauty and majesty of the ocean.
Tara’s memories swamped her as she, Zac and Dahn travelled the coastal road. But her worry over Zac continued. What would happen once they reached Elsewhere?
A Caravan Like a Canary by Aussie author Sasha Wasley is a wonderful novel, as it moves back and forth in time, sharing Tara and Zac’s childhood, and the traumas they went through. Current day Tara had had to grow up fast, but Zac was still irresponsible, even as an adult. I liked Danh, enigmatic, calm, respectful, kind – a great friend to both the Button’s. A poignant, memorable contemporary novel, A Caravan Like a Canary is one I recommend highly.
With thanks to Pantera Press AU for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2022
What an absolutely wonderful book.
Tara and her brother Zac have received a final wish from their Mother who is in a hospice, in the top end of Australia, and whom only has a couple of months left to live, it is for them both to go on a road trip together to deliver to her, her canary yellow caravan. It is a road trip that Tara and Zac had done previously, over 15 years prior with their Mum and their sister Sunny also.
Tara is extremely hesitant, it is an extremely busy time at work for her, with the announcement of a police raid occurring within the next two weeks, which would require all hands on deck. Tara is also in the process of moving into her Nan's house, the caravan also requires a lot of work to be done mechanically and to the body to make it road worthy and registered.
Tara is the steady rock, to her carefree, thrill seeking younger brother Zac. She has always been there for him, when he needed bailing out from the trouble he constantly managed to get himself into. The two of them have always been extremely close, despite their differences in personality types.
Tara however is a scientist, for the police forensic labs in Perth. She has worked hard all her life, put her head down and studied. She has saved money, by being scrupulous, she would take her own vegemite sandwiches for lunch whilst her colleagues, ate out, she would stay home on weekends instead of going to bars, or movies, or shopping for clothes etc.
The road trip with the Canary Yellow Caravan, is one of adventure and excitement, but also comes with suspense and fear. They are on a journey of self discovery, as both siblings learn more about each others personal lives and discover new things about themselves.
They are followed and threatened by a motor cycle gang, and are running for their lives from this threat.
If found this book outstanding. Once I started reading, I found it really difficult to put down.
Thankyou to Pantera Press and Better Reading for providing me with this Advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Please visit my blog and subscribe to see all of my past and future book reviews. https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, entertaining and moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
Tara and her brother Zac have received a final wish from their Mother who is in a hospice, in the top end of Australia, and whom only has a couple of months left to live, it is for them both to go on a road trip together to deliver to her, her canary yellow caravan. It is a road trip that Tara and Zac had done previously, over 15 years prior with their Mum and their sister Sunny also.
Tara is extremely hesitant, it is an extremely busy time at work for her, with the announcement of a police raid occurring within the next two weeks, which would require all hands on deck. Tara is also in the process of moving into her Nan's house, the caravan also requires a lot of work to be done mechanically and to the body to make it road worthy and registered.
Tara is the steady rock, to her carefree, thrill seeking younger brother Zac. She has always been there for him, when he needed bailing out from the trouble he constantly managed to get himself into. The two of them have always been extremely close, despite their differences in personality types.
Tara however is a scientist, for the police forensic labs in Perth. She has worked hard all her life, put her head down and studied. She has saved money, by being scrupulous, she would take her own vegemite sandwiches for lunch whilst her colleagues, ate out, she would stay home on weekends instead of going to bars, or movies, or shopping for clothes etc.
The road trip with the Canary Yellow Caravan, is one of adventure and excitement, but also comes with suspense and fear. They are on a journey of self discovery, as both siblings learn more about each others personal lives and discover new things about themselves.
They are followed and threatened by a motor cycle gang, and are running for their lives from this threat.
If found this book outstanding. Once I started reading, I found it really difficult to put down.
Thankyou to Pantera Press and Better Reading for providing me with this Advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
Please visit my blog and subscribe to see all of my past and future book reviews. https://kyliesbookaddictreviews.blogs...
5 Stars: It was amazing. It was compelling, entertaining and moving and often complex. I will definitely want to read more books by this author
Please visit my blog and follow to see all of my past and future book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/Kylies-Book-...
April 7, 2022
This is the first book that I have read from this author and it won’t be the last, Sasha Wasley has pulled me into this story made me feel so many emotions on this journey I was angry, frustrated, sad so many times while getting to know sister and brother Tara and Zach Button as they retrace a journey that was taken twenty years before and one that changed their lives forever, there were lots of memories some happy, some sad, it is a compelling read, a must read as many emotions are pulled to the surface.
Tara is not overly happy when her mother Tabitha asks her to journey from Perth to the top of Western Australia and return the bright yellow caravan that they travelled in all those years ago and she wants Zac to come as well, Tabitha is not well and really wants to see her two children, Zac pushes Tara to do it, but the caravan needs a lot of work to get back on the road, Zac takes on this task with the help of his friend Danh who is going on the trip with them. And soon they are off on their trip neatly mapped out by Tara so as they will take the fastest route.
The trip doesn’t go as planned with Zac changing directions on one of his driving stints and they appear to have bikies following them which is putting the wind up Zac big time, Tara is trying to get the truth out of Zac and is not happy with his answer, Danh being the friend he is, is doing all he can to help both of them, he is being so supportive. It is soon clear that he has feelings for Tara and there is also the fact that every town they stop in there is some beautiful graffiti art being painted on walls bringing to light some environmental situation that is happening in that town.
As they travel further along the coast many memories are coming back for both Tara and Zac, but with the bikies showing up along the way things are becoming a little too dangerous for Tara, she has always been there for Zac and forever getting him out of problems, what will happen this time will she be able to save him. Danh is the best friend either could have he does all he can to help and he gets closer to Tara.
Tara meanwhile is having a hard time coming to terms with what she wants out of life being close to the beach is pulling at her heartstrings and making her really think about life past and present and of course there is their mother who has something that she needs to tell both Tara and Zac and this could change their lives again.
This is a beautifully written story that had me yelling at Zac getting frustrated with Tara and loving Danh, but Sasha Wasley has done her job as an author so well by getting me so involved in this story, this is one that I would highly recommend, it is a real page turner, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to Pantera Press AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
Tara is not overly happy when her mother Tabitha asks her to journey from Perth to the top of Western Australia and return the bright yellow caravan that they travelled in all those years ago and she wants Zac to come as well, Tabitha is not well and really wants to see her two children, Zac pushes Tara to do it, but the caravan needs a lot of work to get back on the road, Zac takes on this task with the help of his friend Danh who is going on the trip with them. And soon they are off on their trip neatly mapped out by Tara so as they will take the fastest route.
The trip doesn’t go as planned with Zac changing directions on one of his driving stints and they appear to have bikies following them which is putting the wind up Zac big time, Tara is trying to get the truth out of Zac and is not happy with his answer, Danh being the friend he is, is doing all he can to help both of them, he is being so supportive. It is soon clear that he has feelings for Tara and there is also the fact that every town they stop in there is some beautiful graffiti art being painted on walls bringing to light some environmental situation that is happening in that town.
As they travel further along the coast many memories are coming back for both Tara and Zac, but with the bikies showing up along the way things are becoming a little too dangerous for Tara, she has always been there for Zac and forever getting him out of problems, what will happen this time will she be able to save him. Danh is the best friend either could have he does all he can to help and he gets closer to Tara.
Tara meanwhile is having a hard time coming to terms with what she wants out of life being close to the beach is pulling at her heartstrings and making her really think about life past and present and of course there is their mother who has something that she needs to tell both Tara and Zac and this could change their lives again.
This is a beautifully written story that had me yelling at Zac getting frustrated with Tara and loving Danh, but Sasha Wasley has done her job as an author so well by getting me so involved in this story, this is one that I would highly recommend, it is a real page turner, one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
My thanks to Pantera Press AU and Netgalley for my copy to read and review.
April 5, 2022
A Caravan Like A Canary is the second stand-alone novel by Australian author, Sasha Wasley. At her mother’s dying request, Tara Button reluctantly agrees to drive the old yellow caravan up from Perth to Tabby Button’s hospice in Elsewhere. Her younger brother Zac enthusiastically organises a mate to get it roadworthy.
She takes leave from her job in the Police lab and grits her teeth against the memories of the earlier, fateful road trip forced on them by the mother she didn’t initially realise was a fugitive from the law. She’s hoping that she and Zac can reconnect during the long drive, but Zac has invited along said mate. Danh Vo (aka Benny) apparently needs a lift to a job up north, but Tara wonders if he’s rubbernecking at the infamous mother and children.
It seems, though, that they are travelling to the Kimberley in tandem with a pair of rough-looking bikers, and a talented but politically controversial graffiti artist. The bikers are a worry (is she going to have to bail out her unreliable brother yet again?); the guerrilla street art is topical and interesting.
Being in the canary-yellow caravan means that Tara is regularly swamped by memories of their earlier trip, and her mother’s relentless emails add to the emotional burden. Pressure from her unappreciative boss has her wondering why she stays in a job for which she has not an ounce of passion. Attention from Danh has her reassessing not only his motives, but her own life goals.
Wasley gives the reader a tale that features: the potential extremes to which victims of domestic violence might be driven, including taking false identities; the unfortunate consequences of a police pursuit; and the detrimental psychological effect that a stigmatising crime can have on children. It also touches on environmental issues, land rights, land care, marine care and mining practices.
Despite the seriousness of the topics, Wasley manages to relieve the tension with plenty of humour, some of it, naturally, quite dark. And she has a marvellous turn of phrase: when discussion of locally relevant issues brings forth intelligent comment from Danh, while Zac’s contributions fall to the inane and incorrect, Tara feels “It was too exhausting to argue with someone with the energy of a terrier and focus of a goldfish.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
She takes leave from her job in the Police lab and grits her teeth against the memories of the earlier, fateful road trip forced on them by the mother she didn’t initially realise was a fugitive from the law. She’s hoping that she and Zac can reconnect during the long drive, but Zac has invited along said mate. Danh Vo (aka Benny) apparently needs a lift to a job up north, but Tara wonders if he’s rubbernecking at the infamous mother and children.
It seems, though, that they are travelling to the Kimberley in tandem with a pair of rough-looking bikers, and a talented but politically controversial graffiti artist. The bikers are a worry (is she going to have to bail out her unreliable brother yet again?); the guerrilla street art is topical and interesting.
Being in the canary-yellow caravan means that Tara is regularly swamped by memories of their earlier trip, and her mother’s relentless emails add to the emotional burden. Pressure from her unappreciative boss has her wondering why she stays in a job for which she has not an ounce of passion. Attention from Danh has her reassessing not only his motives, but her own life goals.
Wasley gives the reader a tale that features: the potential extremes to which victims of domestic violence might be driven, including taking false identities; the unfortunate consequences of a police pursuit; and the detrimental psychological effect that a stigmatising crime can have on children. It also touches on environmental issues, land rights, land care, marine care and mining practices.
Despite the seriousness of the topics, Wasley manages to relieve the tension with plenty of humour, some of it, naturally, quite dark. And she has a marvellous turn of phrase: when discussion of locally relevant issues brings forth intelligent comment from Danh, while Zac’s contributions fall to the inane and incorrect, Tara feels “It was too exhausting to argue with someone with the energy of a terrier and focus of a goldfish.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Pantera Press.
May 4, 2022
Do read this one, it’s a page turner!
Tabby Button is dying, she is spending her last few months in a hospice in a place called Elsewhere, on the coast of Western Australia.
Tabby has one last, but important request to ask of her daughter Tara.
She has asked Tara to collect her old canary yellow caravan from her grandmother’s house in Perth and drive it to her place in Elsewhere…a drive which will take several days…especially with an old decrepit caravan in tow.
Due to some terrible circumstances they haven’t seen their Mum for quite a few years, so a lengthy road trip with her brother Zac would give them a few days together to catch up before meeting up with their mum again…probably for the last time.
Tabby is adamant that Tara and Zac take the trip together right now, as she doesn’t have much time left.
Tara is concerned she won’t make it in time, Zac on the other hand is blasé, he is in denial about the seriousness of his mother’s condition.
The old caravan holds many not-so-fond memories for Tara and she doesn’t relish the idea of resurrecting it, or its memories, but her ailing mother was insistent and Tara promised to try…given its condition, she’s not confident it will happen anyway.
Tara reluctantly agrees to her mother’s plan but doesn’t believe the old caravan will be up to the task as it has spent the last twenty years or so neglected and concealed beneath a blue plastic tarp in her grandmother’s equally neglected backyard.
To Tara’s relief, a quick inspection by a policeman friend confirms her suspicions and she resolves to leave it behind.
Zac, on the other hand, is very excited at the prospect of a road trip along the old coast road back to WA with his sister and the old canary yellow caravan. Ever the optimist, he thinks it will be great for them to take the old caravan for one last trip.
He convinces his sister that his friend can do a quick but effective restoration job on the van to make it roadworthy enough to pass muster for this trip.
Tara is skeptical because her (mostly insolvent and lackadaisical) younger brother couldn’t pay for such work.
True to his word and to Tara’s surprise, Zac’s friend has the old caravan roadworthy and registered to drive in just a few days. Zac brushes off Tara’s concerns about the efficacy and costs of said work, as Zac promised his friend could come along for the ride…as payment.
Time is running out and Tara has no choice but to trust to fate and so she arranges for time off from work, where her boss reluctantly agrees to give her a minimum of leave days.
Buckle up your seatbelts because here begins a road trip fraught with unanticipated delays and problems, as a lifetime of mysteries, misadventure and shocking surprises begin to reveal themselves with every kilometre travelled in this unfolding drama.
I was not expecting this!
A road trip yes, with a few hiccups along the way certainly…
…maybe even an encounter or two with some dodgy hitch hikers or accommodations…possibly.
But this??!
This story took me to so many unexpected places, both literally and figuratively, that I was compelled to keep turning the pages to find out more.
I admit that I did have some suspicions about Mum’s ulterior motives, but I wasn’t expecting the course of events that Tara and Zac, and their friend Danh would encounter on the way to Elsewhere! Not to mention the backstory!
This was a great read. Full of surprises to the very end…I was a bit deceived by the flowery cover!
A great holiday read.
5⭐️s
Tabby Button is dying, she is spending her last few months in a hospice in a place called Elsewhere, on the coast of Western Australia.
Tabby has one last, but important request to ask of her daughter Tara.
She has asked Tara to collect her old canary yellow caravan from her grandmother’s house in Perth and drive it to her place in Elsewhere…a drive which will take several days…especially with an old decrepit caravan in tow.
Due to some terrible circumstances they haven’t seen their Mum for quite a few years, so a lengthy road trip with her brother Zac would give them a few days together to catch up before meeting up with their mum again…probably for the last time.
Tabby is adamant that Tara and Zac take the trip together right now, as she doesn’t have much time left.
Tara is concerned she won’t make it in time, Zac on the other hand is blasé, he is in denial about the seriousness of his mother’s condition.
The old caravan holds many not-so-fond memories for Tara and she doesn’t relish the idea of resurrecting it, or its memories, but her ailing mother was insistent and Tara promised to try…given its condition, she’s not confident it will happen anyway.
Tara reluctantly agrees to her mother’s plan but doesn’t believe the old caravan will be up to the task as it has spent the last twenty years or so neglected and concealed beneath a blue plastic tarp in her grandmother’s equally neglected backyard.
To Tara’s relief, a quick inspection by a policeman friend confirms her suspicions and she resolves to leave it behind.
Zac, on the other hand, is very excited at the prospect of a road trip along the old coast road back to WA with his sister and the old canary yellow caravan. Ever the optimist, he thinks it will be great for them to take the old caravan for one last trip.
He convinces his sister that his friend can do a quick but effective restoration job on the van to make it roadworthy enough to pass muster for this trip.
Tara is skeptical because her (mostly insolvent and lackadaisical) younger brother couldn’t pay for such work.
True to his word and to Tara’s surprise, Zac’s friend has the old caravan roadworthy and registered to drive in just a few days. Zac brushes off Tara’s concerns about the efficacy and costs of said work, as Zac promised his friend could come along for the ride…as payment.
Time is running out and Tara has no choice but to trust to fate and so she arranges for time off from work, where her boss reluctantly agrees to give her a minimum of leave days.
Buckle up your seatbelts because here begins a road trip fraught with unanticipated delays and problems, as a lifetime of mysteries, misadventure and shocking surprises begin to reveal themselves with every kilometre travelled in this unfolding drama.
I was not expecting this!
A road trip yes, with a few hiccups along the way certainly…
…maybe even an encounter or two with some dodgy hitch hikers or accommodations…possibly.
But this??!
This story took me to so many unexpected places, both literally and figuratively, that I was compelled to keep turning the pages to find out more.
I admit that I did have some suspicions about Mum’s ulterior motives, but I wasn’t expecting the course of events that Tara and Zac, and their friend Danh would encounter on the way to Elsewhere! Not to mention the backstory!
This was a great read. Full of surprises to the very end…I was a bit deceived by the flowery cover!
A great holiday read.
5⭐️s
August 1, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
In West Australian author Sasha Wasley’s second outing in the contemporary fiction drama field, A Caravan Like a Canary is a strong values-based tale. A story of the past, travel, family, trauma, love, residue and adversity, Sasha Wasley’s latest hits all the right notes.
At the centre of this contemporary fiction release from Sasha Wasley is a bright yellow caravan, that closely links a mother and daughter. When Tara Button receives a request from her mother to drive an unmissable yellow caravan across the state, she is not sure what to expect. However, with her brother tagging along, Tara knows she must help her family. Joining Tara and her brother Zac on this unforgettable journey is Zac’s friend Danh and a few bikies. With the town of Elsewhere set as their final resting point, the past catches up with this brother and sister as they try to fend off memories of their last caravan journey together. Will Tara finally put the past to rest and move on towards a settled future?
Fellow successful West Australian author Rachael Johns has described Sasha Wasley’s previous book as a ‘heart grabbing Aussie story’. This is the perfect description and ideal label for Sasha Wasley’s work. A Caravan Like a Canary is a splendid title, that I relied on as a source of respite to take me through a hard-working week.
Structurally, A Caravan Like a Canary is set out well. It alternates between the past and present, revealing a raw, realistic and honest story of family values. Interspersed between the emotional and tender narrative are various communications between the main family members of this novel via email and text. I valued this extra insight into the lives of these colourful personalities. Tara was a fantastic lead character in my eyes and I enjoyed following her caravan pilgrimage. I think I appreciated Tara’s state-wide expedition, as she learnt so much about herself through undertaking this grand adventure. Tara’s West Australian road trip also serves to remind us that it is not always about the final destination, it is the experience itself that makes us stronger. There is much to learn from this reflective slice of fiction from Sasha Wasley.
I expected no less from Sasha Wasley in terms of her setting. In a beautiful tribute to Western Australia, her home state, we are treated to a vividly rendered setting. I loved being a part of this poignant and busy trip. It even inspired me to one day find my own canary yellow caravan to trek around our state in – if I’m lucky! I’m sure West Australian readers will find a connection to Wasley’s well depicted setting, while our national and international friends will definitely be attracted to this book’s location descriptions. It really made the book a memorable read in my eyes.
Wasley embeds some serious and hard-hitting issues in her second contemporary fiction novel. Although there are lighter elements of love and romance, we also gain an insight into the pain, trauma, upset and upheaval that has followed this character set. With plenty of emotional depth, heart and feeling, Wasley knows how to pull at the heartstrings. I was able to fall for A Caravan Like a Canary every second of the way.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty & Lace and Pantera Press.
In West Australian author Sasha Wasley’s second outing in the contemporary fiction drama field, A Caravan Like a Canary is a strong values-based tale. A story of the past, travel, family, trauma, love, residue and adversity, Sasha Wasley’s latest hits all the right notes.
At the centre of this contemporary fiction release from Sasha Wasley is a bright yellow caravan, that closely links a mother and daughter. When Tara Button receives a request from her mother to drive an unmissable yellow caravan across the state, she is not sure what to expect. However, with her brother tagging along, Tara knows she must help her family. Joining Tara and her brother Zac on this unforgettable journey is Zac’s friend Danh and a few bikies. With the town of Elsewhere set as their final resting point, the past catches up with this brother and sister as they try to fend off memories of their last caravan journey together. Will Tara finally put the past to rest and move on towards a settled future?
Fellow successful West Australian author Rachael Johns has described Sasha Wasley’s previous book as a ‘heart grabbing Aussie story’. This is the perfect description and ideal label for Sasha Wasley’s work. A Caravan Like a Canary is a splendid title, that I relied on as a source of respite to take me through a hard-working week.
Structurally, A Caravan Like a Canary is set out well. It alternates between the past and present, revealing a raw, realistic and honest story of family values. Interspersed between the emotional and tender narrative are various communications between the main family members of this novel via email and text. I valued this extra insight into the lives of these colourful personalities. Tara was a fantastic lead character in my eyes and I enjoyed following her caravan pilgrimage. I think I appreciated Tara’s state-wide expedition, as she learnt so much about herself through undertaking this grand adventure. Tara’s West Australian road trip also serves to remind us that it is not always about the final destination, it is the experience itself that makes us stronger. There is much to learn from this reflective slice of fiction from Sasha Wasley.
I expected no less from Sasha Wasley in terms of her setting. In a beautiful tribute to Western Australia, her home state, we are treated to a vividly rendered setting. I loved being a part of this poignant and busy trip. It even inspired me to one day find my own canary yellow caravan to trek around our state in – if I’m lucky! I’m sure West Australian readers will find a connection to Wasley’s well depicted setting, while our national and international friends will definitely be attracted to this book’s location descriptions. It really made the book a memorable read in my eyes.
Wasley embeds some serious and hard-hitting issues in her second contemporary fiction novel. Although there are lighter elements of love and romance, we also gain an insight into the pain, trauma, upset and upheaval that has followed this character set. With plenty of emotional depth, heart and feeling, Wasley knows how to pull at the heartstrings. I was able to fall for A Caravan Like a Canary every second of the way.
*Please note that a free copy of this book was provided to me for review purposes through Beauty & Lace and Pantera Press.
May 23, 2022
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**4.5 stars**
A Caravan Like a Canary by Sasha Wasley. (2022).
When Tara's mother asks her to drive the bright yellow family caravan from one end of the state to the other, her charming but unreliable brother Zac convinces her to do it. It might keep Zac out of trouble which is Tara's second job. Tara doesn't expect Zac's enigmatic friend Danh to be coming though, or the bikies that seem to be following them... As they travel, memories of their last trip in the caravan engulf Tara, while a rediscovered love for the wild, glorious ocean chips away at her reserve. When forced to face her past, will she find the courage to let go and discover her dreams?
I have loved all of the books I've read by this author, and this novel is no exception. I would describe it as a contemporary domestic drama that is easy to read despite the serious topics it deals with. I think most readers will find Tara likeable and when her full history is revealed it's quite heartbreaking. Her brother Zac I had mixed feelings on as it was clear he loved Tara but also he seemed really selfish and fairly childish at times in my opinion. The ride up the coast is certainly an eventful one by any definition with some humour, a bit of romance, emotional reminiscing and memories, and a whole lot of drama that makes for compelling reading.
Overall: happily and highly recommend this fantastic novel!
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**4.5 stars**
A Caravan Like a Canary by Sasha Wasley. (2022).
When Tara's mother asks her to drive the bright yellow family caravan from one end of the state to the other, her charming but unreliable brother Zac convinces her to do it. It might keep Zac out of trouble which is Tara's second job. Tara doesn't expect Zac's enigmatic friend Danh to be coming though, or the bikies that seem to be following them... As they travel, memories of their last trip in the caravan engulf Tara, while a rediscovered love for the wild, glorious ocean chips away at her reserve. When forced to face her past, will she find the courage to let go and discover her dreams?
I have loved all of the books I've read by this author, and this novel is no exception. I would describe it as a contemporary domestic drama that is easy to read despite the serious topics it deals with. I think most readers will find Tara likeable and when her full history is revealed it's quite heartbreaking. Her brother Zac I had mixed feelings on as it was clear he loved Tara but also he seemed really selfish and fairly childish at times in my opinion. The ride up the coast is certainly an eventful one by any definition with some humour, a bit of romance, emotional reminiscing and memories, and a whole lot of drama that makes for compelling reading.
Overall: happily and highly recommend this fantastic novel!
June 14, 2022
A Caravan Like A Canary is the second stand-alone novel by Australian author, Sasha Wasley. The audio version is narrated by Cecelia Ramsdale. At her mother’s dying request, Tara Button reluctantly agrees to drive the old yellow caravan up from Perth to Tabby Button’s hospice in Elsewhere. Her younger brother Zac enthusiastically organises a mate to get it roadworthy.
She takes leave from her job in the Police lab and grits her teeth against the memories of the earlier, fateful road trip forced on them by the mother she didn’t initially realise was a fugitive from the law. She’s hoping that she and Zac can reconnect during the long drive, but Zac has invited along said mate. Danh Vo (aka Benny) apparently needs a lift to a job up north, but Tara wonders if he’s rubbernecking at the infamous mother and children.
It seems, though, that they are travelling to the Kimberley in tandem with a pair of rough-looking bikers, and a talented but politically controversial graffiti artist. The bikers are a worry (is she going to have to bail out her unreliable brother yet again?); the guerrilla street art is topical and interesting.
Being in the canary-yellow caravan means that Tara is regularly swamped by memories of their earlier trip, and her mother’s relentless emails add to the emotional burden. Pressure from her unappreciative boss has her wondering why she stays in a job for which she has not an ounce of passion. Attention from Danh has her reassessing not only his motives, but her own life goals.
Wasley gives the reader a tale that features: the potential extremes to which victims of domestic violence might be driven, including taking false identities; the unfortunate consequences of a police pursuit; and the detrimental psychological effect that a stigmatising crime can have on children. It also touches on environmental issues, land rights, land care, marine care and mining practices.
Despite the seriousness of the topics, Wasley manages to relieve the tension with plenty of humour, some of it, naturally, quite dark. And she has a marvellous turn of phrase: when discussion of locally relevant issues brings forth intelligent comment from Danh, while Zac’s contributions fall to the inane and incorrect, Tara feels “It was too exhausting to argue with someone with the energy of a terrier and focus of a goldfish.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read.
She takes leave from her job in the Police lab and grits her teeth against the memories of the earlier, fateful road trip forced on them by the mother she didn’t initially realise was a fugitive from the law. She’s hoping that she and Zac can reconnect during the long drive, but Zac has invited along said mate. Danh Vo (aka Benny) apparently needs a lift to a job up north, but Tara wonders if he’s rubbernecking at the infamous mother and children.
It seems, though, that they are travelling to the Kimberley in tandem with a pair of rough-looking bikers, and a talented but politically controversial graffiti artist. The bikers are a worry (is she going to have to bail out her unreliable brother yet again?); the guerrilla street art is topical and interesting.
Being in the canary-yellow caravan means that Tara is regularly swamped by memories of their earlier trip, and her mother’s relentless emails add to the emotional burden. Pressure from her unappreciative boss has her wondering why she stays in a job for which she has not an ounce of passion. Attention from Danh has her reassessing not only his motives, but her own life goals.
Wasley gives the reader a tale that features: the potential extremes to which victims of domestic violence might be driven, including taking false identities; the unfortunate consequences of a police pursuit; and the detrimental psychological effect that a stigmatising crime can have on children. It also touches on environmental issues, land rights, land care, marine care and mining practices.
Despite the seriousness of the topics, Wasley manages to relieve the tension with plenty of humour, some of it, naturally, quite dark. And she has a marvellous turn of phrase: when discussion of locally relevant issues brings forth intelligent comment from Danh, while Zac’s contributions fall to the inane and incorrect, Tara feels “It was too exhausting to argue with someone with the energy of a terrier and focus of a goldfish.” Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is a brilliant read.
October 30, 2022
I love reading books that are centered around road trips I find them very entertaining and a delight to read as was this book.
A Caravan Like a Canary by Aussie author Sasha Wasley is a fabulous and beautifully written book. This book takes the reader on a journey unlike any other. Road trips always bring out memories, some good and some not so good that are shared between families and friends, including family secrets that might’ve been hidden for years.
I loved this book from start to finish and I must make mention of the gorgeous cover which is very eye-catching. Highly recommended.
A Caravan Like a Canary by Aussie author Sasha Wasley is a fabulous and beautifully written book. This book takes the reader on a journey unlike any other. Road trips always bring out memories, some good and some not so good that are shared between families and friends, including family secrets that might’ve been hidden for years.
I loved this book from start to finish and I must make mention of the gorgeous cover which is very eye-catching. Highly recommended.
May 8, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Sasha Wasley has given us yet another wonderful story, A Caravan Like a Canary will make you feel a variety of emotions. A story of two road trips set twenty years apart towing the very same canary yellow caravan.
When Tara Button’s dying mother desperately requests Tara to to deliver to her the ageing and derelict caravan that they all travelled in years ago, Zac her unreliable and carefree brother convinces his sister it will be a great trip.
They set off from Perth along the west coast of Australia to her mothers hospice in Elsewhere. Danh, Zac’s best friend also comes along for the ride and they all agree to share the driving. Danh is a kind, respectful and calming character that I really liked.
The road trip doesn’t go exactly as planned, they need to go the fastest route as their mother has only days left to live and it seems bikies may be following them.
We’re taken on a trip of suspense and adventure with memories of a troubled past, trauma and complex family relationships. Zac shows how irresponsible he still is as an adult and gosh does he make me angry and frustrated!
I loved the coastal locations along the way most of all, the beautiful descriptive landscapes and oceans sounded amazing.
Publication Date 29 March 2022
Publisher Pantera Press
Thank you 🙏🏻 Pantera Press for a copy of the book to read and review
Sasha Wasley has given us yet another wonderful story, A Caravan Like a Canary will make you feel a variety of emotions. A story of two road trips set twenty years apart towing the very same canary yellow caravan.
When Tara Button’s dying mother desperately requests Tara to to deliver to her the ageing and derelict caravan that they all travelled in years ago, Zac her unreliable and carefree brother convinces his sister it will be a great trip.
They set off from Perth along the west coast of Australia to her mothers hospice in Elsewhere. Danh, Zac’s best friend also comes along for the ride and they all agree to share the driving. Danh is a kind, respectful and calming character that I really liked.
The road trip doesn’t go exactly as planned, they need to go the fastest route as their mother has only days left to live and it seems bikies may be following them.
We’re taken on a trip of suspense and adventure with memories of a troubled past, trauma and complex family relationships. Zac shows how irresponsible he still is as an adult and gosh does he make me angry and frustrated!
I loved the coastal locations along the way most of all, the beautiful descriptive landscapes and oceans sounded amazing.
Publication Date 29 March 2022
Publisher Pantera Press
Thank you 🙏🏻 Pantera Press for a copy of the book to read and review
May 5, 2025
A poignant character-driven, contemporary drama, featuring two road trips, twenty years apart.
Tara is asked to undertake a road trip with her charming, yet irresponsible brother Zac, to deliver the canary yellow caravan from Perth to their terminally ill mother, in Elsewhere, located in Northern Western Australia. They embark on a road trip from one end of Western Australia, to the other, that is filled with menacing adventures, and reflections on a similar road trip undertaken in their childhood.
I enjoyed this tale of family, and the lifelong impacts of childhood experiences, as well as the incredible Western Australian setting.
Tara is asked to undertake a road trip with her charming, yet irresponsible brother Zac, to deliver the canary yellow caravan from Perth to their terminally ill mother, in Elsewhere, located in Northern Western Australia. They embark on a road trip from one end of Western Australia, to the other, that is filled with menacing adventures, and reflections on a similar road trip undertaken in their childhood.
I enjoyed this tale of family, and the lifelong impacts of childhood experiences, as well as the incredible Western Australian setting.
March 30, 2022
Another fantastic novel from Sasha Wasley! I felt so many different emotions during the reading of this book. The characters were all so real and their stories did hurt my heart a little, but ultimately this book left me feeling uplifted.
The way this story revealed itself was a bit like a puzzle. The back story is not told chronologically and the timeline jumps around to different points in the protagonist, Tara’s teens & 20s. I think this was a real strength of the book as it really deepened the mystery & as the story slowly revealed itself, the characters & the book developed a real depth.
The story had quite a few twists and turns and I was absolutely there for the ride - though I would not want to travel with a character like Zac in real life!
I’ll admit the ‘interrupted road trip’ trope usually makes me a bit anxious & frustrated but there was something about this book, perhaps the beautiful landscapes, the communities, or Danh’s calming presence that made me enjoy the detours along the way.
Covering some very contemporary issues, from climate change and modern activism to addiction and domestic & family violence, this is a story about complex family relationships and self-discovery following trauma. Though it has some heavy content, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and some moments truly made my heart soar.
Congrats Sasha Wasley on another excellent and engaging read!
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The way this story revealed itself was a bit like a puzzle. The back story is not told chronologically and the timeline jumps around to different points in the protagonist, Tara’s teens & 20s. I think this was a real strength of the book as it really deepened the mystery & as the story slowly revealed itself, the characters & the book developed a real depth.
The story had quite a few twists and turns and I was absolutely there for the ride - though I would not want to travel with a character like Zac in real life!
I’ll admit the ‘interrupted road trip’ trope usually makes me a bit anxious & frustrated but there was something about this book, perhaps the beautiful landscapes, the communities, or Danh’s calming presence that made me enjoy the detours along the way.
Covering some very contemporary issues, from climate change and modern activism to addiction and domestic & family violence, this is a story about complex family relationships and self-discovery following trauma. Though it has some heavy content, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read and some moments truly made my heart soar.
Congrats Sasha Wasley on another excellent and engaging read!
Thank you to the publisher for a gifted copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2022
What a great book. Wasley has crafted a beautiful and engaging piece of writing that captures the beauty of the Australian landscape, as well as providing an original commentary on family and responsibility.
Not only was this book written beautifully, but it kept me engaged until the very last page. I loved following Natasha’s journey, and I didn’t see a single twist coming. Wasley’s characters were deep and complex and her unique way of approaching important issues was very effective.
I gave this book 4/5 stars and would definitely recommend for readers that are 15+ and love a good general fiction.
In saying this, as the book was based on true events it felt a little inconclusive for me. Without spoilers, I felt that there was no real climax to the story and it just kind of fizzled out towards the end. However, it is absolutely worth the read, especially for all my historical fiction lovers. I gave it 3.5/5 stars, and I’d recommend it to 15+ readers who love a good story and a bit of history.
Not only was this book written beautifully, but it kept me engaged until the very last page. I loved following Natasha’s journey, and I didn’t see a single twist coming. Wasley’s characters were deep and complex and her unique way of approaching important issues was very effective.
I gave this book 4/5 stars and would definitely recommend for readers that are 15+ and love a good general fiction.
In saying this, as the book was based on true events it felt a little inconclusive for me. Without spoilers, I felt that there was no real climax to the story and it just kind of fizzled out towards the end. However, it is absolutely worth the read, especially for all my historical fiction lovers. I gave it 3.5/5 stars, and I’d recommend it to 15+ readers who love a good story and a bit of history.
July 13, 2022
What a beautiful, sensitive, heart wrenching, emotive read. Definitely worth the uncomfortableness. I don’t know what I was expecting, I’m a Sasha Wasley fan; but this just superseded every expectation. Their childhood is just so bloody tragic, one that we really need to talk about as a society. Books like this make that conversation possible. I was right beside Tara with her blue pencil case, white knuckling her way through life. I could completely empathise with Zac dream of a beach in Indonesia and “energy of a terrier and focus of a goldfish”. And Danh..ahhh I loved him. This book deals so well with environmental issues, domestic violence, PTSD..you wouldn’t think it would also be a beautiful roadtrip full of sunsets, seals and surf. Definitely one I won’t ever forget
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August 24, 2022Sasha Wasley has a real knack for making readers empathise with her characters. In Caravan Like A Canary, we go on an action-packed road trip with Tara and Zac Button, learning of their harrowing past and cheering them on as they drive towards a brighter future. If you're looking for a book that'll make you learn, feel, grieve and laugh - often in the same page - then you'll be right at home with Sasha's poignant stories. Head to my website to read an interview with Sasha for Romance Writers Australia - https://www.mayalinnell.com/post/sash...
May 4, 2022
It starts and ends with a Road trip, the first and last being twenty years apart. Jumping back on the road stirs up memories from a time Tara has managed to burry.
When Tara’s mother asks her to drive their bright yellow caravan from one end of the state to another Tara knows it is a bad idea but her very charming brother manages to convince her to come along and spend some quality time together. Tara knows that means keeping an eye on her brother and keeping him out of trouble.
What Tara didn’t account for was Danh, Zac’s mate joining the road trip or the delightful bikes that catch up to them.
The open road brings back the good and the bad memories made along the coast, it’s also an opportunity to bond with her brother and realign with the things Tara once loved.
I adored my first Sasha Wasleynovel Spring Clean for the Peach Queen and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Caravan like a Canary. I devoured in a two days. Wasley has a way of building such an incredible world and somehow before you know it you’ve devoured almost 500 pages. There’s a Yellow (silver) lining to every story.
You simply fall in love with these Tara and Zac and genuinely sympathise with them over their history when you see the effect its has on their lives growing up. If you love a good Aussie contemporary novel this one’s highly recommended.
When Tara’s mother asks her to drive their bright yellow caravan from one end of the state to another Tara knows it is a bad idea but her very charming brother manages to convince her to come along and spend some quality time together. Tara knows that means keeping an eye on her brother and keeping him out of trouble.
What Tara didn’t account for was Danh, Zac’s mate joining the road trip or the delightful bikes that catch up to them.
The open road brings back the good and the bad memories made along the coast, it’s also an opportunity to bond with her brother and realign with the things Tara once loved.
I adored my first Sasha Wasleynovel Spring Clean for the Peach Queen and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on A Caravan like a Canary. I devoured in a two days. Wasley has a way of building such an incredible world and somehow before you know it you’ve devoured almost 500 pages. There’s a Yellow (silver) lining to every story.
You simply fall in love with these Tara and Zac and genuinely sympathise with them over their history when you see the effect its has on their lives growing up. If you love a good Aussie contemporary novel this one’s highly recommended.
March 29, 2022
What a wonderful book, loved the authors previous novel ‘Spring Clean for the Peach Queen’ and this was just as good.
Tara Button has been asked by her mother to bring the family caravan up to Elsewhere. The bright yellow van has been sitting behind the shed at her grandmothers place for the last 20 years, since it went on its last family trip to Elsewhere. Tara can’t understand why especially since her Mum is a hospice for palliative care and it’s a trip she really doesn’t want to do. Accompanied by her brother Zac and his friend Danh the trip is recreated but not without its troubles and secrets.
Told beautifully in dual timelines of 20 years apart, we learn of the family’s troubled past. The past is also revealed in the present via emails to Tara from her mother. Each character comes to life, I loved Tara’s growth, her brother Zac has his own ways of coping with the past and he’s one I was was so exasperated with but you couldn’t help but like him. I also loved how loyal his friends were but Danh, who is a quiet thinker, has his own reasons for coming on the trip.
This was a book that made me feel all the emotions and that is what I love in a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
Tara Button has been asked by her mother to bring the family caravan up to Elsewhere. The bright yellow van has been sitting behind the shed at her grandmothers place for the last 20 years, since it went on its last family trip to Elsewhere. Tara can’t understand why especially since her Mum is a hospice for palliative care and it’s a trip she really doesn’t want to do. Accompanied by her brother Zac and his friend Danh the trip is recreated but not without its troubles and secrets.
Told beautifully in dual timelines of 20 years apart, we learn of the family’s troubled past. The past is also revealed in the present via emails to Tara from her mother. Each character comes to life, I loved Tara’s growth, her brother Zac has his own ways of coping with the past and he’s one I was was so exasperated with but you couldn’t help but like him. I also loved how loyal his friends were but Danh, who is a quiet thinker, has his own reasons for coming on the trip.
This was a book that made me feel all the emotions and that is what I love in a book.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read
April 2, 2022
Oh this book is simply divine! It has alllll the feels and is quite simply a must read, I loved it!!
Tara Button has been asked to drive the old family caravan from one end of the state to the other and deliver it to her terminally ill mother. The bright yellow caravan has been sitting dilapidated in the backyard of Tara’s grandmother’s house for the past 20 years… and it is the caravan that contains painful memories from the last trip the Button family took.
This is the story of two road trips, twenty years apart and the heartfelt journey of this beautiful little family as they rediscover themselves along the way…
This gorgeous book made me smile as I read, laugh out loud, and brought tears to my eyes. It was inspiring and thought provoking, sad and sweet. A story that stays on your mind and brings joy to your heart. I highly recommend this charming, heartfelt and simply beautiful book!
Tara Button has been asked to drive the old family caravan from one end of the state to the other and deliver it to her terminally ill mother. The bright yellow caravan has been sitting dilapidated in the backyard of Tara’s grandmother’s house for the past 20 years… and it is the caravan that contains painful memories from the last trip the Button family took.
This is the story of two road trips, twenty years apart and the heartfelt journey of this beautiful little family as they rediscover themselves along the way…
This gorgeous book made me smile as I read, laugh out loud, and brought tears to my eyes. It was inspiring and thought provoking, sad and sweet. A story that stays on your mind and brings joy to your heart. I highly recommend this charming, heartfelt and simply beautiful book!
January 12, 2023
There’s a lot going on in this book… a lot of DV, CPTSD, possible ADHD…. Bikies, drugs, disfunctional families…
It is redemptive thankfully!
It is redemptive thankfully!
July 31, 2024
4.5 ⭐ I really liked this book. I wish Goodreads would allow half stars.
December 18, 2022
Tara Button’s mother has terminal cancer - her dying wish is for Tara to drive the family’s old canary yellow caravan to her - a trip of around 2000km. Her unreliable brother Zac accompanies her. Zac is the reason I have only given this novel 3 stars - he is annoying, self-centred and irresponsible and irritated me as I read. Nevertheless there are some interesting aspects to the story.
March 22, 2022
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this. I've read Sasha Wasley's previous book, Spring Clean for the Peach Queen and loved it. I was expecting something similar, but this book is completely different. This book will take your heart and twist it in so many directions, finishing it will be all you think about.
Zac; you like him and dislike him at the same time. Danh is precious and written perfectly. Tara is just amazingly resilient and those flashbacks to when she was young... oh so heart-breaking.
It saddens me to know that this book accurately describes the issues that Australia is facing right now. The environment, the big corporations, the domestic violence and the alcoholism.
A very emotional read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this. I've read Sasha Wasley's previous book, Spring Clean for the Peach Queen and loved it. I was expecting something similar, but this book is completely different. This book will take your heart and twist it in so many directions, finishing it will be all you think about.
Zac; you like him and dislike him at the same time. Danh is precious and written perfectly. Tara is just amazingly resilient and those flashbacks to when she was young... oh so heart-breaking.
It saddens me to know that this book accurately describes the issues that Australia is facing right now. The environment, the big corporations, the domestic violence and the alcoholism.
A very emotional read.
May 19, 2022
Well! I feel like I’ve just been on a road trip up through Western Australia. The story telling and details in this book were nothing short of spectacular. I knew I’d love this book, but I didn’t realise it would also be SO different to what I was expecting.
The story of the Button family was like nothing I’d read before. There were so many heavy topics discussed, important and pivotal moments, and quite eye-opening thoughts. I enjoyed the story timeline being not just current, but also taking us back to different years in the characters’ childhoods and early adulthoods. This slowly but surely developed a clear understanding of exactly what had brought the characters to be themselves.
What a book! If you’re after a beautiful and heartfelt book with lots of emotion, definitely check this one out!
Thank you to Pantera Press who gifted me this book, in exchange for my review.
The story of the Button family was like nothing I’d read before. There were so many heavy topics discussed, important and pivotal moments, and quite eye-opening thoughts. I enjoyed the story timeline being not just current, but also taking us back to different years in the characters’ childhoods and early adulthoods. This slowly but surely developed a clear understanding of exactly what had brought the characters to be themselves.
What a book! If you’re after a beautiful and heartfelt book with lots of emotion, definitely check this one out!
Thank you to Pantera Press who gifted me this book, in exchange for my review.
May 17, 2022
I really liked this story.
Dark themes including child abuse.
Very realistic which I enjoyed. Morally Grey characters.
4 star listen.
No smut, I’d calm this chic lit.
Enjoyable.
Dark themes including child abuse.
Very realistic which I enjoyed. Morally Grey characters.
4 star listen.
No smut, I’d calm this chic lit.
Enjoyable.
September 22, 2022
Loads of baggage, an absolutely impossible brother, and a secretive man who has always loved you… the ingredients of an Aussie road trip like no other.
January 8, 2024
Like a number of other readers, I found this book difficult to review/rate. The premise is good - two siblings road tripping towing a canary yellow caravan to their mother. The trip is replicating (to a degree) a road trip done 20 years earlier. Something just didn’t quite work for me. Although I admit that might relate to the reason for the earlier road trip and as each chapter progressed, finding out more and more about the not so pleasant past of the characters lives.
July 14, 2022
Tara Button comes from a traumatic childhood. She learnt from a early age that by staying out of trouble and by being a good person, a good employee, working hard, earning money she could be happy. But is she happy?
While her Zac Button had the same traumatic childhood, Zac has spent his years trying to forget by drinking and doing drugs. Never been able to hold down a job, his sister has had to bail him out of any trouble.
Their mother who move to Elsewhere in northern WA, is now spending her days in hospices, she has asked Tara and Zac to bring her a rusted, beat up yellow caravan.
Tara reluctantly agrees. She tries to get the caravan to her. Knowing the chances are slim, however once Zac gets involved he 'magically' get the caravan roadworthy with the help.
The trip to Elsewhere is one they have done before with her mother and baby sister Sonny. As they travel up the scenic coastal road, Tara relives buried memories, rediscovers herself all while finding a deeper understanding for brother and mother.
This novel is one full of unexpected twists, heartbreak, suspense and unconditional love. A Caravan like a Canary was a pleasure to read, while i excepted a road trip with a few mishaps, breakdowns,
disagreement or two. I didn't expect this, my heart fall to my stomach at the realization why Sonny never left Elsewhere.
Tara proves that the 'right way' isn't always right for you, it can even deny you true happiness.
Sasha Walsey is a wonderful author, her second novel hasn't disappointed. I looking forward to future novels.
Find more of my reviews at www.aimeeauthor.com.au
While her Zac Button had the same traumatic childhood, Zac has spent his years trying to forget by drinking and doing drugs. Never been able to hold down a job, his sister has had to bail him out of any trouble.
Their mother who move to Elsewhere in northern WA, is now spending her days in hospices, she has asked Tara and Zac to bring her a rusted, beat up yellow caravan.
Tara reluctantly agrees. She tries to get the caravan to her. Knowing the chances are slim, however once Zac gets involved he 'magically' get the caravan roadworthy with the help.
The trip to Elsewhere is one they have done before with her mother and baby sister Sonny. As they travel up the scenic coastal road, Tara relives buried memories, rediscovers herself all while finding a deeper understanding for brother and mother.
This novel is one full of unexpected twists, heartbreak, suspense and unconditional love. A Caravan like a Canary was a pleasure to read, while i excepted a road trip with a few mishaps, breakdowns,
disagreement or two. I didn't expect this, my heart fall to my stomach at the realization why Sonny never left Elsewhere.
Tara proves that the 'right way' isn't always right for you, it can even deny you true happiness.
Sasha Walsey is a wonderful author, her second novel hasn't disappointed. I looking forward to future novels.
Find more of my reviews at www.aimeeauthor.com.au
November 4, 2022
Sasha never disappoints!
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