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Bellevue
New South Wales, 1972. Following the death of her beloved Aunt Hilda, widow Clare Barclay inherits Bellevue, an historic property in the Blue Mountains township of Numballa, Australia.
Giving up her teaching job to move to the mountains, Clare plans to restore the house to its original glory. She also hopes to track down a box of missing documents that may shed light on why husband Jack secretly second-mortgaged their former home.
Clare makes friends with the locals, including a young boy, Joe, and soon hears of plans to redevelop Numbulla and to exploit the land bordering the protected wilderness area. As she joins the protest against the rezoning, it's clear someone doesn't want her there and they'll do anything to stop her...
Written from Clare's and Joe's perspectives, Bellevue highlights cross-generational bonds that grow between them as they struggle, individually and together, towards an acceptance of the losses each has sustained.
Giving up her teaching job to move to the mountains, Clare plans to restore the house to its original glory. She also hopes to track down a box of missing documents that may shed light on why husband Jack secretly second-mortgaged their former home.
Clare makes friends with the locals, including a young boy, Joe, and soon hears of plans to redevelop Numbulla and to exploit the land bordering the protected wilderness area. As she joins the protest against the rezoning, it's clear someone doesn't want her there and they'll do anything to stop her...
Written from Clare's and Joe's perspectives, Bellevue highlights cross-generational bonds that grow between them as they struggle, individually and together, towards an acceptance of the losses each has sustained.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
323 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2023
36 people want to read
About the author
Alison Booth
9 books42 followersAlison Booth's sixth novel, The Painting, was published by RedDoor Press in July 2021. Set in Sydney and Cold War Budapest, The Painting is a compelling story of a traumatised young woman who confronts her family’s past in a quest for a stolen painting. See: https://www.alisonbooth.net/single-po... . Read early industry reviews here: https://www.alisonbooth.net/single-po...
Booth's fifth novel, The Philosopher's Daughters, takes place in1890s London and outback Australia. Published by RedDoor Press in April 2020, it has been described as 'wonderfully evocative' (The Canberra Times), 'a page-turner in the best sense' (Newtown Review of Books), and 'A beautifully immersive story celebrating a journey into the wonderful landscape of Australia with intriguing characters that wrestle with its wildness and their own self-discovery' (The Reading Desk).
Alison's fourth novel A Perfect Marriage, was published by RedDoor in March 2018. 'A cleverly-constructed story' (Sydney Morning Herald) of love, family and secrets, this domestic noir novel is structured tround dual timelines that represent 'an intricate plaiting of past and present that both tantalises and beguiles' (Marion Halligan).
Alison’s dazzling debut novel, the best-selling Stillwater Creek, is set in a beautiful NSW coastal village and is an unforgettable, heart-warming novel about love and loss, betrayal and hope. Published by Random House Australia in 2010, it was Highly Commended in the 2011 ACT Book of the Year Award. Her best-selling second book, The Indigo Sky - a bighearted tale of family and friendships - followed a year later. The enchanting Jingera trilogy concluded with the publication in June 2012 of A Distant Land, a heart-rending but life-affirming story of love and the callous twists of fate.
Born in Melbourne and brought up in Sydney Australia, Alison obtained her PhD from the London School of Economics. Until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she divided her time between the Australian National University and the UK. Over the years, she has published a number of short stories, as well as many academic journal articles and several nonfiction books.
Learn more about Alison Booth's fiction at: http://www.alisonbooth.net/ and about her academic work at: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/resear...
Booth's fifth novel, The Philosopher's Daughters, takes place in1890s London and outback Australia. Published by RedDoor Press in April 2020, it has been described as 'wonderfully evocative' (The Canberra Times), 'a page-turner in the best sense' (Newtown Review of Books), and 'A beautifully immersive story celebrating a journey into the wonderful landscape of Australia with intriguing characters that wrestle with its wildness and their own self-discovery' (The Reading Desk).
Alison's fourth novel A Perfect Marriage, was published by RedDoor in March 2018. 'A cleverly-constructed story' (Sydney Morning Herald) of love, family and secrets, this domestic noir novel is structured tround dual timelines that represent 'an intricate plaiting of past and present that both tantalises and beguiles' (Marion Halligan).
Alison’s dazzling debut novel, the best-selling Stillwater Creek, is set in a beautiful NSW coastal village and is an unforgettable, heart-warming novel about love and loss, betrayal and hope. Published by Random House Australia in 2010, it was Highly Commended in the 2011 ACT Book of the Year Award. Her best-selling second book, The Indigo Sky - a bighearted tale of family and friendships - followed a year later. The enchanting Jingera trilogy concluded with the publication in June 2012 of A Distant Land, a heart-rending but life-affirming story of love and the callous twists of fate.
Born in Melbourne and brought up in Sydney Australia, Alison obtained her PhD from the London School of Economics. Until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, she divided her time between the Australian National University and the UK. Over the years, she has published a number of short stories, as well as many academic journal articles and several nonfiction books.
Learn more about Alison Booth's fiction at: http://www.alisonbooth.net/ and about her academic work at: https://researchers.anu.edu.au/resear...
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 9, 2023
Clare Barclay's retirement from teaching in Sydney, and her move to the small village of Numballa in the Blue Mountains, gave her a sense of calm, of peace. Clare took up residence in Bellevue, left to her by her Aunt Hilda who'd died a few months prior and while she knew there was work to do around the beautiful old place, Clare knew she would turn it back into the wonderful, historic home it had always been. Clare's daughter Sophie was overseas working and she missed her; the postcards she regularly received were a joy. She also hoped to find a box of paperwork Hilda had kept for her which could enlighten her on her husband's life before he died.
Soon Clare was friendly with quite a few of the locals, including bird lover and budding artist, ten year old Joe. But it wasn't long before Clare was being pressured to sell Bellevue and she knew she never would. The real estate person smugly told her about the rezoning; the murmuring she heard to redevelop Numballa and the vast and beautiful wilderness surrounding them - all made her angry. When Clare joined the locals in the protest, taking it to the Planning & Environment Minister in Sydney, strange things began to happen. Who didn't want the protest to go ahead? Why was someone trying to scare Clare?
Bellevue is another impressive novel from the pen of Aussie author Alison Booth which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia, I could see the picturesque valleys with their native birds and animals, the mountains surrounding the towns with their tinge of blue - it's a beautiful area, and Ms Booth depicted it perfectly. The characters were well portrayed, as is usual for this author. I've enjoyed all Ms Booth's books, and highly recommend Bellevue as another success.
With thanks to RedDoor Publishing and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Soon Clare was friendly with quite a few of the locals, including bird lover and budding artist, ten year old Joe. But it wasn't long before Clare was being pressured to sell Bellevue and she knew she never would. The real estate person smugly told her about the rezoning; the murmuring she heard to redevelop Numballa and the vast and beautiful wilderness surrounding them - all made her angry. When Clare joined the locals in the protest, taking it to the Planning & Environment Minister in Sydney, strange things began to happen. Who didn't want the protest to go ahead? Why was someone trying to scare Clare?
Bellevue is another impressive novel from the pen of Aussie author Alison Booth which I thoroughly enjoyed. Set in the Blue Mountains in NSW, Australia, I could see the picturesque valleys with their native birds and animals, the mountains surrounding the towns with their tinge of blue - it's a beautiful area, and Ms Booth depicted it perfectly. The characters were well portrayed, as is usual for this author. I've enjoyed all Ms Booth's books, and highly recommend Bellevue as another success.
With thanks to RedDoor Publishing and the author for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
“Outside, the lawn was thick with frost that crackled underfoot, and the breeze, swishing through the treetops, sounded like distant traffic. On the far side of the dark valley, the plateau was rimmed with gold overlaid with mauve. Above this arched the pale and cloudless sky.”
Bellevue is the seventh novel by best-selling Australian author, Alison Booth. Clare Barclay has nothing but happy memories of Bellevue, so when Aunt Hilda leaves the Blue Mountains property to her in her will, she doesn’t hesitate to quit her teaching position in Leichhardt and move to Numbulla. It will need a lot of work, but that doesn’t discourage her.
Widowed some seventeen years, and with her daughter in Europe, friends and family express concern that she will be alone and a bit isolated but, initially, Clare welcomes the peace and quiet. Then, soon after the (slimy) local real estate agent encourages her to sell Bellevue, couching his offer within veiled threats, a campaign of subtle harassment begins.
At first, it has Clare second-guessing herself (is it her imagination?) but when she learns of a development proposal that will destroy the pristine beauty of the area, things begin to look more sinister: noises, vandalism, and then something much more serious.
“Suddenly she felt very tired… she’d wanted a peaceful life like Hilda’s, that’s why she’d taken on Bellevue. She’d wanted small-town life and small-town community, not strife and stress and worry.” Certainly, several of her neighbours seem to share her views and values, but it takes a while for her to realise just who can be trusted, and it’s not who she had always believed: “It was as if, after years of being partially sighted, she’d put on a pair of prescription glasses and was seeing him as he really was.”
She plans to fight the development for all she’s worth, and she’s not the only one: the local branch of the Conservation Society enlists her help. Clare has some experience as an activist, and her speech-writing will come in handy, especially when the developers start to play dirty.
Booth’s characters have depth and appeal, and Clare’s concerns will certainly strike a chord with readers of a certain vintage, while earnest young Joe is a true delight. This is a bit of a slow-burn story that, nonetheless, has a good dose of intrigue and a few red herrings to keep it interesting.
With her gorgeous descriptive prose, Booth easily evokes her setting, the Blue Mountains of NSW; Popular culture references and the absence of modern technology firmly cement the era in the early 1970’s; and the theme of individuals uniting to fight insensitive development is a universal and timeless one. Once again, excellent Australian historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by RedDoor Publishing.
Bellevue is the seventh novel by best-selling Australian author, Alison Booth. Clare Barclay has nothing but happy memories of Bellevue, so when Aunt Hilda leaves the Blue Mountains property to her in her will, she doesn’t hesitate to quit her teaching position in Leichhardt and move to Numbulla. It will need a lot of work, but that doesn’t discourage her.
Widowed some seventeen years, and with her daughter in Europe, friends and family express concern that she will be alone and a bit isolated but, initially, Clare welcomes the peace and quiet. Then, soon after the (slimy) local real estate agent encourages her to sell Bellevue, couching his offer within veiled threats, a campaign of subtle harassment begins.
At first, it has Clare second-guessing herself (is it her imagination?) but when she learns of a development proposal that will destroy the pristine beauty of the area, things begin to look more sinister: noises, vandalism, and then something much more serious.
“Suddenly she felt very tired… she’d wanted a peaceful life like Hilda’s, that’s why she’d taken on Bellevue. She’d wanted small-town life and small-town community, not strife and stress and worry.” Certainly, several of her neighbours seem to share her views and values, but it takes a while for her to realise just who can be trusted, and it’s not who she had always believed: “It was as if, after years of being partially sighted, she’d put on a pair of prescription glasses and was seeing him as he really was.”
She plans to fight the development for all she’s worth, and she’s not the only one: the local branch of the Conservation Society enlists her help. Clare has some experience as an activist, and her speech-writing will come in handy, especially when the developers start to play dirty.
Booth’s characters have depth and appeal, and Clare’s concerns will certainly strike a chord with readers of a certain vintage, while earnest young Joe is a true delight. This is a bit of a slow-burn story that, nonetheless, has a good dose of intrigue and a few red herrings to keep it interesting.
With her gorgeous descriptive prose, Booth easily evokes her setting, the Blue Mountains of NSW; Popular culture references and the absence of modern technology firmly cement the era in the early 1970’s; and the theme of individuals uniting to fight insensitive development is a universal and timeless one. Once again, excellent Australian historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from a copy provided by RedDoor Publishing.
December 27, 2023
‘Clare stood on the gravel drive in front of Bellevue.’
Numbulla, New South Wales, 1972. Bellevue in the Blue Mountains holds fond memories for Clare Barclay. The house provided a haven for her and her daughter Sophie after her husband Jack died. So, when she inherits the house after her Aunt Hilda dies, Clare moves in and plans to restore it. Clare also hopes to find some answers in a missing box of documents which might explain the second mortgage on the home she and Jack occupied and which she lost after his death.
Clare makes friends with several the locals, including Joe, a young lad who had found his own haven at Bellevue. But then she discovers plans to redevelop around Numbulla. Some of those who protest the rezoning application find themselves being subtly (sometimes) threatened and harassed, prevented from attending meetings and subjected to vandalism. Clare is keen to prevent a development which would potentially ruin the protected wilderness area around Numbulla. But exactly who is behind it?
The story shifts between the perspectives of Clare and Joe. Each has suffered loss; both love the wilderness area. Clare’s skill as a speech writer is invaluable to the local branch of the Conservation Society. There are a few twists as the story unfolds and a couple of mysteries are explained but the overwhelming sense I am left with is a powerful reminder of the power that people have when they unite in support.
‘She had found a new vocation: it was to fight and conserve the unspoilt places of the mountains.’
This is Ms Booth’s seventh novel and the fifth I have read. Now that I have realised that I have missed two (how on earth did that happen?), I will track them down.
Highly recommended. Enjoyable, well-written fiction.
Note: My thanks to Ms Booth and Red Door Publishing for providing a copy of this novel for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Numbulla, New South Wales, 1972. Bellevue in the Blue Mountains holds fond memories for Clare Barclay. The house provided a haven for her and her daughter Sophie after her husband Jack died. So, when she inherits the house after her Aunt Hilda dies, Clare moves in and plans to restore it. Clare also hopes to find some answers in a missing box of documents which might explain the second mortgage on the home she and Jack occupied and which she lost after his death.
Clare makes friends with several the locals, including Joe, a young lad who had found his own haven at Bellevue. But then she discovers plans to redevelop around Numbulla. Some of those who protest the rezoning application find themselves being subtly (sometimes) threatened and harassed, prevented from attending meetings and subjected to vandalism. Clare is keen to prevent a development which would potentially ruin the protected wilderness area around Numbulla. But exactly who is behind it?
The story shifts between the perspectives of Clare and Joe. Each has suffered loss; both love the wilderness area. Clare’s skill as a speech writer is invaluable to the local branch of the Conservation Society. There are a few twists as the story unfolds and a couple of mysteries are explained but the overwhelming sense I am left with is a powerful reminder of the power that people have when they unite in support.
‘She had found a new vocation: it was to fight and conserve the unspoilt places of the mountains.’
This is Ms Booth’s seventh novel and the fifth I have read. Now that I have realised that I have missed two (how on earth did that happen?), I will track them down.
Highly recommended. Enjoyable, well-written fiction.
Note: My thanks to Ms Booth and Red Door Publishing for providing a copy of this novel for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
April 9, 2023
Alison Booth’s riveting new novel is set in the picturesque Blue Mountains of NSW. (A blue haze covers the range caused by the oil from the densely populated eucalyptus trees). The author’s familiarity and passion for the landscape are evident in the beautiful descriptions of the native wildlife and bushland. There is a real sense of peace and wonder that emanates from this remote mountain area and Clare Barclay longs for the tranquility of nature to balance her chaotic life and relieve her from a long term internal conflict.
It is no wonder she seeks serenity (and wants to plant gardenias—for the white ones symbolise harmony and calmness). Her husband has passed away in a tragic accident and left her with an unexpected debt that puts a question mark against his character. This mystery and her grief in losing him have left her in a quandary. She is forced to move and raise their daughter alone. But receives some emotional support by maintaining a close connection to her husband’s family. And daughter Sophie blossoms into a lovely lady who is now overseas, creating her own life. But Clare misses her terribly. And the few phone calls and postcards are not quite enough. Fortunately, they have a close bond and share a love of Bellevue: a place that holds happy memories.
It is 1972. Schoolteacher Clare abruptly decides to retire and move to Bellevue after Aunt Hilda dies. Hilda has left Clare her beloved Blue Mountain cottage. Obviously Hilda trusts her with its upkeep and knows she will love and care for it as much as she has. It is Clare’s desire to begin her new life in this historic property but quickly encounters unexpected challenges.
Bellevue reveals the effects a will can have on those left behind. For this unexpected inheritance stirs up a hornet’s nest as Clare discovers (through her daughter’s acute observations). One member of this family has secret ambitions. And they will go to great lengths to achieve their goals. But everything that seems tightly bound will unravel and this recklessness will cause superficial strength to fall away. The devious acts will expose the perpretrator’s intentions. There will be some surprise members in the plot ring, too. Clare will be asking, why has this happened? Is it sibling rivalry, romantic jealousy, possessive greed? As the novel progresses we learn more about Jack’s brother David, plus Clare’s husband, and the tangled tales of the past and present.
Mixed in with the family plot line is the fight by some residents to keep the pristine landscape from becoming highly developed. There are land developers waiting in the wings to swoop in to take it all. Clare has been approached more than once about selling her property. But she is not interested. She joins in a protest with some locals to fight against the proposed use of the land. Weird things begin to happen. Is someone trying to smoke her out? Make her afraid so she will sell? At times, it seems Clare is being terrorised by unnatural events. Who is behind it? There are a few red herrings that will keep you guessing while the suspense leads up to some nice plot twists.
I really enjoyed this enriching story set in the Blue Mountains, the battle for preserving its beauty from senseless acts in the name of progress (and greed), the interactions between the characters, the background story of Clare and Jack her late husband, the local issues that revealed the various personalities. Then there is the older rescued dog, Mutt, and young ten year old Joe with his art skills and bird interests. Clare’s first encounter with him is a negative one but that does not last and soon we see how being a past teacher enables her to be a nurturing force for the young boy who has had a hard life.
Joe shares in the narration of the story with Clare so we are able to see the contrasting views of a child and adult. They each have experienced great loss and find their own ways to compensate.
There’s so much to admire in this story that portrays family trauma, secrets, rescue missions and community spirit. They are all haloed by the beautiful landscape of the Blue Mountains which in turn enhances the elements of mystery. I certainly recommend this finely polished novel that will touch the naturalist’s caring heart.
Thanks to RedDoor and Alison Booth for a review copy.
It is no wonder she seeks serenity (and wants to plant gardenias—for the white ones symbolise harmony and calmness). Her husband has passed away in a tragic accident and left her with an unexpected debt that puts a question mark against his character. This mystery and her grief in losing him have left her in a quandary. She is forced to move and raise their daughter alone. But receives some emotional support by maintaining a close connection to her husband’s family. And daughter Sophie blossoms into a lovely lady who is now overseas, creating her own life. But Clare misses her terribly. And the few phone calls and postcards are not quite enough. Fortunately, they have a close bond and share a love of Bellevue: a place that holds happy memories.
It is 1972. Schoolteacher Clare abruptly decides to retire and move to Bellevue after Aunt Hilda dies. Hilda has left Clare her beloved Blue Mountain cottage. Obviously Hilda trusts her with its upkeep and knows she will love and care for it as much as she has. It is Clare’s desire to begin her new life in this historic property but quickly encounters unexpected challenges.
Bellevue reveals the effects a will can have on those left behind. For this unexpected inheritance stirs up a hornet’s nest as Clare discovers (through her daughter’s acute observations). One member of this family has secret ambitions. And they will go to great lengths to achieve their goals. But everything that seems tightly bound will unravel and this recklessness will cause superficial strength to fall away. The devious acts will expose the perpretrator’s intentions. There will be some surprise members in the plot ring, too. Clare will be asking, why has this happened? Is it sibling rivalry, romantic jealousy, possessive greed? As the novel progresses we learn more about Jack’s brother David, plus Clare’s husband, and the tangled tales of the past and present.
Mixed in with the family plot line is the fight by some residents to keep the pristine landscape from becoming highly developed. There are land developers waiting in the wings to swoop in to take it all. Clare has been approached more than once about selling her property. But she is not interested. She joins in a protest with some locals to fight against the proposed use of the land. Weird things begin to happen. Is someone trying to smoke her out? Make her afraid so she will sell? At times, it seems Clare is being terrorised by unnatural events. Who is behind it? There are a few red herrings that will keep you guessing while the suspense leads up to some nice plot twists.
I really enjoyed this enriching story set in the Blue Mountains, the battle for preserving its beauty from senseless acts in the name of progress (and greed), the interactions between the characters, the background story of Clare and Jack her late husband, the local issues that revealed the various personalities. Then there is the older rescued dog, Mutt, and young ten year old Joe with his art skills and bird interests. Clare’s first encounter with him is a negative one but that does not last and soon we see how being a past teacher enables her to be a nurturing force for the young boy who has had a hard life.
Joe shares in the narration of the story with Clare so we are able to see the contrasting views of a child and adult. They each have experienced great loss and find their own ways to compensate.
There’s so much to admire in this story that portrays family trauma, secrets, rescue missions and community spirit. They are all haloed by the beautiful landscape of the Blue Mountains which in turn enhances the elements of mystery. I certainly recommend this finely polished novel that will touch the naturalist’s caring heart.
Thanks to RedDoor and Alison Booth for a review copy.
March 17, 2023
4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫
After reading Alison Booth's last book The Painting and absolutely loving it, I jumped at the chance to read Bellevue, her latest novel.
Bellevue was another fantastic read for me, while it took a couple of chapters to draw me in, once there I didn't want to put it down. Set in the Blue Mountains in NSW in the early 1970s the author really manages to capture both the time period and the place in her writing.
The story is told mainly from Clare's perspective but we also get a young boy Joe's perspective interspersed between chapters and I really enjoyed this because it enabled me to glimpse a different aspect of both Clare and the town and its people.
Clare hasn't had the easiest of lives and we are taken back in Clare's memories to the early 1950s when she meets her husband Jack, to his death and the secrets he has kept from her and the loss of their property due to those secrets, some of which are only fully uncovered in the later part of this story.
Clare has been left Bellevue by Jack's Aunt Hilda who came to Clare's aid when she first lost everything and has continued to be there for her ever since. Remembering how happy she was there with her young daughter, who is now an adult travelling in Europe, she decides to retire and live in Bellevue whilst doing it up.
Things are never simple though and while Clare finds some wonderful people who inhabit the town, she also finds a few not-so-nice ones who are determined to cause her trouble because they want to buy her property for a new development.
This was a time when people were starting to stand up to developers and the government in order to save the land, cultural heritage sites and historical sites, from their greed. When they decide to try and intimidate Clare into selling, they had no idea the fight that would bring them. Clare was part of a big push to save the bushland where she previously lived and she is pushed to take up this newest fight to save not only her property but the town and the surrounding area from being developed and destroyed.
Clare uncovers corruption and greed that bring with it answers to secrets from her past. There were so many twists and turns and mystery and intrigue, and there were times I didn't know who to trust or believe, who was Clare's friend and who wasn't. The author does a great job of only slowly letting us have small pieces of the puzzle, revealing little character traits, and bits of things overheard or seen, keeping us from seeing the whole picture until the very end.
The friendship that Clare forms with young Joe, a boy who has lost his mother and whose father has become neglectful and somewhat abusive, turns out to have a big impact on both their lives. I loved seeing how they each helped each other, Clare proving a safe place for Joe to hang out, a nurturing grandmother figure for him to give and receive affection from, something they are both lacking. And in turn, Joe helps to thaw some of the pain and hardness that Clare has been carrying and which Joe sees in Clare the first time he glimpses her leaving a garden party.
This isn't a fast-moving story, though the second half moves along faster than the first, instead, it is a slow-burn read as we get to know the town and its characters, learn about Clare and her past and her dreams for the future. It is a look at family and its often messed up relationships, it is a reminder of how fragile our environment is and the need for everyone to stand up and protect it if we want any of nature or our history to survive the greed that is prevalent even more today. It is a look at grief and the effect it can have on those around us and the baggage we carry with us that can affect so much of how we live our lives. It is about friendship in its many forms and about healing from our pasts and letting go of the baggage we are carrying.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to see what Alison Booth delivers next.
After reading Alison Booth's last book The Painting and absolutely loving it, I jumped at the chance to read Bellevue, her latest novel.
Bellevue was another fantastic read for me, while it took a couple of chapters to draw me in, once there I didn't want to put it down. Set in the Blue Mountains in NSW in the early 1970s the author really manages to capture both the time period and the place in her writing.
The story is told mainly from Clare's perspective but we also get a young boy Joe's perspective interspersed between chapters and I really enjoyed this because it enabled me to glimpse a different aspect of both Clare and the town and its people.
Clare hasn't had the easiest of lives and we are taken back in Clare's memories to the early 1950s when she meets her husband Jack, to his death and the secrets he has kept from her and the loss of their property due to those secrets, some of which are only fully uncovered in the later part of this story.
Clare has been left Bellevue by Jack's Aunt Hilda who came to Clare's aid when she first lost everything and has continued to be there for her ever since. Remembering how happy she was there with her young daughter, who is now an adult travelling in Europe, she decides to retire and live in Bellevue whilst doing it up.
Things are never simple though and while Clare finds some wonderful people who inhabit the town, she also finds a few not-so-nice ones who are determined to cause her trouble because they want to buy her property for a new development.
This was a time when people were starting to stand up to developers and the government in order to save the land, cultural heritage sites and historical sites, from their greed. When they decide to try and intimidate Clare into selling, they had no idea the fight that would bring them. Clare was part of a big push to save the bushland where she previously lived and she is pushed to take up this newest fight to save not only her property but the town and the surrounding area from being developed and destroyed.
Clare uncovers corruption and greed that bring with it answers to secrets from her past. There were so many twists and turns and mystery and intrigue, and there were times I didn't know who to trust or believe, who was Clare's friend and who wasn't. The author does a great job of only slowly letting us have small pieces of the puzzle, revealing little character traits, and bits of things overheard or seen, keeping us from seeing the whole picture until the very end.
The friendship that Clare forms with young Joe, a boy who has lost his mother and whose father has become neglectful and somewhat abusive, turns out to have a big impact on both their lives. I loved seeing how they each helped each other, Clare proving a safe place for Joe to hang out, a nurturing grandmother figure for him to give and receive affection from, something they are both lacking. And in turn, Joe helps to thaw some of the pain and hardness that Clare has been carrying and which Joe sees in Clare the first time he glimpses her leaving a garden party.
This isn't a fast-moving story, though the second half moves along faster than the first, instead, it is a slow-burn read as we get to know the town and its characters, learn about Clare and her past and her dreams for the future. It is a look at family and its often messed up relationships, it is a reminder of how fragile our environment is and the need for everyone to stand up and protect it if we want any of nature or our history to survive the greed that is prevalent even more today. It is a look at grief and the effect it can have on those around us and the baggage we carry with us that can affect so much of how we live our lives. It is about friendship in its many forms and about healing from our pasts and letting go of the baggage we are carrying.
I really enjoyed this novel and I can't wait to see what Alison Booth delivers next.
February 16, 2023
“Everybody should know that Bellevue was inhabited”
This is the second novel I have read by this author, and what a privilege it has been. The storylines have awakened my interest in all things Australian, with the wonderfully described scenery and well defined characters, having made the pages leap from the book, as if in 3D.
So, without further ado, and whilst desperately trying to avoid ‘spoilers’….
...
Although this story began back in the late 1950s, it has its roots set firmly in the early 1970s, when Clare inherits Bellevue House, in the will of her late husband Jack’s, Aunt Hilda, much to the chagrin and outright disbelief of that good lady’s own blood relatives, particularly Jack’s younger brother David. It had been Hilda who had taken in a distraught Clare and her young daughter Sophie, some seventeen or so years previously, when Jack had been killed in an accident, leaving them in unknown debt and penniless. She had patiently restored Clare’s faith in the world and mankind, with the beauty and tranquillity surrounding Bellevue and the warmth and affection of people who really cared about her, and had eventually sent a revitalised mother and daughter on their way back to a new life in Sydney, although they had continued to visit this haven of peace and calm whenever they could, and Hilda could tell the deep affection both of them held for Bellevue.
With Sophie, now in her twenties, off travelling in Europe, and she having served her time teaching primary school to repay some of their inherited debts, Clare decides to retire to Bellevue and make it her home permanently. Having been a regular visitor, she is known to many of the locals in the small township of Numbulla, so she has no problem fitting into her surroundings – at least not at first that is. After a short time however, bad things and small freak accidents begin to happen in and around Bellevue and to Clare personally, including some rather distressing and thinly veiled threats. At the heart of this campaign of harassment, is the fact that certain members of the towns business folk and local figureheads, are in favour of a motion by the Sydney authorities, to rezone Numbulla as a tourist destination, buying up prime retail sites, which includes Bellevue and its neighbours, to build hotels and holiday apartments, overlooking the Blue Mountains, a protected area of outstanding national beauty. Even more concerning is the part played in all the underhand wheeling-dealing, by someone she had hitherto thought to be beyond reproach, although their account of events surrounding Jack’s death had never really rung true to her, as hadn’t their version of the circumstances surrounding the vast amount of debt he had left her in.
Renovations to Bellevue forge ahead, making it obvious that Clare is planning on going nowhere. In truth, it is a well known fact that she is something of an environmentalist campaigner and conservation activist and has been front and centre of many previous protests against developers in and around the NSW region. She is therefore happy to be one of the leaders in the push to save Numbulla from development, as are many of her closest friends in town. She is surprised to discover one of her greatest allies is a young lad called Joe, who is suffering from abuse and bullying at school and lives a neglected life at home. Joe, apparently with Aunt Hilda’s blessing, had been using the coach house at Bellevue to pursue a passion which is close to his heart, but for which he is being soundly ridiculed by his family and peers alike. Clare takes Joe under her wing, even managing to win over his father, when he is banned from seeing her, or visiting the house again and together with her newly acquired canine friend, Mutt, Joe becomes part of the family
During the move, Clare has also uncovered some very troubling documents which relate to why Jack had left her with so much debt, however unintentionally and in his mind, for the best of reasons. When her solicitor throws even more light onto some very muddied waters, he leaves Clare momentarily stunned, although if she was truthfully honest, probably in retrospection, not totally surprised. The planning verdict when it is delivered, is for some a cause for celebration and for others a body blow from which they will never recover. For Clare though, the more personal outcome of the decision, together with the new information she is armed with, brings closure to her past with Jack, whilst giving her little joy or solace for the innocent lives which will be damaged irrevocably.
A surprise visitor is surely the icing on Clare’s cake, together with the possible early blossoming of a fledgling romance, which will help ease her road to peace and renewed happiness in the future.
...
Rich in atmosphere, multi-layered and highly textured, there is a compelling and compassionate honesty and integrity in this immersive storyline. Written in short, well-signposted chapters, which always work so well for me when, like these, they have introductory titles which are relevant and well-considered. There is never a break in pace, although I never felt that I was being rushed through a storyline which couldn’t wait to be over. In fact I could have carried on reading until tying up one set of loose ends, would probably have resulted in creating another, so Alison probably pitched this one just about perfectly.
The writing is at times evocative, poignant and totally captivating. Yet at other times the harsh realities of life in this small community, are laid bare for all to see. There are also one or two moments of humour to be savoured, when the innocent joys of youth overcome the hardships of neglect and poverty, even if only for short and infrequent periods.
They do say that weddings and funerals bring out the worst in people and it would seem that those two events, coupled with some long held jealousies, have shaped so much of Clare’s life and the already rather intense relationships she enjoys with her brother-in-law. Aunt Hilda had been much more shrewd than anyone gave her credit for and knew that not only would Clare and Sophie cherish Bellevue and all the memories it held, but that they would hold firm against those who would destroy not only the house, but the beauty and heritage of the entire landscape.
The narrative is true to its time and the societal and cultural mores of the 1970s, when activist groups began to rally around the causes of saving the environment, cultural artefacts and what remained of an indigenous population’s ways of life and the wildlife they had managed to keep protected from the modern greed for land and wealth.
The characters were so easy to connect with, whether they were in the nice, or not so nice camp. I could almost tell exactly what they were thinking and how they were going to react to a given situation, that I was all ready to cheer for the ‘goodies’ and hope that the ‘baddies’ got everything they had coming to them. Clare had teacher written through her like a stick of rock, in her mannerisms, demeanour and the very way she spoke and that persona only slipped momentarily when the threats against her got too far out of hand for her to cope with alone. Her careful handling of the situation between Joe and his father was particularly poignant, as Clare could see fragments of her own and Sophie’s emotional freeze when Jack had died, another lesson she had learned well from the formidable Aunt Hilda.
I enjoy it when an author can also add that extra dimension to a storyline by taking me on an ‘armchair journey’ to the location. The Blue Mountains NSW Australia, are a real place, although the township of Numbulla seems to be a fictional location. However change just one letter and together with other nearby towns which were truly named, the area becomes easy to plot and a joy to discover, with its unique Aboriginal heritage transcending time. The superb attention to detail and descriptive narrative qualities, combined to showcase a vivid palette of images and colour, which was evocative and enticing.
What typically makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by some amazing authors who fire my imagination, stimulate my senses and stir my emotions, and in this case also offered me a delightful cultural experience. This storyline over delivered on just about every front, so thanks for some lovely images to treasure, Alison.
...
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK:
"Clare stood on the gravel drive in front of Bellevue. The paintwork around the windows was peeling, moss was flourishing on the slate roof and there were splotches of rust on the corrugated iron roof over the verandah. A romantic might think they were like patches of bark on the trunk of a eucalyptus tree, or eroding layers of rock deposited over the millennia. Though she wasn’t a romantic, hadn’t been one for years, she felt she was going to be happy here"
..
“If you choose to live in Bellevue, do enjoy it, my dear. But please also keep in mind that you own the house. It doesn’t own you”
..
“Nearly everyone’s after a quick buck, she thought, and maybe that’s the way of the world. If you can’t get it honestly, get it dishonestly. Steal it, or lobby to steal it with donations to politicians that are little more than bribes”
..
“She wouldn’t be at all surprised, she thought, if she was becoming an introvert – could loneliness make you introverted? Maybe it was more that introverted people chose to live alone, though she’d not really had much choice in this”
..
“Sometimes people borrow books on what obsesses them but sometimes they borrow books to escape from what’s obsessing them”
..
“As Clare listened to the applause, she knew that the words she’d uttered were no longer hers, they were the words of all the protesters, of all these people who cared about their heritage. And she was a part of the mountains too, and part of the mountain community. She had found a new vocation: it was to fight to conserve the unspoilt places of the mountains”
..
“His face had changed shape. That’s what the right gift could do, make someone light up from within, so that their eyes glowed and their cheeks rounded out”
..
“Knowledge doesn’t necessarily bring peace. Sometimes it just leads to even more questions”
This is the second novel I have read by this author, and what a privilege it has been. The storylines have awakened my interest in all things Australian, with the wonderfully described scenery and well defined characters, having made the pages leap from the book, as if in 3D.
So, without further ado, and whilst desperately trying to avoid ‘spoilers’….
...
Although this story began back in the late 1950s, it has its roots set firmly in the early 1970s, when Clare inherits Bellevue House, in the will of her late husband Jack’s, Aunt Hilda, much to the chagrin and outright disbelief of that good lady’s own blood relatives, particularly Jack’s younger brother David. It had been Hilda who had taken in a distraught Clare and her young daughter Sophie, some seventeen or so years previously, when Jack had been killed in an accident, leaving them in unknown debt and penniless. She had patiently restored Clare’s faith in the world and mankind, with the beauty and tranquillity surrounding Bellevue and the warmth and affection of people who really cared about her, and had eventually sent a revitalised mother and daughter on their way back to a new life in Sydney, although they had continued to visit this haven of peace and calm whenever they could, and Hilda could tell the deep affection both of them held for Bellevue.
With Sophie, now in her twenties, off travelling in Europe, and she having served her time teaching primary school to repay some of their inherited debts, Clare decides to retire to Bellevue and make it her home permanently. Having been a regular visitor, she is known to many of the locals in the small township of Numbulla, so she has no problem fitting into her surroundings – at least not at first that is. After a short time however, bad things and small freak accidents begin to happen in and around Bellevue and to Clare personally, including some rather distressing and thinly veiled threats. At the heart of this campaign of harassment, is the fact that certain members of the towns business folk and local figureheads, are in favour of a motion by the Sydney authorities, to rezone Numbulla as a tourist destination, buying up prime retail sites, which includes Bellevue and its neighbours, to build hotels and holiday apartments, overlooking the Blue Mountains, a protected area of outstanding national beauty. Even more concerning is the part played in all the underhand wheeling-dealing, by someone she had hitherto thought to be beyond reproach, although their account of events surrounding Jack’s death had never really rung true to her, as hadn’t their version of the circumstances surrounding the vast amount of debt he had left her in.
Renovations to Bellevue forge ahead, making it obvious that Clare is planning on going nowhere. In truth, it is a well known fact that she is something of an environmentalist campaigner and conservation activist and has been front and centre of many previous protests against developers in and around the NSW region. She is therefore happy to be one of the leaders in the push to save Numbulla from development, as are many of her closest friends in town. She is surprised to discover one of her greatest allies is a young lad called Joe, who is suffering from abuse and bullying at school and lives a neglected life at home. Joe, apparently with Aunt Hilda’s blessing, had been using the coach house at Bellevue to pursue a passion which is close to his heart, but for which he is being soundly ridiculed by his family and peers alike. Clare takes Joe under her wing, even managing to win over his father, when he is banned from seeing her, or visiting the house again and together with her newly acquired canine friend, Mutt, Joe becomes part of the family
During the move, Clare has also uncovered some very troubling documents which relate to why Jack had left her with so much debt, however unintentionally and in his mind, for the best of reasons. When her solicitor throws even more light onto some very muddied waters, he leaves Clare momentarily stunned, although if she was truthfully honest, probably in retrospection, not totally surprised. The planning verdict when it is delivered, is for some a cause for celebration and for others a body blow from which they will never recover. For Clare though, the more personal outcome of the decision, together with the new information she is armed with, brings closure to her past with Jack, whilst giving her little joy or solace for the innocent lives which will be damaged irrevocably.
A surprise visitor is surely the icing on Clare’s cake, together with the possible early blossoming of a fledgling romance, which will help ease her road to peace and renewed happiness in the future.
...
Rich in atmosphere, multi-layered and highly textured, there is a compelling and compassionate honesty and integrity in this immersive storyline. Written in short, well-signposted chapters, which always work so well for me when, like these, they have introductory titles which are relevant and well-considered. There is never a break in pace, although I never felt that I was being rushed through a storyline which couldn’t wait to be over. In fact I could have carried on reading until tying up one set of loose ends, would probably have resulted in creating another, so Alison probably pitched this one just about perfectly.
The writing is at times evocative, poignant and totally captivating. Yet at other times the harsh realities of life in this small community, are laid bare for all to see. There are also one or two moments of humour to be savoured, when the innocent joys of youth overcome the hardships of neglect and poverty, even if only for short and infrequent periods.
They do say that weddings and funerals bring out the worst in people and it would seem that those two events, coupled with some long held jealousies, have shaped so much of Clare’s life and the already rather intense relationships she enjoys with her brother-in-law. Aunt Hilda had been much more shrewd than anyone gave her credit for and knew that not only would Clare and Sophie cherish Bellevue and all the memories it held, but that they would hold firm against those who would destroy not only the house, but the beauty and heritage of the entire landscape.
The narrative is true to its time and the societal and cultural mores of the 1970s, when activist groups began to rally around the causes of saving the environment, cultural artefacts and what remained of an indigenous population’s ways of life and the wildlife they had managed to keep protected from the modern greed for land and wealth.
The characters were so easy to connect with, whether they were in the nice, or not so nice camp. I could almost tell exactly what they were thinking and how they were going to react to a given situation, that I was all ready to cheer for the ‘goodies’ and hope that the ‘baddies’ got everything they had coming to them. Clare had teacher written through her like a stick of rock, in her mannerisms, demeanour and the very way she spoke and that persona only slipped momentarily when the threats against her got too far out of hand for her to cope with alone. Her careful handling of the situation between Joe and his father was particularly poignant, as Clare could see fragments of her own and Sophie’s emotional freeze when Jack had died, another lesson she had learned well from the formidable Aunt Hilda.
I enjoy it when an author can also add that extra dimension to a storyline by taking me on an ‘armchair journey’ to the location. The Blue Mountains NSW Australia, are a real place, although the township of Numbulla seems to be a fictional location. However change just one letter and together with other nearby towns which were truly named, the area becomes easy to plot and a joy to discover, with its unique Aboriginal heritage transcending time. The superb attention to detail and descriptive narrative qualities, combined to showcase a vivid palette of images and colour, which was evocative and enticing.
What typically makes reading such a wonderful experience for me, is that with each and every book, I am taken on a unique and individual journey, by some amazing authors who fire my imagination, stimulate my senses and stir my emotions, and in this case also offered me a delightful cultural experience. This storyline over delivered on just about every front, so thanks for some lovely images to treasure, Alison.
...
QUOTES FROM THE BOOK:
"Clare stood on the gravel drive in front of Bellevue. The paintwork around the windows was peeling, moss was flourishing on the slate roof and there were splotches of rust on the corrugated iron roof over the verandah. A romantic might think they were like patches of bark on the trunk of a eucalyptus tree, or eroding layers of rock deposited over the millennia. Though she wasn’t a romantic, hadn’t been one for years, she felt she was going to be happy here"
..
“If you choose to live in Bellevue, do enjoy it, my dear. But please also keep in mind that you own the house. It doesn’t own you”
..
“Nearly everyone’s after a quick buck, she thought, and maybe that’s the way of the world. If you can’t get it honestly, get it dishonestly. Steal it, or lobby to steal it with donations to politicians that are little more than bribes”
..
“She wouldn’t be at all surprised, she thought, if she was becoming an introvert – could loneliness make you introverted? Maybe it was more that introverted people chose to live alone, though she’d not really had much choice in this”
..
“Sometimes people borrow books on what obsesses them but sometimes they borrow books to escape from what’s obsessing them”
..
“As Clare listened to the applause, she knew that the words she’d uttered were no longer hers, they were the words of all the protesters, of all these people who cared about their heritage. And she was a part of the mountains too, and part of the mountain community. She had found a new vocation: it was to fight to conserve the unspoilt places of the mountains”
..
“His face had changed shape. That’s what the right gift could do, make someone light up from within, so that their eyes glowed and their cheeks rounded out”
..
“Knowledge doesn’t necessarily bring peace. Sometimes it just leads to even more questions”
March 21, 2023
Set in a place I love, the Blue Mountains. A woman who has retired early from teaching moves to a new location after she inherits a house. She gradually forms new relationships, the most touching with a young boy who loves drawing birds. A previous lover is the darkest character. Alison Booth takes the reader on a compelling journey where the main character finds renewed purpose in environmental causes and a true home through friendships. Although unnerving things happen, Booth brings a gentleness often missing in the novels I’ve read recently.
March 22, 2023
My review for this intriguing read is on my blog https://thefallenlibrarian.wordpress....
March 16, 2023
Another great read from Alison Booth. This is a skilful blend of character insight with the intricacies of plot and occurrence. It is set against a positive background of good triumphing over bad, over greed in this case, and all in a believable way.
In this pleasing blend of character and plot action, I enjoy the extra layer of mystery this adds to the effect, to and fro, of one upon the other.
Stayed up late with this one!
In this pleasing blend of character and plot action, I enjoy the extra layer of mystery this adds to the effect, to and fro, of one upon the other.
Stayed up late with this one!
March 16, 2023
3.5 stars (rounded up to 4).
Although set in 1970s Australia, Alison Booth’s latest novel, Bellevue, is centred around several timely contemporary themes: conservation, the environment, and the relationship between the land and the people who live upon it.
After her beloved Aunt Hilda dies, widow Clare Barclay inherits Bellevue. Situated in the Blue Mountains township of Numballa, Bellevue is offers the perfect retreat and Clare hopes to restore the house to its original glory. But then the local estate agent implies that Clare’s aunt was intending to sell Bellevue so that the property – and the protected wilderness land around it – can be developed. Regular letters offering generous sums to buy the property begin to arrive from Dreamland Developments. And Clare’s brother-in-law, David, keeps urging her to consider them.
When Clare refuses to sell up despite the pressure, the peace she has found in Numballa is rudely shattered. As she investigates further, Clare begins to uncover the extent to which Dreamland Developments has its claws in Numballa – and in her own family and the events leading up to the death of her husband, Jack.
Alternating between the perspectives of Clare and Joe, a young local boy who becomes inadvertently embroiled in events in Numballa, Bellevue offers an immersive tale of family secrets, corporate greed, and the importance of cross-generational bonds and community when it comes to protecting the heritage and land around us.
Richly atmospheric, Alison Booth has effectively conjured up the beauty of Australia’s Blue Mountains and created a fully-realised community in her depiction of Numballa and its residents. I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters at first – and the at times rather complex web of connections between them. And I’d have liked to spend more time with some of the secondary characters, such as Stavros and Alison. I also wasn’t quite sure that the storyline involving Clare’s daughter, Sophie, added a huge amount, although it was a nice depiction of a mother/daughter bond. That said, Booth does an admirable job of holding the varying strands of her plot together and tying them up neatly at the the end.
Alongside the story of Clare’s investigation of Dreamland and its plans, there is a second strand of the plot that looks into her past and the tragic death of her husband, Jack. Whilst I enjoyed this second mystery in and of itself, there were times when I felt that it took me away from the action in Numballa. That said, Alison Booth writes very movingly about grief and the many emotions that follow on from an untimely death: despair, confusion, anger. And this subplot did help to develop Clare’s character and encouraged me to empathise with her and to understand why she was fighting so hard to protect Bellevue and the land around it. It’s just that I almost wanted it to be it’s own book!
Bellevue is a multi-layered family drama with mystery/thriller elements and strong ecological themes. Booth’s writing is so effective in transporting the reader to Australia and in evoking the beauty of the Blue Mountains, and she has created several strong and interesting characters, including an empathetic and interesting lead in Clare. She’s also so effective at picking up on the small details that make up individual lives, and of tying personal dreams and ambitions into larger themes such as community, heritage, conservation, and the importance of retaining collective and communal memory.
With several overarching themes and elements to the plot, Bellevue is a novel that is sure to appeal to a wide variety of readers. It’s perfect for those who love a family drama as well as fans of ecofiction and mystery.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Although set in 1970s Australia, Alison Booth’s latest novel, Bellevue, is centred around several timely contemporary themes: conservation, the environment, and the relationship between the land and the people who live upon it.
After her beloved Aunt Hilda dies, widow Clare Barclay inherits Bellevue. Situated in the Blue Mountains township of Numballa, Bellevue is offers the perfect retreat and Clare hopes to restore the house to its original glory. But then the local estate agent implies that Clare’s aunt was intending to sell Bellevue so that the property – and the protected wilderness land around it – can be developed. Regular letters offering generous sums to buy the property begin to arrive from Dreamland Developments. And Clare’s brother-in-law, David, keeps urging her to consider them.
When Clare refuses to sell up despite the pressure, the peace she has found in Numballa is rudely shattered. As she investigates further, Clare begins to uncover the extent to which Dreamland Developments has its claws in Numballa – and in her own family and the events leading up to the death of her husband, Jack.
Alternating between the perspectives of Clare and Joe, a young local boy who becomes inadvertently embroiled in events in Numballa, Bellevue offers an immersive tale of family secrets, corporate greed, and the importance of cross-generational bonds and community when it comes to protecting the heritage and land around us.
Richly atmospheric, Alison Booth has effectively conjured up the beauty of Australia’s Blue Mountains and created a fully-realised community in her depiction of Numballa and its residents. I was a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters at first – and the at times rather complex web of connections between them. And I’d have liked to spend more time with some of the secondary characters, such as Stavros and Alison. I also wasn’t quite sure that the storyline involving Clare’s daughter, Sophie, added a huge amount, although it was a nice depiction of a mother/daughter bond. That said, Booth does an admirable job of holding the varying strands of her plot together and tying them up neatly at the the end.
Alongside the story of Clare’s investigation of Dreamland and its plans, there is a second strand of the plot that looks into her past and the tragic death of her husband, Jack. Whilst I enjoyed this second mystery in and of itself, there were times when I felt that it took me away from the action in Numballa. That said, Alison Booth writes very movingly about grief and the many emotions that follow on from an untimely death: despair, confusion, anger. And this subplot did help to develop Clare’s character and encouraged me to empathise with her and to understand why she was fighting so hard to protect Bellevue and the land around it. It’s just that I almost wanted it to be it’s own book!
Bellevue is a multi-layered family drama with mystery/thriller elements and strong ecological themes. Booth’s writing is so effective in transporting the reader to Australia and in evoking the beauty of the Blue Mountains, and she has created several strong and interesting characters, including an empathetic and interesting lead in Clare. She’s also so effective at picking up on the small details that make up individual lives, and of tying personal dreams and ambitions into larger themes such as community, heritage, conservation, and the importance of retaining collective and communal memory.
With several overarching themes and elements to the plot, Bellevue is a novel that is sure to appeal to a wide variety of readers. It’s perfect for those who love a family drama as well as fans of ecofiction and mystery.
NB: This review also appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the publisher for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 17, 2023
New South Wales, 1972. Clare Barclay is surprised when her beloved Aunt Hilda bequeaths her run down property to her in her will, rather than leaving it to her husband's brother. Clare can never forget the kindness Hilda showed to her in the dark days following her husband's death, and Bellevue holds fond memories for her. She decides to give up her job as a Sydney teacher and travel to the quiet Blue Mountains township of Nambulla to renovate the property to its former glory. She hopes to also track down any paperwork that may shed light on the reason why her husband died.
Bellevue is in a dilapidated state and Clare has a big job on her hands, but she feels in her bones that this is where she belongs. She begins to lay down roots in the township, making friends among the small community, and taking a young, motherless boy called Joe under her wing. Unfortunately, her peace is shattered when she learns of plans to redevelop Nambulla and build on the beautiful, unspoiled wilderness near her home. Clare begins to receive threatening messages encouraging her to sell to the developers, and when she staunchly refuses to budge, sinister things begin to happen to her and her property. But, Clare is made of sterner stuff than it may appear...
Bellevue is a many layered, multi-generational story that deftly highlights the history of the fight to protect the environment and conserve areas important to Australia's Aboriginal peoples against greedy developers in the 1970s.
Told from the points of view of Clare and young Joe, it is set in a small wilderness community that is under threat. Booth deftly weaves several strands to this story, combining family drama, mystery, thriller, romance, and coming of age tale. The characters are beautifully drawn, spanning a cross-section of this close-knit community, and Booth uses them to explore a myriad of themes around betrayal and corruption that echo through all parts of the story.
Clare comes to Nambulla searching for answers about the mystery of her husband's death, and to find a way to move on from the pain she still feels over his untimely loss. Joe is reeling from the early death of his mother, unable to connect with his widowed father, and is used to hiding his hopes and dreams for fear of riducule. There is such poignancy in the reflections of both Clare and Joe, and their budding friendship is enchanting. I loved how Clare especially grows in confidence over the course of the story, developing insight that has eluded her for much of her life, which finally allows her to lay her ghosts to rest. The gradual development in both of their characters cleverly drives different parts of the story, and the things you see through their eyes misdirect as well as inform. It is not always easy to tell who is friend or who is foe, resulting in well contrived tension and a big injection of menace that keeps you very much on the edge of your seat.
This is a story of unity, and it shines with Booth's love of the heritage and beauty she feels for her homeland. It took me right through the emotional range, with plenty to evoke outrage and anger, as well as sentiment and joy - and all the threads tie up neatly in an uplifting ending that has you punching the air with glee! I consumed this novel in one sitting, and was sorry to say goodbye to the little community of Nambulla.
Bellevue is in a dilapidated state and Clare has a big job on her hands, but she feels in her bones that this is where she belongs. She begins to lay down roots in the township, making friends among the small community, and taking a young, motherless boy called Joe under her wing. Unfortunately, her peace is shattered when she learns of plans to redevelop Nambulla and build on the beautiful, unspoiled wilderness near her home. Clare begins to receive threatening messages encouraging her to sell to the developers, and when she staunchly refuses to budge, sinister things begin to happen to her and her property. But, Clare is made of sterner stuff than it may appear...
Bellevue is a many layered, multi-generational story that deftly highlights the history of the fight to protect the environment and conserve areas important to Australia's Aboriginal peoples against greedy developers in the 1970s.
Told from the points of view of Clare and young Joe, it is set in a small wilderness community that is under threat. Booth deftly weaves several strands to this story, combining family drama, mystery, thriller, romance, and coming of age tale. The characters are beautifully drawn, spanning a cross-section of this close-knit community, and Booth uses them to explore a myriad of themes around betrayal and corruption that echo through all parts of the story.
Clare comes to Nambulla searching for answers about the mystery of her husband's death, and to find a way to move on from the pain she still feels over his untimely loss. Joe is reeling from the early death of his mother, unable to connect with his widowed father, and is used to hiding his hopes and dreams for fear of riducule. There is such poignancy in the reflections of both Clare and Joe, and their budding friendship is enchanting. I loved how Clare especially grows in confidence over the course of the story, developing insight that has eluded her for much of her life, which finally allows her to lay her ghosts to rest. The gradual development in both of their characters cleverly drives different parts of the story, and the things you see through their eyes misdirect as well as inform. It is not always easy to tell who is friend or who is foe, resulting in well contrived tension and a big injection of menace that keeps you very much on the edge of your seat.
This is a story of unity, and it shines with Booth's love of the heritage and beauty she feels for her homeland. It took me right through the emotional range, with plenty to evoke outrage and anger, as well as sentiment and joy - and all the threads tie up neatly in an uplifting ending that has you punching the air with glee! I consumed this novel in one sitting, and was sorry to say goodbye to the little community of Nambulla.
March 16, 2023
My thanks to Helen Richardson for organising the Blog Tour of this book and allowing me to take part in it. I have the great pleasure of kicking the blog tour off.
Alison Booth has written other books in the past, but this is the first one of hers that I have read and if the others are as good as this one, then I look forward to reading them all in due course.
Set mainly in Australia in the 1970's the story follows Clare who inherits a property called Bellevue from her husband's Aunt Hilda who had sadly died. Clare herself is a widow, her husband having previously passed away and as she settles into the house that she has inherited, she feels that things aren't quite as they seem and she gets the feeling that people don't want her there. Perhaps, other family members from her husband Jack's thought that Clare shouldn't have inherited the house and that they expected to be the beneficiary of it themselves. As Clare moves into Bellevue and begins to form a life for herself in the area, she forges a special friendship with a local young boy called Joe. Life for Clare isn't easy at all, her husband had left her in a mess as he'd done things that she didn't know about until after he'd passed away. Do any of us truly know our partners? As she tries to find out why he'd done what he did, she uncovers secrets from the past that she didn't know about which may impact on her future.
Told in several parts, we are soon immersed in the lives of the characters at different times in their lives. The story is told mainly from the perspective of Clare, but we also have parts that are from the perspective of young Joe and it's great to see the events that occur in the story from more than one characters perspective. I also felt that the house Bellevue itself was a character as it formed a huge portion of the story in more ways than one. This was a story that was rich in both character and surroundings, the author has a way with words that draws you in and makes you feel that you're actually there with them.
How many of us would love to be in another country like Australia rather than where we actually are? If you can answer yes to the question, then grab a copy of this and immerse yourself Down Under.
March 20, 2023
I really liked the sound of this book and wanted to give it a go. I admit it was a bit different to what I would normally go for, but I am so glad that I read it. I loved the author’s style of writing throughout and the way the paragraphs were set out. The author was very descriptive, and I ended up wishing that I could see actual pictures of Bellevue, Numbulla and the wilderness.
Split into three parts, I thought this story was beautifully told. It was rich in Australian history, and I found the environmental and conservation themes very interesting indeed. I kept reading on itching to know what the outcome would be. I think I was just as horrified as Clare and the locals as to what was being proposed.
Out of all of the characters I warmed to both Clare and young Joe straightaway. They were both wonderful characters and they are what made the story work. I also really liked Iggy.
I feel that there is another story somewhere involving Clare and Iggy and I hope that one day the author does decide to write one.
If you are looking for a good read, then I recommend ‘Bellevue’. There is plenty to keep you interested. You will not want to put the book down and you will feel a little bit sad when the story finishes.
I plan to read more of Alison Booth’s books and will be keeping an eye out for any future novels.
Split into three parts, I thought this story was beautifully told. It was rich in Australian history, and I found the environmental and conservation themes very interesting indeed. I kept reading on itching to know what the outcome would be. I think I was just as horrified as Clare and the locals as to what was being proposed.
Out of all of the characters I warmed to both Clare and young Joe straightaway. They were both wonderful characters and they are what made the story work. I also really liked Iggy.
I feel that there is another story somewhere involving Clare and Iggy and I hope that one day the author does decide to write one.
If you are looking for a good read, then I recommend ‘Bellevue’. There is plenty to keep you interested. You will not want to put the book down and you will feel a little bit sad when the story finishes.
I plan to read more of Alison Booth’s books and will be keeping an eye out for any future novels.
April 12, 2023
3.5 stars
I enjoyed this book, loved the environmental and conservation themes, and knowing The Blue Mountains area, I could relate to the area and the history. So what didn’t I like? Clare! I could not warm to her at all, I thought she would grow stronger as the book progressed but she remained a timid mouse, scared of driving, worried about sounds, seemed to find it difficult to interact with people, and what I found very surprising, her seemingly inability to talk to kids without talking down to them even though she had been a primary school teacher. I know the story says Joe liked the way she spoke to him as if he was an adult but I didn’t see any of that. I just couldn’t see Clare successfully living in an old house, isolated from her neighbours with her fears.
I enjoyed this book, loved the environmental and conservation themes, and knowing The Blue Mountains area, I could relate to the area and the history. So what didn’t I like? Clare! I could not warm to her at all, I thought she would grow stronger as the book progressed but she remained a timid mouse, scared of driving, worried about sounds, seemed to find it difficult to interact with people, and what I found very surprising, her seemingly inability to talk to kids without talking down to them even though she had been a primary school teacher. I know the story says Joe liked the way she spoke to him as if he was an adult but I didn’t see any of that. I just couldn’t see Clare successfully living in an old house, isolated from her neighbours with her fears.
October 5, 2023
This is a fantastic book. I love the way Alison Booth describes natural wonders, such as the following from Bellevue: “Sunlight illuminated the planes of the furthest cliff face and cast deep shadows into the fissures in the rock, so that the escarpment seemed to recede and the valley to expand.”. I wouldn’t have known where to start to describe this optical illusion seen in the Blue Mountains. Thanks Alison Booth.
March 19, 2023
This is such a beautifully written book, I instantly warmed to Clare and the friendships (now and past) were so endearing, especially the bond between her and Hilda.
I loved the setting, the author’s descriptions really brought them to live. The book also shows the impact of communities pulling together.
A must read!
I loved the setting, the author’s descriptions really brought them to live. The book also shows the impact of communities pulling together.
A must read!
April 2, 2025
Set in the Blue Mountains in 1972, Clare inherits Bellevue from her late husband's aunt. When she retires from teaching she moves there permanently only to find that the area is at risk of development. Her own safety is threatened as she works with other community members to fight the plans.
A well written light read with a number of different characters.
A well written light read with a number of different characters.
May 3, 2023
A captivating and enthralling story in a beautiful setting. A thoroughly enjoyable page turner.
May 28, 2023
Enjoyable reading. This kept me interested until the end.
April 15, 2025
I normally like Alison Booth, but this book was extremely s-l-o-w. A good story about saving natural landscapes from big developers.
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