The Reef

by Di Morrissey

Beneath the calm aqua waters of the Great Barrier Reef, there is an on-going war of survival. It is a war of survival among the creatures, the life-forms and the coral that make up the reef. It is so threatened it could disappear within 30 years. Above the reef on a small coral cay - Branch Island - two communities come together in an uneasy alliance: a tourist resort and a scientific research station.

Ambitious Blair Towse is appointed assistant manager of the resort with his university graduate wife Jennifer, who finds herself isolated, lonely and forced to confront her childhood fear of the sea. On the surface, the island is all you could wish for: a lush resort, a naturalist's dream, a diver's delight. But Jennifer begins to discover the island holds secrets and dangers.

She befriends an old beachcomber who introduces her to the small band of marine scientists and students at the research station. When world famous oceanographer Maria Belitas arrives, Jennifer learns to see the world - above and below the sea - very differently. Maria teaches her to come to terms with the phobias of her widowed mother as well as her own disintegrating marriage.

But no one - not even investigative journalist Tony Adams - could have prepared Jennifer for the shocking revelations of what is really happening on Branch Island. Or the dramatic confrontation between her mother and her mentor when a family secret rocks and changes Jennifer's life.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Australia, Drama, Contemporary, Chick Lit

500 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2004

About the author

Di Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.

Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.

In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.

After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.

Reviews

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

What to say about this? At first it felt like a poor woman's Rebecca. Then it became a half-assed "Michael Crichton on vacation" kind of thing. Most of the characters were abysmal and I wanted to punch them. Jennifer was annoying. Blaire was a shit. Christina was a bitch. The mother was at least somewhat more nuanced and was the closest to being believable. She reminded me of my grandmother.

The plot was just random though. Nothing of much excitement happens - there's hardly any cohesive, well-connected narrative beyond the protagonist getting up to things on the island - and then the climax bizarrely morphs into an Tintinesque adventure. It had plenty of opportunities to be interesting but it never quite got there. Also, it really didn't help that, listening to this on audio, the reader was painful and gave a terrible, phoney Australian accent to all the male characters, making them all sound like identical, asshole Crocodile Dundee knockoffs. And her constantly whispering voice for Jennifer made me hate the protagonist even more - she was pathetic and passive enough without the reader's verge-of-tears whisper to heighten it.

Overall, this is not a great book. In fact, it's pretty shit. Look elsewhere if you like quality Aussie fiction.

[Deb Omnivorous Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer grew up on a farm in the outback until tragedy took her father and brother when she was a child. After this her bitter and difficult mother uproots her from the farm and takes her to a small rural town to grow up, a location Jennifer escapes by going to Uni in Sydney. Before she has finished uni she marries her boyfriend, who works in hospitality and before long is forced to follow him to a gorgeous, remote Great Barrier Reef island when he is given a job managing the eco-friendly, expensive, boutique resort.

This is really the beginning of the story for me, I selected this book solely because it was based on the GBR as well as being named after it. It is not a type of fiction I read a lot of and I had not heard of the author before.

The island is very well described; it is clear the author put quite some research into it. The ecology of the island and its flora and fauna ring true to anyone who has been on or read much about GBR islands (I would guess that the fictional Branch Island with its resort and research station is based on Heron island). Also the descriptions of the reef and its inhabitants were quite good. Jennifer is less than enthused by the island because she hates the ocean and she whines about going to the island a lot, which is ok at first because it is setting up her history, the challenges to overcome, the character development and evolution ect ect… I get it, but after a while, honestly, it becomes very annoying. It is a bit like hearing someone whinge about winning first division lottery when you yourself can't afford to pay the bills. Despite this, she falls in with the scientists at the research station, learns about the different research projects, the possibilities inherent in marine biology and becomes fast friends with a world famous scientist who comes to the station. Incidentally, I loved the bow to Sylvia Earle, whose book I have just read and to submersible diving. Any reader without marine background should fall in love with the reef through this part of the book and I really respect the authors attempt to reach people with the beauty of the reef and it’s ecological status.

Other than the marine segment I found the novel pleasant, quite well written, but largely unremarkable: Jennifer's marriage might be in danger because the two people have nothing in common, her mother is trying to manage her life, and so forth. There are several interconnected plots and characters and convoluted outcomes, none of which were especially unpredictable to the reader, though Jennifer is suitably surprised. There are also no surprises in the ending of this book, you just have to enjoy the process of getting there.

While I enjoyed this book I did not love it and the main reason was Jennifer. While the author has a decided talent for scenery description (I could almost smell Sydney, it was so well done) and a nice knack for creating and managing a lot of different characters, I was less impressed by her ability to develop those characters throughout the story. Jennifer's mother and husband are well done but don't change much, Jennifer herself seems a very superficial character through most of the book. She does evolve toward the end a bit, due to life experience and she eventually stops whinging about things, which is a relief. Still, despite Jennifer being annoying at time I am happy to have read it, I will probably re-read sections of it because I am looking for inspirations toward marine biology, and in that sense this book is definitely worthy.

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Audiobook via BorrowBox

[Marylyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Kept waiting for shit to happen, it never did.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I called this a beach book, One you can read while making sure the children do not drown as I never became connected ( I found the main character painful and weak)

[Celia Latty-steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s my first read from this author and won’t be my last. An easy read while lying by the pool on holidays ☺️

[Amanda Johnston · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly pedestrian.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am finding the last two stories a bit some old, same old. The Islands and this one have a classic case of women marrying the wrong man, someone they have nothing in common with and spend the first half of the story complaining about it. Move on please. Some of Di's stories have been great but I am reluctant to read another in case it has a similar storyline.

You could tell that Jennifer and Blair were not a good match from word go. For me too it got a bit too much into saving the environment which is not quite what I am looking for when I read fiction.

[Chiara Rodier · Rating 2 out of 5]

Di seems to assume most of her readers are stupid. When the main character is a "scientist" and asks how the Great Barrier Reef is formed, and we get an detailed explanation, who does she think is reading this drivel!

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every minute of this book. Would like a sequel if possible.

[Sophie · Rating 1 out of 5]

A novel that explores the importance of community that allows for young, single mothers and Australia’s natural beauty to thrive. Di Morrissey gives a lengthy storytelling about Jennifer, a born rural girl who moves to Sydney to study environmental science and eventually researches a paradise island by the Great Barrier Reef. I have given it 1 star for its beautiful, rich descriptions of the reef, and its admirable emphasis on preserving the world’s natural wonders. The reef’s biodiversity is explained very well for lack of scientific terms, and the reader receives a newfound appreciation for such an ecosystem. I found it interesting that the reef’s strength consisting of community is reflected in Jennifer’s connection with the other scientists, as she prepares to navigate her new life as a single mother. It loses 4 stars for a multitude of reasons. Firstly, despite the length of the book, the plot is largely empty. Nothing happens, day in, day out, we are subjected to Jennifer essentially pottering about on the island. Secondly, the characters are weak and heavily flawed: Jennifer herself is extremely unlikeable. She complains about being on a paradise island, she does nothing about her husband’s infidelity, and focuses solely on researching the island. This comes across as flat - she is too human, which makes her boring. She lacks the drama, personality, or excitement that a portrayed heroine needs to possess. Her unfaithful husband Blair and her over-bearing mother are the bane of her existence, yet she does nothing but appease them until the end. These characters experience no development themselves, and are also deeply unpleasant to experience. The abundance of side characters met by Jennifer are mostly men who are scientists, researchers, or journalists, and they aren’t established well enough to be memorable - I would often mix their names up, because they have such a lack of identity. Jennifer’s one new love interest seems to be a new way to spice up the story, but nothing goes anywhere. Lastly, the entire storyline is centred around a mysterious threat on the island, but this is not nearly substantial enough to be entertaining. Its revelation is underwhelming, and ultimately is predicted by Jennifer herself. While there is the dark and tragic background of her family, and her father is revealed to be alive after an alleged suicide, nothing much is done with this. Overall, it leaves the reader wondering how so little could occur, in terms of both plot and character development, in a setting of such high potential.

[Paul McBride · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this authors books as they usually take place in interesting locations around Australia, though some have been in other countries as well, but the author does a great job giving the reader a introduction to what it is like being there. This time the the location is the Great Barrier Reef. There are two storylines, the battle to learn from and preserve/ protect the reef from ecological disaster and the main character and her struggles with growing up.
The main character is a woman named Jennifer who lost her brother when the were both children to a accident at the beach, and her father who commits suicide later because it. Her mother is the most annoying overbearing martyr of a mother ever which keeps Jennifer from from being a mature functioning adult.
As usual by the end of the Book the main character has grown and matured and learned to be an adult.
I liked much of the book but Jennifer is annoying immature and her husband is so stereotypical of a husband who treats her like a doormat that I got tired of both of them. Anyway the book was still worth reading.

[SuzAnne King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the first third of this novel was far too drawn out. Morrissey took too long to get to the action. Possibly the back story would have been better served by flashbacks or pensive musing by Jennifer, the main character. One wonders whether the book's editors had a stipulation for Morrissey to produce a novel of a certain number of pages. :-)
Anyway, it was light reading and once launched into the main body of the story I found I enjoyed it, especially the science. I wonder if this was well researched by Morrissey because it certainly gave food for thought.
However, I kept wondering whether this was a story about Australia's reef or about the main character: by trying to cover both subjects without committing fully to either one I think Morrissey slightly missed her mark, and missed a terrific opportunity to blast home some "inconvenient truths" about the Great Barrier Reef.

[Nadine Rose Larter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy I decided to finish this one quickly before heading out this morning. Am quite impressed that I sailed through these 500 pages so easily. For quite a while now I’ve been shying away from bigger reads purely because it feels easier to fit smaller ones in. This book, though! 💚💙💛 Like 80% of Elder Millennial Girls I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew up. I wanted to study sunfish and rescue dolphins and orcas. With the right ADD meds and a trust fund I might have been able to pull that off 😬🫣 Alas! But maybe that’s why this book felt like a bit of a lullaby. The rhythm of it soothing and gentle. I feel hugged and educated. High literature? No. Fast paced and page racey? No. Angsty and porny? Hah definitely not! But lovely. Delicious. Like a holiday away from life…

[Carol McKnight · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was quite disappointed in this book. When I read the scenario “on a small coral cay on the Great Barrier Reef two communities come together in an uneasy alliance: a tourist resort and a scientific research station”, it sounded like there were definite possibilities for a good read. The author took 400 pages (80%) of the book to set the scene, and the actual conflict was very understated, almost boring. Too descriptive overall, this book should have been written in a quarter of its length, to have more impact. I don’t think I will read more of this author although she has a good reputation as an Australian writer.

[Sue Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

"The weeks passed. Each day dawned,was filled, the sun set and then Jennifer rested." This pretty much describes the whole book, nothing much happens, just people going about their lives. Some lovely descriptive writing but very little substance to the story itself. Jennifer is a weak character and hard to like which makes it even harder to enjoy the book.

After reading Plantation with its descriptions of Orangutans with tails I had lost interest in Di Morrissy. The Reef had sat on my bookshelf for a while so I decided I had to read it or move it on. Moving it on might have been a better choice and I am now finished with Di Morrissy books.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve read other Morrissey books and enjoyed them however this book is barely worth two stars. I read it due to a very limited supply of books on a cruise ship. I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore Di Morrissey books...
I found the characters to be so annoying and under developed. The protagonist is woeful and her mother is honestly the worst literary character I’ve experienced. I’ve given the two stars based on the novel’s location and important undertone of marine biology and it’s impact on the Great Barrier Reef conservation.

[Carolyn Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read. I liked the storyline, however I found it too predictable and it dragged in many parts with too much description. I loved most of the characters, but hated a couple of them and found myself very frustrated with Jennifer a few times for being such a pushover with Blair. Parts of it brought back a lot of feelings from times during my past which I did not enjoy. It was interesting learning a bit more about the Barrier Reef.

[Juliana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm clearing my books out so read this only so I could give it away. And it is a painful slog. Characters are weak, especially the main character. For someone once at university Jennifer seems to have no ecology knowledge or self motivated interest in it. Everyone else has the knowledge. to be continued.... Thank goodness this book is done. It's put me off this author. Even as a holiday read this was not credible.

[Juanita · Rating 3 out of 5]

We've done a sterling job of protecting the Reef and its wildlife since this was written - 2o years (not 30 as was postulated) and it's just about dead. Good one humanity, and pretty much all for the reasons given in this fictional story. Some interesting insights into the human psyche as well.

[Joy Norman · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't find this book as exciting as " monsoon " Which I lloved .became. The Reef became quite repetitive.there just seemed to me,that everything that could happen did happen . there seemed some side stories and events that occurred had no relevance on the read

[Jacqueline Beal · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK disappointing ending

[Janice Workman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked the focus on preserving the oceans.

[Natasha · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has got to be one of her worst. I'd give it a zero if I could.

At least near the end Jennifer grew a little bit and quit her whining. But I just wish she stood up to her husband and I wish we'd seen the cat fight between Jen and Susie. At least it would have made the book a little bit more interesting.

Disappointed in the ending though. I wouldn't waste my time with this novel.

[Jenny]

DNF

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great holiday read - easy to read, action, romance and nice scenery. I sat on the balcony on holidays and read it in a few hours, a nice way to spend a relaxing afternoon.

[Melanie Tatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, the storyline left me feeling frustrated with the main character… but definitely a good read.

[Marianne Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Di Morrissey’s well researched books. This one on the Great Barrier Reef so that was interesting and readable. Not one if her best

[Rae Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Australian fiction story about a couple who move to an island, he manages the resort and she befriends the research team on the island.

[Lillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the water and reef preservation theme but found the main character frustrating and tedious.