The Campers by Maryrose Cuskelly
For those seeking a bit of Australian domestic noir escapism, look no further than Maryrose Cuskelly’s fictional work, The Campers.
Set within an inner-city cul-de-sac, The Campers explores the very real dichotomy between the “haves” and the “have-nots,” which sets the residents of the area (the Drovers) and a group of nomadic, homeless, and disenfranchised people who have set up residence in their neighbourhood on a tense collision course. What follows is a community conflict between these two groups.
The story is told from the perspective of one of the main characters, Leah, as she navigates the interpersonal tensions between the Drovers and their new neighbours. Leah, a wife and mother, is experiencing an existential crisis, and the arrival of the handsome and enigmatic Sholto comes at a pivotal moment in her life.
I enjoyed this book because it was well-paced and presented numerous ethical dilemmas. I especially appreciated the familiarity of its Australian setting and cultural references.
However, I did feel that the book ended rather abruptly. The conclusion seemed to come out of nowhere, though it didn’t detract from Cuskelly’s compelling writing.
This book is available on our shelves to borrow, as well as through BorrowBox and Libby in both audio and e-book formats.
The Campers by Maryrose Cuskelly
Susannah
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