The Blue Mile (Kim Kelly, Pan Macmillan)

The latest novel from Kim Kelly (Black Diamonds, This Red Earth) is an engaging, entertaining read set in 1930s Sydney against the backdrop of the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. It casts an informative light on the hardships endured by the bridge workers, the struggle of the Great Depression, and the politics and economics of the time. The disparity between the different social classes is illuminated in the connection between the two main characters. Eoghan O’Keenan escapes his alcoholic parents with his little sister under his arm and attempts to forge a better life after finding work on the bridge when he meets Olivia Greene. Born to English aristocracy and raised by her mother, Olivia enjoys surprising independence for the times by running her own couture salon. The frippery of her world of fashion and fabric, which is lavishly described, contrasts with Eoghan’s struggle for existence. Ferry-strewn harbourside Sydney is evocatively drawn, and one of this book’s strengths is the sheer likeability of its protagonists. Like all good books of its ilk, it’s a compelling journey to unweave the fates of its lovestruck characters. Somewhat disappointingly, Eoghan’s shock disappearance seems out of character (how could he do that?) and felt like a strategic plot device. However, this is a great recommendation for general, romantic, historic and holidaying fiction readers or Mother’s Day gifts.

Joanne Shiells is an editor and former retail book buyer