The Floating Garden (Emma Ashmere, Spinifex Press)

SetSet in Sydney in the 1920s, The Floating Garden beautifully and evocatively portrays both the difficulties and the sense of promise in the post-war era. Through the eyes of Ellis and Rennie, we witness the changes in the tight-knit community of Milsons Point as Sydney’s iconic Harbour Bridge is built. The novel begins as landlady (and secret gardening writer) Ellis sees the last of her lodgers depart as the demolishers rapidly approach. Ellis appears to be trapped in the crumbling house by inertia and memories. Rennie, on the other hand, appears to have it all—a wealthy husband and a career of sorts as an exhibiting artist. Their worlds collide when Rennie knocks on Ellis’ door seeking refuge from her abusive husband. She joins the bohemian community of misfits and charlatans before selling her jewellery and dragging Ellis off to start a new life on their own terms. This is Emma Ashmere’s first novel after a series of award-winning short stories. There is something quintessentially Australian about this book, and at times it reminded me of Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet. At its heart, this is a story about second chances and discovering love when you least expect it. 

Rachel Wilson is a Melbourne-based academic and former bookseller

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Category: Reviews