It takes a lot of energy: Keeping up Appearances by Tricia Stringer

Recently, I have been reading a fair amount of Australian (women’s) fiction. I started with Sophie Green and then read books by Sandie Docker. This time, I tried a novel by Tricia Stringer. It was an easy read and one that I enjoyed.

Readers visit the Badara community. It is small and its people think that they know one another well, only to find out over the course of the story, that there is more to almost every one.

Readers meet Briony and Vince-they have three adult children, all of whom have much going on in their relationships. Briony who cares deeply about what others think is not universally delighted with their choices.

Then there are Marion and Len-they have something that they have not told others, will this remain private? Paige has moved to Badara to get away from her old community. She has three children, each of whom has a different father. Will she find what she is looking for in her new home?

There are a host of other characters as well and readers watch their stories unfold. There are regular meetings of an exercise class, visits to farms, family dinners and more as the characters’ stories unfold.

One issue in the book is that a character left some unsavory writings in a time capsule that is about to be opened. What will this unleash? Can a person still be good if they said some unkind things? Can a person make amends? Readers will find out. Another theme is about acceptance of people for who they are and not just who a character wants/needs them to be.

This small town may seem too small to some readers while to others it may seem like the ideal community. See what you think.

In many ways this title offers a celebration of family and neighbors. If that appeals, this book is for you.

I definitely enjoyed this enough to read other books by Ms. Stringer. It is not amazing but it was good.

Some other Australian authors:

Note: Books listed as e book bargains were true at the time of the initial post but they may no longer be today.

Australian fiction: Wallaby Lane

A shoutout for Sophie Green

The Wattle Island Book Club by Sandie Docker

Come for the cupcakes, stay for the people: The Kookaburra Creek Cafe by Sandie Docker

Give a listen: The Radio Hour

Let’s sing: The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green