image of person or book cover 7680740489515777364.jpg
Cover image courtesy of publisher.
y separately published work icon The Stranding single work   novel  
Issue Details: First known date: 2008... 2008 The Stranding
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'Lex Henderson washes up in a small coastal village after a tragedy shatters his life in Sydney. He is broken in every way, and wants only to escape from the world. The best place to hide is one where you'll be left alone, or so Lex thinks until the small community of Merrigan starts taking an interest in him. By then, despite himself, he's a little fascinated in return, and is soon drawn into the community in ways he could never have anticipated, discovering that Merrigan has social rules of its own that he must learn to navigate. It is through new and unexpected friendships that he gradually embarks on the path to recovery, finding support and common ground with his reclusive neighbour, the owner of the town cafe and his employer at a local dairy farm. He also meets Callista Bennett, an artist with a hidden history, and enters into a friendship with her that is both volatile and difficult. Slowly, painstakingly, they turn to each other, but each attempt to get closer ends up in retreat, as both of them are paralysed by their pasts and by the idea of trusting anyone ever again.

'What Lex does learn to trust is the beauty of the natural world, the strange comfort of the wild seascapes he sees from his windows, and the transfixing majesty of the whales that swim close to his house on the point. Giving himself up to nature is one thing he can do, and he embraces it wholeheartedly, swimming out among the whales, spending hours a day studying the ever-changing patterns of the sea and the play of light and shadow, storm and sunshine. This is one way he can connect with Callista, who has spent her whole life engaged with the natural world and whose paintings capture it so vividly.

'Then a whale is stranded on a remote beach near Merrigan, and Lex, Callista and the townsfolk become involved in a tense and uncertain rescue that challenges their attitudes and beliefs, creating rifts and liaisons. It is through the trials and emotions of this event that Lex and Callista see a way through their grief. But will their pasts ever let them go?' (Publisher's blurb)

Notes

  • Dedication: For David. For his infinite love, patience and support.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • Crows Nest, North Sydney - Lane Cove area, Sydney Northern Suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales,: Allen and Unwin , 2008 .
      image of person or book cover 7680740489515777364.jpg
      Cover image courtesy of publisher.
      Extent: 364p.
      Note/s:
      • Published May 2008
      ISBN: 9781741754018 (pbk)
    • Crows Nest, North Sydney - Lane Cove area, Sydney Northern Suburbs, Sydney, New South Wales,: Allen and Unwin , 2009 .
      image of person or book cover 5261484535560106592.jpg
      This image has been sourced from online.
      Extent: 408p.
      Note/s:
      • Published January 2009
      ISBN: 9781741757736
Alternative title: La Maison Des Hautes Falaises
Language: French

Other Formats

  • Dyslexic edition.
  • Large print.
  • Braille.
  • Sound recording.

Works about this Work

In the Land of Love Patrick Allington , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Advertiser , 24 May 2008; (p. 14)

— Review of Texas : An Australian Love Story Sarah Hay , 2008 single work novel ; The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel
First Novels Captivate with Studies of Loss Stella Clarke , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 24-25 May 2008; (p. 11)

— Review of The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel ; The Retreaters Sharlene Miller Brown , 2008 single work novel ; The Lifeboat Zacharey Jane , 2008 single work novel
Washed Up - the Whales and Broken People Dianne Dempsey , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 17 May 2008; (p. 22)

— Review of The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel
Call of the Wild Diane Stubbings , 2008 single work column
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 17 May 2008; (p. 11-12)
Washed Up - the Whales and Broken People Dianne Dempsey , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Age , 17 May 2008; (p. 22)

— Review of The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel
First Novels Captivate with Studies of Loss Stella Clarke , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Weekend Australian , 24-25 May 2008; (p. 11)

— Review of The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel ; The Retreaters Sharlene Miller Brown , 2008 single work novel ; The Lifeboat Zacharey Jane , 2008 single work novel
In the Land of Love Patrick Allington , 2008 single work review
— Appears in: The Advertiser , 24 May 2008; (p. 14)

— Review of Texas : An Australian Love Story Sarah Hay , 2008 single work novel ; The Stranding Karen Viggers , 2008 single work novel
Call of the Wild Diane Stubbings , 2008 single work column
— Appears in: The Canberra Times , 17 May 2008; (p. 11-12)
Last amended 16 Aug 2021 10:12:02
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