Following their grandfather Paddy’s death, siblings Helen, Sylvie and Brendan return to the old fibro beach house in southern New South Wales where they were raised by Paddy and their grandmother, Iris, after their mother’s death. ‘Iluka’ is the name of the house Paddy built for Iris when they married. While not stated in the book, it’s an Aboriginal word for ‘near the sea’, and the beach forms a recurring backdrop to many scenes.
The siblings have come to clear the house of their grandparents’ belongings in readiness for a possible sale. Thrown together in the kind of awkward circumstances many experience after a family death, old rivalries, resentments and unresolved tensions resurface, brought to a head by the discovery of letters written by their supposedly deceased mother, Marguerite. As a troubled woman, Marguerite’s lifestyle created an unhealthy environment for children. Most letters are addressed to their grandmother, while some are written directly to the siblings. The real shock comes when they discover the letters continue to the present, indicating Marguerite is still alive.
This revelation precipitates disbelief, questioning and a sense of betrayal. Confusion about the motives behind the deception triggers an emotional crisis in all three, ultimately changing their lives and relationships in radical ways.
This debut novel tells a captivating story of family trauma and how childhood adversity shapes adult lives. While the characters can feel somewhat stereotyped, the sense of place is vividly depicted, making this an impressive and confident debut by Stroud.
Book review by Anne Green
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cassie Stroud is a writer, editor and fiction scout. She has worked as a bookseller at Brays Books, WellRead and Collins Booksellers. She also reviews books for fellow readers on her Instagram page.
She has a BComm in Creative Writing, has completed writing mentorships with Kirsten Tranter and Emily Maguire, and the ‘Inside Story’ course with Tessa Hadley, via the Curtis Brown Institute.
Cassie lives in a 1950s house on Sydney’s north shore with her husband, son and their Siamese cat. Iluka is her first novel.
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