The Hamiltons live on a farm around Pine Creek, a fictional town in NSW’s Central West. The story is set in two timeframes: the first part in 1989, and the second a decade later, and is told through the eyes of Sara, the middle child. New neighbours have moved into the cottage next door –single mum, Lillian, and her ‘arty’ son, Alec. Sara’s father, Len, derides him as gay. (The narrative also discusses the AIDS epidemic beginning in the early ’80s.) Alec goes missing and is discovered dead in a drain next to the road.
Alec’s death is written off as a hit-and-run, with no one charged. Sara thinks it was more sinister. He’s been harassed before. She saw two men in a ute stop and throw a rock at him, although she couldn’t see who it was. Did the same ute come back to target him?
The Hamiltons, though, have troubles of their own. Len is a bully. Sara’s mum, Elena, lives in fear. Sara’s older sister, Anne, can’t wait to leave. Her younger brother, Robbie, who sometimes talked to Alec, goes off the rails. Sara lusts after Len’s offsider, Ryan. The family falls apart. Ten years later, Len has suffered a stroke and Sara returns to the farm. Ryan has married and returns to Pine Creek as he’s mentioned in Len’s will. Memories of Alec’s death resurface. Secrets long withheld are being uncovered, and when Sara noses around the shed, she’s attacked. Sara knows that someone close to her was lying about Alec’s death.
Pine Creek would’ve been better served had Len’s clichéd characterisation been more nuanced, but having said that there’s a great narrative drive and the requisite twists.
Reviewed by Bob Moore
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A West Australian, Kamille has a Science Degree, Comprehensive Writing certification and facilitates a prose writers’ group at the Fellowship of Australian Writers WA, Winner of the BJ Paterson Writing Award 2013, Kamille’s various short stories and articles have placed nationally, and been published in print and online.
A working Nurse and Fitness Instructor, Kamille includes her past role in the highly sought after, all-female broccoli planting team, among her achievements. Kamille lives in Perth with her family and two dogs.
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