When Miki’s parents are killed in a house fire, she hopes she will escape her isolated home-schooled world on an apple orchard in southern Tasmania. She moves to a timber town and runs a take-away shop with her brother, Kurt, older by a decade. But he keeps Miki as cut off as ever, even locking her into the house when he takes overnight trips to Hobart each week. As her 18th birthday approaches, will she find the strength to defy Kurt?

Park ranger Leon arrives in the same town, determined to make a new start after spending several years back home on Bruny Island trying to protect his mother from his abusive alcoholic father. But ‘parkies’ are not welcomed by the local loggers who dominate the town. How will he overcome their animosity and find acceptance?

Ten-year-old Max loves his new neighbour Leon, who helps him improve his footy skills. But can Max trust Leon enough to tell him about his problems with the local bully?

The stories of Miki, Leon and Max intertwine in this beautiful novel about friendship and resilience. Each is faced with a situation in life they want to change and they realise they must find the strength within to stand up and fight for their beliefs and dreams.

The novel is set in the old-growth eucalypt forests and rugged mountains of Tasmania, with the tension between the logging industry and conservationists providing a wider backdrop to the characters’ personal struggles.

The landscape descriptions are stunning, vividly evoking the majesty of old-growth forests. For Miki and Leon, the forest offers a connection with the land and its ancient past. For Max’s father, Shane, and his mates, the forest represents jobs and food on the table. Tension builds to a dramatic, satisfying conclusion.

Reviewed by Melinda Woledge