Elise is a talented artist, pianist and singer. She is also what is known in 1950s Australia as ‘highly strung’ and ‘nervy’. This isn’t a problem while she lives in the city with her husband Bill and two young daughters Ruby and Marjorie. But when Bill’s mother dies, his father calls him back to the Mallee to help manage the family farm.

Elise struggles to settle into Mallee life: she tries to cultivate a city garden of roses, irises and lilies but the heat and salt kill the plants. She serves French meringues on beautiful plates to the shearers, who threaten to leave unless they get fruitcake and scones. Elise’s fine clothes are scorned by the local women.

The Mallee expects people to modify to survive but Elise refuses. Her nerves are being wound tighter until neighbour Jimmy Waghorn steps in to help. But when Jimmy falls sick and has to leave the Mallee, Elise’s fragile balance is upset and she starts to unravel.

Marjorie befriends Jesse Mitchell, a local boy who has his own private family issues to deal with. They offer comfort and solace to each other but they are unable to prevent a tragedy and Marjorie flees to the city, determined to leave her family and the Mallee behind. Will the boy she loves be able to draw her back?

This is a wonderful novel, both uplifting and heartbreaking. The uncompromising, relentless Mallee is as vivid a character as the people. The hard slog of farm life, the insularity of small communities, the beauty of art and its ability to inspire hope in dark times and the resilience of people in the face of tragedy are all woven together into an unforgettable story.

Reviewed by Melinda Woledge