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Salvation Creek
At age 44, Susan Duncan appeared to have it all. Editor of two of Australia's top selling women's magazines, a happy marriage, a jetsetting lifestyle covering stories from New York to Greenland, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty, the world was her oyster. But when her beloved husband and brother died within three days of each other, her glittering life shattered. In shock, she zipped on her work face and soldiered on—until one morning 18 months later when she simply could not get out of bed. Heartbreaking, funny, and honest, this is the story of a woman who found the courage not only to walk away from a successful career and begin again, but to beat the odds in her own battle for survival and find a new life—and love—in a tiny waterside idyll cut off from the outside world. From the terrifying first step of quitting the job that had always anchored her to abandoning herself to a passionate affair, Duncan never flinches from the truth or loses her wicked sense of humor—even when she finds a paradise on earth only to discover that it may be too late.
400 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
84 people are currently reading
615 people want to read
About the author
Susan Duncan
54 books77 followersSusan Elizabeth Duncan was an Australian author, journalist and editor of The Australian Women's Weekly and New Idea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
May 28, 2015
Susan Duncan was a professional with a great career in the magazine industry and journalism. Her brother and husband died within three days of each other. This is her story. From the Nepean River in Penrith, to country Victoria and the interesting shores of Pittwater NSW, this was a fantastic story of this woman’s resilience and strength as she faced more than her fair share of battles.
I really did enjoy this book, it exceeded my expectations, in more ways than one. I borrowed this copy of a friend. Knowing how many books I have on my shelf, I thought I should make an effort to read it so I could return it. I don’t like holding onto other people’s books for too long! But I needed have worried that I had to get to it just for that reason..
I loved her story, full of ups and downs and trivial excesses. They all add up to what makes this woman the strong one she most certainly is today. I want to visit Pittwater now. Lots of funny and serious issues occurring all at the same time. Mate ship was always one of the main ones.
“A boat coming home on a moonless night, slamming into a barge moored just that day in its new position – a mother and her months old baby left to fend for themselves. A toddler slipping silently overboard in a fierce storm, his father jumping in to save him and both drowning. They body of the toddler never found.”
The issue of conserving water in the bathroom: “I hate being short of anything, even gherkins, so I install my own, idiosyncratic systems to use as little water as possible and still stay within the bounds of hygiene”. This led onto a shell system, where only the 5th person could flush unless an emergency!
The dog race where the dog isn’t faring too well: “Why is it you’re always wearing cottontails when you’d rather be seen in lace?”
The backdrop of part of this story involves the very interesting life on Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar, where the physical environment of this beautiful part of Australia is just as part as the emotional. I recommend this very interesting read. It made me want to know more about this interesting woman.
I really did enjoy this book, it exceeded my expectations, in more ways than one. I borrowed this copy of a friend. Knowing how many books I have on my shelf, I thought I should make an effort to read it so I could return it. I don’t like holding onto other people’s books for too long! But I needed have worried that I had to get to it just for that reason..
I loved her story, full of ups and downs and trivial excesses. They all add up to what makes this woman the strong one she most certainly is today. I want to visit Pittwater now. Lots of funny and serious issues occurring all at the same time. Mate ship was always one of the main ones.
“A boat coming home on a moonless night, slamming into a barge moored just that day in its new position – a mother and her months old baby left to fend for themselves. A toddler slipping silently overboard in a fierce storm, his father jumping in to save him and both drowning. They body of the toddler never found.”
The issue of conserving water in the bathroom: “I hate being short of anything, even gherkins, so I install my own, idiosyncratic systems to use as little water as possible and still stay within the bounds of hygiene”. This led onto a shell system, where only the 5th person could flush unless an emergency!
The dog race where the dog isn’t faring too well: “Why is it you’re always wearing cottontails when you’d rather be seen in lace?”
The backdrop of part of this story involves the very interesting life on Australian poet, Dorothea Mackellar, where the physical environment of this beautiful part of Australia is just as part as the emotional. I recommend this very interesting read. It made me want to know more about this interesting woman.
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March 23, 2017*3.5 stars
At 44 years of age journalist Susan Duncan’s life changes dramatically in just over a week, when she loses two people she loves. First her brother passes away and this is followed in close succession, just days after, by her husband. It takes Susan eighteen months to realise she has not dealt with her grief properly, she has only swept it under the carpet and carried on life as usual. A lifestyle makeover is what Susan’s soul craves. Enter Pittwater, an idyllic island based locale, which is a complete seachange to Susan’s previous life in the city. At Pittwater, Susan finds solace but a health scare forces her to refocus on what matters.
Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life, is a well written memoir penned by established Australian journalist Susan Duncan. Duncan employs her many years in the writing profession to form her moving memoir about a woman risking the life she built for herself to start again. The book has a warm and friendly tone and at times I felt like I was a close friend of Susan Duncan’s. I experienced a mixture of emotions while reading Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life. These emotional responses ranged from dread, sadness, happiness, envy (I want to live in Pittwater!) to relief and inspiration. The highlight for me about this book was the setting, the area of Pittwater is described with a strong sense of imagery that I felt transported to this stunning Australian location. It definitely wiled me to visit one day after reading this book.
Highly enjoyable and personable, I was encouraged to pick up more of Susan’s Duncan’s work after reading Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life.
At 44 years of age journalist Susan Duncan’s life changes dramatically in just over a week, when she loses two people she loves. First her brother passes away and this is followed in close succession, just days after, by her husband. It takes Susan eighteen months to realise she has not dealt with her grief properly, she has only swept it under the carpet and carried on life as usual. A lifestyle makeover is what Susan’s soul craves. Enter Pittwater, an idyllic island based locale, which is a complete seachange to Susan’s previous life in the city. At Pittwater, Susan finds solace but a health scare forces her to refocus on what matters.
Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life, is a well written memoir penned by established Australian journalist Susan Duncan. Duncan employs her many years in the writing profession to form her moving memoir about a woman risking the life she built for herself to start again. The book has a warm and friendly tone and at times I felt like I was a close friend of Susan Duncan’s. I experienced a mixture of emotions while reading Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life. These emotional responses ranged from dread, sadness, happiness, envy (I want to live in Pittwater!) to relief and inspiration. The highlight for me about this book was the setting, the area of Pittwater is described with a strong sense of imagery that I felt transported to this stunning Australian location. It definitely wiled me to visit one day after reading this book.
Highly enjoyable and personable, I was encouraged to pick up more of Susan’s Duncan’s work after reading Salvation Creek: An Unexpected Life.
April 21, 2025
A beautifully written memoir, by Australian author and journalist.
Courageously depicting grief, loss and illness.
Courageously depicting grief, loss and illness.
November 13, 2011
Firstly, had I read this, I don’t think I would have made it very far into the book before I unceremoniously dumped it. I didn’t read it. I listened to it as I drove around the Murray River area of NSW/VIC. 14 hours of listening to the author, Susan Duncan, give her autobiography. Because I listened to it as I drove around, and interspersed it with little country towns, cold running creeks and rivers, coffee shops and the odd vineyard or two, I was happy to go along with her ride.
I didn’t really care for her story. Despite the welling of tears and an inability to speak when Barbara- her friend dies, and a desire for Susan to become healthy after her cancer, for the whole, it didn’t do it for me.
Susan’s (I feel I know her well enough to call her Susan) book is in fact a self-help book. It is her story from depression to wellness. She espouses Mindfulness and Eastern (Buddhist) philosophy to help cope with the shit that life deals. It works for her, and I seriously think that we should all take a leaf from the Mindfulness book.
She finds haven in Lovatt Bay; a well to do, waterborne settlement, in Sydney Harbour. She describes in boring detail the life of this well-to-do community in Sydney. I really don’t care for the City clique of this country (Australia) and I was never going to warm to them. I kept just wanting this story to finish, but Susan just droned on and on about those who can afford to be self-indulgent.
I am so glad she got her life in order. I love how she embraced Eastern Philosophy. I recommend this book for the ‘I have a bullocks amount of disposable income class’ in their 40s and beyond who need a change but are not sure how to go about it.
I didn’t really care for her story. Despite the welling of tears and an inability to speak when Barbara- her friend dies, and a desire for Susan to become healthy after her cancer, for the whole, it didn’t do it for me.
Susan’s (I feel I know her well enough to call her Susan) book is in fact a self-help book. It is her story from depression to wellness. She espouses Mindfulness and Eastern (Buddhist) philosophy to help cope with the shit that life deals. It works for her, and I seriously think that we should all take a leaf from the Mindfulness book.
She finds haven in Lovatt Bay; a well to do, waterborne settlement, in Sydney Harbour. She describes in boring detail the life of this well-to-do community in Sydney. I really don’t care for the City clique of this country (Australia) and I was never going to warm to them. I kept just wanting this story to finish, but Susan just droned on and on about those who can afford to be self-indulgent.
I am so glad she got her life in order. I love how she embraced Eastern Philosophy. I recommend this book for the ‘I have a bullocks amount of disposable income class’ in their 40s and beyond who need a change but are not sure how to go about it.
October 18, 2008
I loved this book so much I couldn't put it down but at the same time wanted it to last. A wonderful memoir of a very strong woman who has been to hell and back. There is a follow up book just published, can't wait to get my hands on it!
May 17, 2024
Gentlemen please listen closely. My daughter loved this book. My big sister did too... but she warned me: 'This is probably a 'girls' book Paddy.' I spent my life listening to my elder sister but ploughed on with this book nonetheless. I should have listened to her. The author drove me bonkers with how she approached much of her life. But of course that's fine because it's her autobiography. But seriously if I turned yet another page to hear another of the endless (mis) adventures of her two mutts, Vita and Dolce (AKA as Chip Chop... don't ask), I thought I would throw the book out the window. Many will love this book, and in part deservedly so, given how Susan overcame the death of two of her loved ones and her own health challenges. Full marks to her for her fortitude. But next time I listen to my elder sibling!
December 9, 2014
Loved this book! I'm probably biased as, first of all, I just visited and experienced Pittwater for a few days and its easy to visualise the place when she (Susan Duncan) tells about it. And she covers the topics travel, moving house, cancer and loss in a way that resonates with me.
But besides that I like the way she writes; honest and with humour.
And now I want to live in Pittwater. Ok, maybe only when it's good weather, but still. Read the book and be sure to visit the place when you're in Australia.
But besides that I like the way she writes; honest and with humour.
And now I want to live in Pittwater. Ok, maybe only when it's good weather, but still. Read the book and be sure to visit the place when you're in Australia.
September 15, 2022
I never wanted this story to end, came upon it through my Libary Borrow Box and listened to it via Audio. After researching the Author Susan Duncan, I found she has written 2 followups to the story so how lucky am i now that the story will keep on going. It was read beautifully and touched me deeply. I am unsure if it is based on her real life or not yet, still researching, however if you want a fabulous human interest story about love and loss and peace, then this is not to be missed.
December 18, 2011
“Ruthlessly honest, passionate, gutsy and Funny.” – These observations are attributed to Maggie Tabberer and appear on the front cover of the book reminding me a little of the health warning on a cigarette packet. (Believe this or be prepared to suffer the consequences!) The reader is enticed to accept these words at face value thus providing a ready made set of parameters (ie a level of credibility) in which to read the author’s tale, or alternately he or she could chose to allow the story itself to reveal its own secrets.
On embarking into the very private anguish and confusion of the writer a picture emerges of a heartbroken woman, weary of tragedy who longs for an opportunity to escape from her misery and, if possible, a way to reinvent herself. Poor choices and low self esteem often present as the public face of private desperation. Not surprisingly the author confesses to many unhappy decisions and moral dilemmas that lead her well away from the happy well-adjusted life she hankers for.
However the book itself is wonderfully descriptive both historically and geographically. The momentum of the author’s bumpy journey through her own sickness and loss of career never falters. I found her love of words enabled me to picture her situation and life as well as any movie could have done.
However, whether she has been “ruthlessly honest” is something only she could know. Not being in a position to judge her honesty, I can only say that her book was a refreshingly different kind of read, interesting, poignant and possessing the desired happy ending.
Carinya
On embarking into the very private anguish and confusion of the writer a picture emerges of a heartbroken woman, weary of tragedy who longs for an opportunity to escape from her misery and, if possible, a way to reinvent herself. Poor choices and low self esteem often present as the public face of private desperation. Not surprisingly the author confesses to many unhappy decisions and moral dilemmas that lead her well away from the happy well-adjusted life she hankers for.
However the book itself is wonderfully descriptive both historically and geographically. The momentum of the author’s bumpy journey through her own sickness and loss of career never falters. I found her love of words enabled me to picture her situation and life as well as any movie could have done.
However, whether she has been “ruthlessly honest” is something only she could know. Not being in a position to judge her honesty, I can only say that her book was a refreshingly different kind of read, interesting, poignant and possessing the desired happy ending.
Carinya
December 9, 2011
I began this book thinking itwould be about a woman who lost her husband and brother to cancer, and how she dealt with that. So I felt great sympathy for her when she herself was diagnosed with breast cancer. However I had little sympathy for her during the married man affair. Interesting reading, and very descriptive of her surroundings, but often I found her complete lack of concern for others - for example getting 2 jack russell terriers and allowing them to run free though native bush, and expecting everyone in the vicinity to deal with it while she trotted off to the city to work - difficult to relate to and slightly hard to believe. A stong message throighout the book is that food and wine can solve anything, and life is really not complete until there is a man around to fix things. I dont think cancer made her this way, and I suspect her work of fiction will be very much in the style of Maeve Binchy, and therefore will ultimately appeal to many. But not to me. Read this one to get a feel of Pittwater and surrounds. In spite of me sounding as if I didn 't enjoy it, I did read the book to the end, and I did care about what would happen to her next, and I am pleased formher tht she found a happy ending.
September 28, 2010
So this may break my goodreads' friend Angela's heart, but I can't say I loved this book...it was just a bit twee and went over the 'rural people are so much better than city people with their homespun wisdom' thing. oh and boats. always with the boats. Actually, it was a quick, pretty good read but the parts that rubbed me the wrong way was her affair with a married man which SHOCK! SPOILER ALERT! didn't work out and left her feeling like crap. And her belief that thinking happy thoughts would help her overcome cancer, pretty sure it doesn't work that way. But this book was a huge hit in Australia so maybe it's just me. I can identify with her hatred of her job, and it is an interesting story in parts but overall just is not my cup of tea at all. and the ending you could see coming a mile away. Kind of like eat pray love the way all her troubles are overcome once she finds a man. booorrriinnggg.
February 21, 2021
A very enjoyable read! Susan Duncan has a great writing voice. This book was an op shop find and I didn’t realise I was about to read an autobiography. (I was put off by Eat Pray Love, so I’m usually cautious now) Congrats to Susan Duncan, beautifully evocative descriptions of Pittwater and Sydney, lovely use of language, honest and kind descriptions of characters (obviously real people/and dogs) Very dignified yet open telling of her story, no self pitying. An admirable woman, I think, and a terrific story. I see now that there’s a sequel and some novels. They’re on my ‘want to read’ list.
January 26, 2010
A wonderful read about the mire of depression and finding happiness in the most unusal place and how life and happiness is not what people see from outside. It is all inside YOU.
May 12, 2012
Loved this because it was set in a beautiful location in Australia and based on true events. Always a favourite
for me.
A very enjoyable read.
for me.
A very enjoyable read.
July 21, 2012
About to start for a book club. Not sure I would have picked it to read otherwise.
I seem to have faffed around with this book for ages now, originally it was a book choice to read for a book club. I started it and originally enjoyed it, then got irritated by it and put it down for ages, picked it up and read it in one or two chapters at a time and now I have finally finished it. And what did I think? I don't know, lol! It seems everyone pretty much loved it within the book club but I've felt very hot and cold towards it. I've loved the descriptions of Pittwater but have been constantly infuriated by the author's seemingly selfish manner on a number of occasions. This book is supposed to be the author's own story yet a lot of it just doesn't ring true for me.
I seem to have faffed around with this book for ages now, originally it was a book choice to read for a book club. I started it and originally enjoyed it, then got irritated by it and put it down for ages, picked it up and read it in one or two chapters at a time and now I have finally finished it. And what did I think? I don't know, lol! It seems everyone pretty much loved it within the book club but I've felt very hot and cold towards it. I've loved the descriptions of Pittwater but have been constantly infuriated by the author's seemingly selfish manner on a number of occasions. This book is supposed to be the author's own story yet a lot of it just doesn't ring true for me.
July 26, 2012
A miserable and self-indulgent book. I couldn't warm to the writer. Yes, she suffered some tragedy, but lots of people have done that without having affairs with married men and losing all sense of themselves. And what sort of idiot would think that it was OK to get two dogs and let them run wild in a national park?
I bought the book because I used to spend my holidays at Lovett Bay, 50 years ago. I wish now that I hadn't bothered. Written in the present tense, which you'd think a journalist would know to avoid, I found everything about it, and its author, dismal and grating. Even the foreshadowing of the supposedly happy ending was irritating, relying as it did, on the death of a good friend of the author.
I bought the book because I used to spend my holidays at Lovett Bay, 50 years ago. I wish now that I hadn't bothered. Written in the present tense, which you'd think a journalist would know to avoid, I found everything about it, and its author, dismal and grating. Even the foreshadowing of the supposedly happy ending was irritating, relying as it did, on the death of a good friend of the author.
January 31, 2014
I may be pedantic but, I could not finish this book after I read on page 37 -
A phone call comes mid-morning in early August....
"It's Fleury's birthday. Come to Pittwater for the weekend."
"Stewart! How are you? What are you up to?".....
"Good, I'm good. Can you make it?" he asks.
"When?"
"July twenty-three."
I hesitate.
"Be great if you could help with the cooking. And Sophia needs a lift."
The clinchers. I'm needed. Can't say no to all that.....
Is good old Stewie getting in early for the next year? Is Susan a time traveller and prepared to take herself back a few weeks?
Sloppy editing or a typo? It just makes me cringe and wonder how many more mistakes there may be. It ruins the credibility of the story.
A phone call comes mid-morning in early August....
"It's Fleury's birthday. Come to Pittwater for the weekend."
"Stewart! How are you? What are you up to?".....
"Good, I'm good. Can you make it?" he asks.
"When?"
"July twenty-three."
I hesitate.
"Be great if you could help with the cooking. And Sophia needs a lift."
The clinchers. I'm needed. Can't say no to all that.....
Is good old Stewie getting in early for the next year? Is Susan a time traveller and prepared to take herself back a few weeks?
Sloppy editing or a typo? It just makes me cringe and wonder how many more mistakes there may be. It ruins the credibility of the story.
November 18, 2008
I'm sure at a different stage in my life I would have enjoyed this book more but since that isn't where I am it seemed drawn out to me.
August 23, 2011
A moving warmhearted account of dealing with grief and escaping from the ratrace. And the lemon cake is delicious.
October 28, 2018
Not bad at all.
January 11, 2022
A great audio-read. Recommended by my sister as she had enjoyed it because of the familiarity with many of the locations. We have a sibling living in this area and have visited many of these spots, walked in the National Park, travelled on the water taxi, coffee at Church Point etc etc. so it is easy for me to do a review in my usual style.
If you have ever read any reviews I submit you will be aware that I respond to anything I read emotionally and I am not known for an intellectual nor factual review.
So more of the same style from me.
I loved the descriptions of so many places I have visited and walked and enjoyed.
I empathised with Susan as she journeyed through many life defining moments and events.
I opened my heart to Barbara
I got extremely frustrated with Susans stupidity in acquiring the puppies and allowing them to run wild and create havoc. As a dog owner myself I do get angry with people who take on a dog, or worse dogs (which as we know 2 dogs is a pack and they behave differently) but don’t take the time and care to learn to speak dog and understand the complexities of the human/dog interactions. So without spoiling the story for others, suffice to say it finally resolved itself okay but it changed the way I responded to the rest of Susans story. Have I forgiven her negligence? I am not certain, my inner jury is out on that.
A great read, especially if you picture the setting. Pittwater is certainly incredibly beautiful and possibly quite unique.
If you have ever read any reviews I submit you will be aware that I respond to anything I read emotionally and I am not known for an intellectual nor factual review.
So more of the same style from me.
I loved the descriptions of so many places I have visited and walked and enjoyed.
I empathised with Susan as she journeyed through many life defining moments and events.
I opened my heart to Barbara
I got extremely frustrated with Susans stupidity in acquiring the puppies and allowing them to run wild and create havoc. As a dog owner myself I do get angry with people who take on a dog, or worse dogs (which as we know 2 dogs is a pack and they behave differently) but don’t take the time and care to learn to speak dog and understand the complexities of the human/dog interactions. So without spoiling the story for others, suffice to say it finally resolved itself okay but it changed the way I responded to the rest of Susans story. Have I forgiven her negligence? I am not certain, my inner jury is out on that.
A great read, especially if you picture the setting. Pittwater is certainly incredibly beautiful and possibly quite unique.
June 28, 2017
At 44 Susan Duncan appeared to have it all. Editor of two of Australia's top selling women's magazines, a happy marriage, a jetsetting lifestyle covering stories from New York to Greenland, rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty, the world was her oyster.
But when her beloved husband and brother die within three days of each other, her glittering life shatters. In shock, she zips on her work face and soldiers on - until one morning eighteen months later when she simply can't get out of bed.
Heartbreaking, funny and searingly honest, Salvation Creek is the story of a woman who found the courage not only to walk away from a successful career and begin again, but to beat the odds in her own battle for survival and find a new life - and love - in a tiny waterside idyll cut off from the outside world.
From the terrifying first step of quitting the job that had always anchored her to abandoning herself to a passionate affair that she knows will break her heart, Duncan never flinches from the truth or loses her wicked sense of humour. Even when she finds a paradise on earth only to discover that it may be too late. It's been said that the greatest risk in life is not to take a risk
But when her beloved husband and brother die within three days of each other, her glittering life shatters. In shock, she zips on her work face and soldiers on - until one morning eighteen months later when she simply can't get out of bed.
Heartbreaking, funny and searingly honest, Salvation Creek is the story of a woman who found the courage not only to walk away from a successful career and begin again, but to beat the odds in her own battle for survival and find a new life - and love - in a tiny waterside idyll cut off from the outside world.
From the terrifying first step of quitting the job that had always anchored her to abandoning herself to a passionate affair that she knows will break her heart, Duncan never flinches from the truth or loses her wicked sense of humour. Even when she finds a paradise on earth only to discover that it may be too late. It's been said that the greatest risk in life is not to take a risk
July 26, 2023
Susan Duncan appears to have it all. Editor of two of Australia’s top selling women’s magazines, a happy marriage and a jet setting lifestyle. The world was her oyster. Until her husband and brother die within three days of each other. She goes on auto-pilot for about 18 months until she can’t go on anymore.
She wants to up sticks and turn everything around but it won’t be an easy process. She has her own battle for survival. She chooses to create this new life in a waterside idyll cut off from the outside world. Apparently people either take to it within 2 years or don’t.
She brought it all to life as she moved around and described memories from her childhood. I could visualise her as she commuted to her job and then back to her tranquil life on Pittwater.
‘Life is blithely taken for granted by most of us - until it is threatened’. p.177
My mum’s copy has the lemon cake recipe, but as I was reading it, I realised that I have the cookbook that it has been adapted from: Stephanie Alexander’s ‘The Cook’s Companion.
She wants to up sticks and turn everything around but it won’t be an easy process. She has her own battle for survival. She chooses to create this new life in a waterside idyll cut off from the outside world. Apparently people either take to it within 2 years or don’t.
She brought it all to life as she moved around and described memories from her childhood. I could visualise her as she commuted to her job and then back to her tranquil life on Pittwater.
‘Life is blithely taken for granted by most of us - until it is threatened’. p.177
My mum’s copy has the lemon cake recipe, but as I was reading it, I realised that I have the cookbook that it has been adapted from: Stephanie Alexander’s ‘The Cook’s Companion.
January 20, 2019
Wow this was intense. And it really did take a month to read, which is a bit of an outlier (extra long time) for me.
So first up I think it deserves 4* for the writing which is vivid and engaging. At times too much so, because I found myself getting very depressed in general for the first 2/3 of the book and having to put it down or wreck my mood entirely.
But then really, the story is one of “so this is how I coped” and I find they’re sometimes self indulgent as in, this person has the luxury and ability to write, and they write about themselves, what are they actually adding to the sum of human knowledge or artistic achievement?
In the end, not very much. Hence 3*. But it is a very well written 3*.
So first up I think it deserves 4* for the writing which is vivid and engaging. At times too much so, because I found myself getting very depressed in general for the first 2/3 of the book and having to put it down or wreck my mood entirely.
But then really, the story is one of “so this is how I coped” and I find they’re sometimes self indulgent as in, this person has the luxury and ability to write, and they write about themselves, what are they actually adding to the sum of human knowledge or artistic achievement?
In the end, not very much. Hence 3*. But it is a very well written 3*.
October 25, 2020
I loved this book because it reminded me of my childhood on the Peninsula. The description of Pittwater took me back to chasing after solider crabs, sailing to little beaches and battling through thick bush on wild goose chases for the best view of the water. It was exciting to read her enjoying and exploring places that I too have enjoyed and explored and it reminded me of memories I hadn’t thought of in years! Duncan’s honesty in the book is confronting but refreshing. Reading this I found myself smiling to myself one minute and crying the next.
A beautiful book to enjoy while so far away from home. I think knowing the area has effected my rating, if you aren’t familiar with Pittwater, you may find some of her description slows down the pace of the story.
A beautiful book to enjoy while so far away from home. I think knowing the area has effected my rating, if you aren’t familiar with Pittwater, you may find some of her description slows down the pace of the story.
January 25, 2021
Salvation Creek rambles along at a steady pace and draws the reader in slowly.
As an Aussie, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about life on the islands and how complicated that lifestyle is, in all its simplicity.
Having lived in a van for a decade, travelling and camping throughout this great land, I found a pleasant nostalgia in some of the retelling.
The greatest beauty for me though, is the language. So well told in such picturesque words.
A great read. Some of the revelations during the cancer journey are pure gold, and have resonated with my simple, organic, barefoot lifestyle.
Thank you Susan, well done! You've added the last kick of inspiration for me to get serious about writing my next book!
As an Aussie, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about life on the islands and how complicated that lifestyle is, in all its simplicity.
Having lived in a van for a decade, travelling and camping throughout this great land, I found a pleasant nostalgia in some of the retelling.
The greatest beauty for me though, is the language. So well told in such picturesque words.
A great read. Some of the revelations during the cancer journey are pure gold, and have resonated with my simple, organic, barefoot lifestyle.
Thank you Susan, well done! You've added the last kick of inspiration for me to get serious about writing my next book!
February 4, 2024
I found this book really hard to get into - I found the first quarter quite dull. Nothing seemed to be happening and it was just blandly recounting her life. But I couldn’t stop because I felt there must be a reason the book has won awards and that it must get better! And it did.
I didn’t like the character initially, but then as she grew, she grew on me and I was a fan by the end. And was very glad she found love. Bob sounds amazing!
The author has painted a great scene with her words, I feel like I know the Pittwaters and it’s made me want to visit! It would have been helpful if there was a map at the front though.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, eventually. It highlights the joy of simplicity over the shallowness of the rat race and I’m all about that!
I didn’t like the character initially, but then as she grew, she grew on me and I was a fan by the end. And was very glad she found love. Bob sounds amazing!
The author has painted a great scene with her words, I feel like I know the Pittwaters and it’s made me want to visit! It would have been helpful if there was a map at the front though.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, eventually. It highlights the joy of simplicity over the shallowness of the rat race and I’m all about that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2020
I loved this memoir, told with the honesty and emotion that touched my heart. I was taken along on a journey of ups and downs through challenges and heartbreak told with light hearted resolve. She recounts her struggles through grief and breast cancer and finally contentment with a simple life. I felt a connection with her and found myself cheering her on to stay strong. Having gone through my own Cancer journey a few years ago, I was reminded of how it felt to be on 'auto pilot' going between treatment and doctors and feeling lost in uncertainty. She also describes in such detail about her life in Pittwater with a fondness and richness so appealing it sounds like paradise.
August 23, 2017
As I read this book, I felt as if I was travelling alongside the author as she battles losses of family members, cancer and then embarks on a new life in an amazing part of Australia. The story unfolds with lots of changes for the author who decides to create a new life for herself. She goes on to reveal a little known background of an historic house plus describes the wonderful residents and lifestyles of the residents who live in her new community. I loved this book and it's my 'go to book' when someone asks me to recommend a great read!
April 27, 2020
Really enjoyed this book, I laughed and cried at what this woman dealt with. Losing her brother and husband to cancer within 3 days of each other. She was a successful journalist and editor and carried on working until one day 18 months later she could not get out of bed. She eventually gave up her job, sold up and went to live at Pittwater in NSW. Then she got breast cancer and she was facing the prospect of her own death. A funny, warm, heart breaking and honest account of one woman’s courage in coping with tragedy and finding love and happiness again.
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