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Sanctuary
In Judy Nunn’s latest compelling novel, compassion meets bigotry, hatred meets love, and ultimately despair meets hope on the windswept shores of Australia.On a barren island off the coast of Western Australia, a rickety wooden dinghy runs aground. Aboard are nine people who have no idea where they are. Strangers before the violent storm that tore their vessel apart, the instinct to survive has seen them bond during their days adrift on a vast and merciless ocean.Fate has cast them ashore with only one thing in common . . . fear. Rassen the doctor, Massoud the student, the child Hamid and the others all fear for their lives. But in their midst is Jalila, who appears to fear nothing. The beautiful young Yazidi woman is a mystery to them all.While they remain undiscovered on the deserted island, they dare to dream of a new life . . .But forty kilometres away on the mainland lies the tiny fishing port of Shoalhaven. Here everyone knows everyone, and everyone has their place. In Shoalhaven things never change.Until now . . .
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About the author
Judy Nunn
48 books347 followersJudy Nunn (born 13 April 1945) is an Australian actress and author.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
Judy Nunn's career has been long, illustrious and multifaceted. After combining her internationally successful acting career with scriptwriting for television and radio, Judy decided in the 80s to turn her hand to prose. The result was two adventure novels for children, EYE IN THE STORM and EYE IN THE CITY, which remain extremely popular, not only in Australia but in Europe. Embarking on adult fiction in the early 90s, Judy's three novels, THE GLITTER GAME, CENTRE STAGE and ARALUEN, set respectively in the worlds of television, theatre and film, became instant bestsellers. Her subsequent bestsellers, KAL, BENEATH THE SOUTHERN CROSS, TERRITORY, PACIFIC, HERITAGE and FLOODTIDE confirm her position as one of Australia’s leading popular novelists.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
October 9, 2017
The terror and resignation of the nine people on the tiny dinghy was poignant – with baby Hamid not expected to survive for much longer, the group wondered what would be the outcome for them all. But the sudden grounding on a reef beside a small island after days drifting at sea, had them in disbelief. But it was what waited for them on that island that they knew was a miracle...
Illegal immigrants; refugees – call them what you will. But it was the leadership of Doctor Rassen Khurdaji and his wife Hala that kept the group calm; it was also their determination for them all to grow stronger after their ordeal. Among the group were Hany and Sanaa Awad, Karim and Azra Samar, who were the parents of Hamid; Massoud Ahmadi, and Jalila – though no one knew this quiet, aloof young woman’s name as yet.
The island was deserted; fate was on their side. And so they survived, and hope for their future grew. But would it remain that way? Shoalhaven on the West Australian coast was only forty kilometres away and the small fishing port was in the off season at the time. What would happen when the season began again? Would the strangers who now inhabited the island be discovered? And what would happen to them if they were?
Sanctuary by Aussie author Judy Nunn is another emotional, captivating and enthralling novel that is extremely topical. The emotion which stands out the most is hope; the horrors of these people’s pasts is extremely traumatic. But there is also compassion and love amid the mistrust and racism. I always enjoy this author’s work, and this one is no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read and review.
Illegal immigrants; refugees – call them what you will. But it was the leadership of Doctor Rassen Khurdaji and his wife Hala that kept the group calm; it was also their determination for them all to grow stronger after their ordeal. Among the group were Hany and Sanaa Awad, Karim and Azra Samar, who were the parents of Hamid; Massoud Ahmadi, and Jalila – though no one knew this quiet, aloof young woman’s name as yet.
The island was deserted; fate was on their side. And so they survived, and hope for their future grew. But would it remain that way? Shoalhaven on the West Australian coast was only forty kilometres away and the small fishing port was in the off season at the time. What would happen when the season began again? Would the strangers who now inhabited the island be discovered? And what would happen to them if they were?
Sanctuary by Aussie author Judy Nunn is another emotional, captivating and enthralling novel that is extremely topical. The emotion which stands out the most is hope; the horrors of these people’s pasts is extremely traumatic. But there is also compassion and love amid the mistrust and racism. I always enjoy this author’s work, and this one is no exception. Highly recommended.
With thanks to Penguin Random House AU for my ARC to read and review.
February 9, 2018
When nine refugees are stranded together in a tiny dinghy they have no idea where they are or if they will make it. After being adrift at sea for many days they run aground near a small island. Unfortunately the Island is deserted and these nine strangers now fear for their lives more than ever. Will they all or survive or is it too late?
Aussie author Judy Nunn has written a truly wonderful tale of hope and survival. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
Aussie author Judy Nunn has written a truly wonderful tale of hope and survival. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommended.
June 16, 2018
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The timing of Sanctuary, the 14th novel from trusted Australian author Judy Nunn, is spot on. Who better to shine a light on the plight of illegal immigrants who enter Australia’s shores and the policies our nation has worked around this hot topic, than master storyteller, Judy Nunn. Sanctuary is a novel that works to break down our barriers or preconceived notions of refugees, offering a tale of hope, compassion and understanding.
Sanctuary is situated in Western Australia, based around a fictional small fishing area and island in the area of Geraldton. It is based around the events that transpire when an unseaworthy dingy fights a storm on its way to Australia’s shores. On board are nine refugees, from different countries, cultures and religions, but all wish to seek sanctuary in Australia. The storm wrecks their vessel apart and barely alive, the troop of nine make it to the shores of an island filled with abandoned fishing huts. The group decide to stay put and try to remain hidden on this deserted island. When a local fisherman makes a startling discovery, he changes the fate of the refugees on the island and the community of Shoalhaven, the nearest mainland fishing port.
Judy Nunn is up there amongst my favourite Australian authors. She never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling skills, they are quite remarkable! Nunn has a knack for piecing together elements of our nation’s history, the fabric of our nation – its people and unique settings and placing them on the pages of an engrossing novel. I would say Sanctuary is a novel that is a slight departure from Nunn’s usual style of novel. It is a very contemporary tale and a book that I feel has a story that needs to be told.
Sanctuary has some powerful themes and narrative elements. Ultimately, is a very relevant and fresh study of Australia’s refugee status issue and the policies currently enacted in our country. It is a book that works to break down our constructions and prejudices. By the conclusion of this novel I felt like Nunn had opened my eyes to a whole new view of refugees. Her stance is clear, it is compassionate and is clearly in support of refugees. It is a book that presents refugees in a sympathetic light, to view them as people in their own right, with their own unique, but often tragic back stories.
Nunn has an aptitude for developing well shaped characters. There are quite a few players in this text, but Nunn captures the spirit of each and every character that appears in Sanctuary. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about each refugee that landed on the island, their skills, tragic past and hopes for the future. I also enjoyed getting to know the locals from Shoalhaven such as Lou, Paul and Bev. These strikingly ordinary figures reminded me that acceptance, compassion and the very best of the human spirit exists.
The sense of place is incredibly rich in this novel. Although Shoalhaven and the island of Gevaar are fictional, I still derived a strong sense of place from these authentic locales. I have visited the area of Geraldton, roughly in the same area of which this novel settles itself. As a WA girl, like the author Judy Nunn, I felt Nunn captured the essence and the windswept feel of this area very well indeed.
Underneath the strong themes of this novel is an underlying thread of hope and love. In addition, there is a romantic sub plot involving the most tragic face of this group of refugees, a beautiful woman named Jalila. This passionate and realistic love story managed to get under my skin. I dared to dream that there would be hope for this couple, their future and the refugees. Nunn leaves this aspect of the story open to interpretation.
My final word on Sanctuary is to give Judy Nunn the recognition she deserves in the attention to finite detail contained in her well researched novel. I know from listening to Nunn speak some years ago at an author event that each book she writes takes a two year cycle. Much of this time is dedicated to honing in on her main subject matter. The level of research directed to Sanctuary is faultless and is evidenced in the ‘Acknowledgements’ section of the novel, which I encourage you to read.
Sanctuary is a novel that may work to divide some, or educate the reader on an extremely topical issue across our nation and the world, the plight of refugees seeking asylum. It is a tough and emotionally fraught topic, but Nunn takes it in her stride, presenting her audience with a book that reaches deep into the soul of humanity, revealing hope can come from utter despair.
Sanctuary is book #62 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
The timing of Sanctuary, the 14th novel from trusted Australian author Judy Nunn, is spot on. Who better to shine a light on the plight of illegal immigrants who enter Australia’s shores and the policies our nation has worked around this hot topic, than master storyteller, Judy Nunn. Sanctuary is a novel that works to break down our barriers or preconceived notions of refugees, offering a tale of hope, compassion and understanding.
Sanctuary is situated in Western Australia, based around a fictional small fishing area and island in the area of Geraldton. It is based around the events that transpire when an unseaworthy dingy fights a storm on its way to Australia’s shores. On board are nine refugees, from different countries, cultures and religions, but all wish to seek sanctuary in Australia. The storm wrecks their vessel apart and barely alive, the troop of nine make it to the shores of an island filled with abandoned fishing huts. The group decide to stay put and try to remain hidden on this deserted island. When a local fisherman makes a startling discovery, he changes the fate of the refugees on the island and the community of Shoalhaven, the nearest mainland fishing port.
Judy Nunn is up there amongst my favourite Australian authors. She never ceases to amaze me with her storytelling skills, they are quite remarkable! Nunn has a knack for piecing together elements of our nation’s history, the fabric of our nation – its people and unique settings and placing them on the pages of an engrossing novel. I would say Sanctuary is a novel that is a slight departure from Nunn’s usual style of novel. It is a very contemporary tale and a book that I feel has a story that needs to be told.
Sanctuary has some powerful themes and narrative elements. Ultimately, is a very relevant and fresh study of Australia’s refugee status issue and the policies currently enacted in our country. It is a book that works to break down our constructions and prejudices. By the conclusion of this novel I felt like Nunn had opened my eyes to a whole new view of refugees. Her stance is clear, it is compassionate and is clearly in support of refugees. It is a book that presents refugees in a sympathetic light, to view them as people in their own right, with their own unique, but often tragic back stories.
Nunn has an aptitude for developing well shaped characters. There are quite a few players in this text, but Nunn captures the spirit of each and every character that appears in Sanctuary. I appreciated the opportunity to learn about each refugee that landed on the island, their skills, tragic past and hopes for the future. I also enjoyed getting to know the locals from Shoalhaven such as Lou, Paul and Bev. These strikingly ordinary figures reminded me that acceptance, compassion and the very best of the human spirit exists.
The sense of place is incredibly rich in this novel. Although Shoalhaven and the island of Gevaar are fictional, I still derived a strong sense of place from these authentic locales. I have visited the area of Geraldton, roughly in the same area of which this novel settles itself. As a WA girl, like the author Judy Nunn, I felt Nunn captured the essence and the windswept feel of this area very well indeed.
Underneath the strong themes of this novel is an underlying thread of hope and love. In addition, there is a romantic sub plot involving the most tragic face of this group of refugees, a beautiful woman named Jalila. This passionate and realistic love story managed to get under my skin. I dared to dream that there would be hope for this couple, their future and the refugees. Nunn leaves this aspect of the story open to interpretation.
My final word on Sanctuary is to give Judy Nunn the recognition she deserves in the attention to finite detail contained in her well researched novel. I know from listening to Nunn speak some years ago at an author event that each book she writes takes a two year cycle. Much of this time is dedicated to honing in on her main subject matter. The level of research directed to Sanctuary is faultless and is evidenced in the ‘Acknowledgements’ section of the novel, which I encourage you to read.
Sanctuary is a novel that may work to divide some, or educate the reader on an extremely topical issue across our nation and the world, the plight of refugees seeking asylum. It is a tough and emotionally fraught topic, but Nunn takes it in her stride, presenting her audience with a book that reaches deep into the soul of humanity, revealing hope can come from utter despair.
Sanctuary is book #62 of the Australian Women Writers Challenge
November 20, 2017
5★s
I found it really hard to put this book down. The author grabbed my attention from the opening pages with her well-crafted, highly accessible prose. I was drawn into the personal stories of the refugees, and developed a strong affection for some of the characters.
The author has structured the book so that the reader slowly gets to know the personalities and characters of the boat people who are stranded on a small island off the coast of Western Australia. Gevaar Island is a seasonal fishing community, and has a collection of shacks and other infrastructure to support a temporary population during the lobster harvest. Gradually their individual stories of persecution and flight emerge, and their rationale in seeking the assistance of people smugglers to get them to Australia by non-official means. Their dignity, courage and determination to survive in light of the appalling things that happened to them is nothing short of heroic.
The refugees' isolation is broken with the arrival from the mainland of Lou, lobster fisher from the tiny town of Shoalhaven, near Geraldton, WA. He is immediately compassionate and provides them with regular deliveries of food, clothes and other items to support their lives in such a remote location. An Italian immigrant himself, Lou does not inform the authorities, which puts him in breach of Australian law. He does tell his grandson Paul, who becomes a regular visitor to the island as well. The young man forms a strong bond with one of the refugees, a young woman who rarely speaks and is emotionally distant from everyone and everything.
Lou and his family are prominent members of the small Shoalhaven community, which the author profiles in some detail. She gives us an interesting range of characters, all of whom have their own opinions about the current social debates about boat people, Islam, terrorism and offshore detention. The author is careful not to push one particular perspective, and she lets the characters, both refugees and townsfolk, speak for themselves without any editorialising on her part. I really appreciated this balanced approach.
Parts 2 and 3 of the novel take place on the mainland, which shifts the focus away from the group of refugees on the island. Instead the author develops a romantic theme, as the relationship between Paul and the traumatised girl, Jalila, strengthens. This narrative strand has a stronger element of fiction, compared with the quasi-realism of the refugees' stories. Although I enjoyed the unfurling of this plot line, I was a little anxious about what might have been happening to the people left on the island. I really wanted to maintain contact with them and learn more of their stories. The key character Lou provides a link between the two strands, and I think he is one of the most appealing personalities in the book.
Inevitably, the authorities catch up with the island group and take them into custody. I was genuinely interested to see how the author handled this difficult development. With a delicate touch, it turns out. She avoids detailed descriptions of the police and immigration inquiries, and instead reunites the reader with the refugees whose conduct reinforces their innate dignity, compassion and decency.
I really liked this book, and appreciated the author's deft touch in writing about a highly contentious issue in contemporary Australian society. Thanks to AR friend Rosie for my copy. Highly recommended.
I found it really hard to put this book down. The author grabbed my attention from the opening pages with her well-crafted, highly accessible prose. I was drawn into the personal stories of the refugees, and developed a strong affection for some of the characters.
The author has structured the book so that the reader slowly gets to know the personalities and characters of the boat people who are stranded on a small island off the coast of Western Australia. Gevaar Island is a seasonal fishing community, and has a collection of shacks and other infrastructure to support a temporary population during the lobster harvest. Gradually their individual stories of persecution and flight emerge, and their rationale in seeking the assistance of people smugglers to get them to Australia by non-official means. Their dignity, courage and determination to survive in light of the appalling things that happened to them is nothing short of heroic.
The refugees' isolation is broken with the arrival from the mainland of Lou, lobster fisher from the tiny town of Shoalhaven, near Geraldton, WA. He is immediately compassionate and provides them with regular deliveries of food, clothes and other items to support their lives in such a remote location. An Italian immigrant himself, Lou does not inform the authorities, which puts him in breach of Australian law. He does tell his grandson Paul, who becomes a regular visitor to the island as well. The young man forms a strong bond with one of the refugees, a young woman who rarely speaks and is emotionally distant from everyone and everything.
Lou and his family are prominent members of the small Shoalhaven community, which the author profiles in some detail. She gives us an interesting range of characters, all of whom have their own opinions about the current social debates about boat people, Islam, terrorism and offshore detention. The author is careful not to push one particular perspective, and she lets the characters, both refugees and townsfolk, speak for themselves without any editorialising on her part. I really appreciated this balanced approach.
Parts 2 and 3 of the novel take place on the mainland, which shifts the focus away from the group of refugees on the island. Instead the author develops a romantic theme, as the relationship between Paul and the traumatised girl, Jalila, strengthens. This narrative strand has a stronger element of fiction, compared with the quasi-realism of the refugees' stories. Although I enjoyed the unfurling of this plot line, I was a little anxious about what might have been happening to the people left on the island. I really wanted to maintain contact with them and learn more of their stories. The key character Lou provides a link between the two strands, and I think he is one of the most appealing personalities in the book.
Inevitably, the authorities catch up with the island group and take them into custody. I was genuinely interested to see how the author handled this difficult development. With a delicate touch, it turns out. She avoids detailed descriptions of the police and immigration inquiries, and instead reunites the reader with the refugees whose conduct reinforces their innate dignity, compassion and decency.
I really liked this book, and appreciated the author's deft touch in writing about a highly contentious issue in contemporary Australian society. Thanks to AR friend Rosie for my copy. Highly recommended.
April 12, 2018
I'm clearly in a minority here but I found this book disappointing and unfulfilled. A group of refugees is cast aground on an Australian island and the individuals are introduced to the reader, some of them in depth, only for them to virtually disappear from the story as the main plot takes over. The first part of the book takes place on the island but the action then moves to the mainland and these people whose stories we have shared are hardly mentioned again. I found this very disjointed and couldn't see why the author had given us such detail about the lives of characters who no longer featured in the work. It felt to me that large parts of the text had been deleted.
Although the premise of the book was interesting - the rights and treatment of refugees - I felt that it was handled very simplistically and at times found it hard to believe what I was reading. Some of the refugees' interactions with the Australian men didn't ring true considering the formers' background and Jalila's relationship with Paul was unconvincing. I was intrigued as to how the author was going to end this book and so was very disappointed when she didn't! (Unless there is a follow-up book?) I wouldn't recommend this novel because of its lack of depth and fragmented nature.
Although the premise of the book was interesting - the rights and treatment of refugees - I felt that it was handled very simplistically and at times found it hard to believe what I was reading. Some of the refugees' interactions with the Australian men didn't ring true considering the formers' background and Jalila's relationship with Paul was unconvincing. I was intrigued as to how the author was going to end this book and so was very disappointed when she didn't! (Unless there is a follow-up book?) I wouldn't recommend this novel because of its lack of depth and fragmented nature.
October 25, 2017
Wow, unputdownable. An amazing story, my first by Judy Nunn and definitely not my last. A story of hope, courage, and terrors I hope to never know firsthand. This is a book that taught me a lot more about what refugees have been through than I already knew. This book had me thinking from the start, I've always believed that we as people and definitely as Australians need to have much more compassion and understanding for the people who undertake a harrowing journey they know they may not survive, to escape the unthinkable. This was an amazing story, one I think I may have to read again very soon. The emotion I felt by the end of this novel is intense, in a good but deeply thoughtful way. This story will stay with me for a long time. I highly recommend this as a novel everyone should read.
January 23, 2018
I heard Judy Nunn speak at the Mornington library and she was an excellent presenter - she really "sold" the story to me. I had never read her before and, even though she is billed as "number one best selling author", I won't be backing up again. This novel, about the issue of refugees/asylum seekers/illegal immigrants in Australia, had plenty of potential. A small disparate group of middle eastern refuges are washed up on a deserted island off the coast of WA, after their boat sinks. We get plenty of back story about what brought some of the refugees to this place, but the characters do not "live" at all, and are quite cardboard cut out. It is very plot driven, with a mandatory love story between a beautiful and mysterious woman - one of the refugees - and Paul, one of the fishers who discovers and helps them. Lacking in subtlety
March 15, 2021
This book far exceeded my expectations.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the West Australian coastline, ocean and small (fictional) town. The many complex characters rang very true to me and I loved the portrayal of just how diverse the inhabitants of a small Australian town can be, while still retaining a uniquely Australian character.
The essence of the novel is when a small group of nine illegal refugees fleeing different backgrounds in the Middle East, all come to be shipwrecked on a small island of WA. The island has fisherman's huts which are used only in the lobster season, so the small group survive until they are discovered by a retired fisherman from the town of Shoalhaven. He chooses to help them instead of turning them in and that leads into the main plot.
The different back histories of the refugees is slowly revealed by incrementally and I loved the way this was done. The feeling of impeding doom hanging over all of them leant a tension to the story; they are bound to be discovered sooner or later, they have to be. Anyone in Australia knows the incredibly inhumane policies our government has adopted against political refugees, these people who have suffered so much are going to suffer a lot more once they are discovered - the only real question is whether the people who help them are going to be caught as well.
A great story, less of a romance than I expected and far more of a drama. A very well written and enjoyable drama.
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the West Australian coastline, ocean and small (fictional) town. The many complex characters rang very true to me and I loved the portrayal of just how diverse the inhabitants of a small Australian town can be, while still retaining a uniquely Australian character.
The essence of the novel is when a small group of nine illegal refugees fleeing different backgrounds in the Middle East, all come to be shipwrecked on a small island of WA. The island has fisherman's huts which are used only in the lobster season, so the small group survive until they are discovered by a retired fisherman from the town of Shoalhaven. He chooses to help them instead of turning them in and that leads into the main plot.
The different back histories of the refugees is slowly revealed by incrementally and I loved the way this was done. The feeling of impeding doom hanging over all of them leant a tension to the story; they are bound to be discovered sooner or later, they have to be. Anyone in Australia knows the incredibly inhumane policies our government has adopted against political refugees, these people who have suffered so much are going to suffer a lot more once they are discovered - the only real question is whether the people who help them are going to be caught as well.
A great story, less of a romance than I expected and far more of a drama. A very well written and enjoyable drama.
October 2, 2018
Judy Nunn has the knack of writing incredible sagas that are Australian based, and I am very grateful for that.
This particular story concerns a group of refugees who find themselves on a tiny island off the Coast of Western Australia. They are befriended by a man and his grandson, and the man happens to have been a migrant to Australia some decades earlier so he has a better understanding than some how hard it is to be in a strange land with everything so different to where you came from.
The refugees come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, and the author explains how they came to be refugees in the first place. As there are many refugees from the Middle East all over the world right now, I found it very interesting reading a fictional account of these particular ones, as it could so easily be true. I guess I haven't given the issue enough thought, so reading about their backstories really made me think. If I have one little niggle about this book, is that I wanted it to continue after it ended!
I really loved this book and if there is a sequel written to it, I will be first in line to buy it!
This particular story concerns a group of refugees who find themselves on a tiny island off the Coast of Western Australia. They are befriended by a man and his grandson, and the man happens to have been a migrant to Australia some decades earlier so he has a better understanding than some how hard it is to be in a strange land with everything so different to where you came from.
The refugees come from a variety of countries and backgrounds, and the author explains how they came to be refugees in the first place. As there are many refugees from the Middle East all over the world right now, I found it very interesting reading a fictional account of these particular ones, as it could so easily be true. I guess I haven't given the issue enough thought, so reading about their backstories really made me think. If I have one little niggle about this book, is that I wanted it to continue after it ended!
I really loved this book and if there is a sequel written to it, I will be first in line to buy it!
November 10, 2017
4.5★ The cover of this book freaked me out a little - I don’t think I’d like to be on a jetty this long without railings and the top of the water so close to it…! The water looks calm, but still...
But the book itself was fantastic - I loved the story of a group of illegal immigrants - refugees from different situations - who had come together on a dodgy boat which washed up on the island. I loved reading about the “now” story and what happened on the island, and what happened before to get the disparate group of people together.
I just went to hear Judy Nunn speak yesterday evening, she was in conversation with Frances Whiting, and it was a wonderful evening - she is a great speaker as well as a great author.
She spoke about making the unbelievable believable - where she was referring to the unlikely possibility of a little vessel being able to navigate the dangerous Abrolhos Islands, with all their treacherous reefs, to be able to make it safely to land - as did a vessel with about 60 boatpeople that landed in Geraldton several years ago, and which makes her story a believable possibilty. What I found was less believable was the rapid improvement in one of the refugees who had lived through some unspeakable events.
But despite that, it was a fantastic story to read - and kept me guessing throughout how it was going to end up!
But the book itself was fantastic - I loved the story of a group of illegal immigrants - refugees from different situations - who had come together on a dodgy boat which washed up on the island. I loved reading about the “now” story and what happened on the island, and what happened before to get the disparate group of people together.
I just went to hear Judy Nunn speak yesterday evening, she was in conversation with Frances Whiting, and it was a wonderful evening - she is a great speaker as well as a great author.
She spoke about making the unbelievable believable - where she was referring to the unlikely possibility of a little vessel being able to navigate the dangerous Abrolhos Islands, with all their treacherous reefs, to be able to make it safely to land - as did a vessel with about 60 boatpeople that landed in Geraldton several years ago, and which makes her story a believable possibilty. What I found was less believable was the rapid improvement in one of the refugees who had lived through some unspeakable events.
But despite that, it was a fantastic story to read - and kept me guessing throughout how it was going to end up!
March 17, 2019
I had never read a Judy Nunn book before. I misinterpreted the write up to think it would be about survival, or an exploration into people of different backgrounds forced to interact with one another to form a society. But, instead, it was a nice book.
A bunch of really, really nice people are treated horribly by their not-nice fellow countrymen, co-religionists, people of other religions and even their own families. They flee the Middle East to go to Australia illegally, but are shipwrecked on a tiny deserted island fit out with well-stocked cottages, where everything is provided them (no survivalism needed). And, except for half a minute's hissy fit by one refugee, they all get along beautifully. Because they are nice people. A really nice fisherman discovers them and, along with his really nice grandson, help the refugees, because they are really nice (the fishermen AND the refugees). Then there is a really nice love story. Love wins out over all, because, even though one of the refugees went through an unspeakable experience in her own country, her new beau is really nice. We all know how niceness overcomes PTSD. Then the rest of the nearby village, and all of Australia, learns of the castaways and the town is divided because some of the not-so-nice villagers actually think the refugees should actually obey the immigration laws. There is obligatory shock when they learn about the 2016 USA presidential election. The book ends.
The message is that if we just got to know one another and were nice to one another, things would end nicely. Not considered is the fact that this philosophy did not work for the nice refugees and the not-nice people, governments, cultures, religions and their own families, in their own countries. So, where do all those not-nice people come from? And should not nice people in nice countries be worried about those not-nice people following the nice people? Should, maybe, there be laws? Maybe that will be addressed in the sequel, working title: No Sanctuaries Left.
A bunch of really, really nice people are treated horribly by their not-nice fellow countrymen, co-religionists, people of other religions and even their own families. They flee the Middle East to go to Australia illegally, but are shipwrecked on a tiny deserted island fit out with well-stocked cottages, where everything is provided them (no survivalism needed). And, except for half a minute's hissy fit by one refugee, they all get along beautifully. Because they are nice people. A really nice fisherman discovers them and, along with his really nice grandson, help the refugees, because they are really nice (the fishermen AND the refugees). Then there is a really nice love story. Love wins out over all, because, even though one of the refugees went through an unspeakable experience in her own country, her new beau is really nice. We all know how niceness overcomes PTSD. Then the rest of the nearby village, and all of Australia, learns of the castaways and the town is divided because some of the not-so-nice villagers actually think the refugees should actually obey the immigration laws. There is obligatory shock when they learn about the 2016 USA presidential election. The book ends.
The message is that if we just got to know one another and were nice to one another, things would end nicely. Not considered is the fact that this philosophy did not work for the nice refugees and the not-nice people, governments, cultures, religions and their own families, in their own countries. So, where do all those not-nice people come from? And should not nice people in nice countries be worried about those not-nice people following the nice people? Should, maybe, there be laws? Maybe that will be addressed in the sequel, working title: No Sanctuaries Left.
November 26, 2019
This is the first Judy Nunn book I've read. She's a great story teller and from the storytelling perspective I enjoyed this book. I have to say that I thought the character of Jalila was not all that convincing. For The young girl to have gone through what she did, she seemed to make a remarkable emotional recovery in a short amount of time. I did enjoy the parts that talked about the bird life on the island.
The story is about refugees being washed up on a small island off the coast of Western Australia. They are befriended by a couple of fishermen. Eventually the authorities are involved. Th story does not go into what happens to them once they are found. Its more about friendships, solidarity, small community attitudes and the like.
The story is about refugees being washed up on a small island off the coast of Western Australia. They are befriended by a couple of fishermen. Eventually the authorities are involved. Th story does not go into what happens to them once they are found. Its more about friendships, solidarity, small community attitudes and the like.
November 23, 2020
I wasn't particularly enthralled by this offering from Judy Nunn. While I enjoyed the story of the boat refugees I felt that the ending was rushed and left me quite dissatisfied. I also felt that two thirds of the way in she forgot about the refugees on the island. Another thing that really got on my nerves was the reference to fisher/s rather than fishing or fishermen. Although the reason for this is explained to some extent it still jarred with me and annoyed me. Over all though I did like the story and the way the plight of the nine refugees was revealed to us. I will continue to search out more novels by this author as I do enjoy her overall style and story telling.
March 15, 2020
For no good reason, I haven't read a book by Judy Nunn before "Sanctuary". I wanted a holiday read and my criteria were:
1. Well-written, but not pretentious or overly ambitious.
2. Interesting and holding attention to the end, but not un-put-downable.
3. believable characters and a well-constructed plot.
"Sanctuary met all these criteria pretty well.
Briefly, the plot involves 9 Middle Eastern boat people shipwrecked on a tiny island near the West Australian coast. There they survive undetected for several months in huts for seasonal fishermen. Life goes on as usual in the nearest small town and, to varying degrees, we get to know the refugees and some of the townsfolk in the build-up to the inevitable meeting and its outcome. Many pages are filled with a rather unlikely sub-plot where a young fisherman and a beautiful, severely traumatised refugee speedily develop a close and happy relationship.
Quite a lot of seemingly well-researched information about the refugee's countries of origin, their traumatic experiences, and the people-smuggling trade is included in the book. Many of the townsfolk are first or second generation migrants and all the varying views are very well presented.
1. Well-written, but not pretentious or overly ambitious.
2. Interesting and holding attention to the end, but not un-put-downable.
3. believable characters and a well-constructed plot.
"Sanctuary met all these criteria pretty well.
Briefly, the plot involves 9 Middle Eastern boat people shipwrecked on a tiny island near the West Australian coast. There they survive undetected for several months in huts for seasonal fishermen. Life goes on as usual in the nearest small town and, to varying degrees, we get to know the refugees and some of the townsfolk in the build-up to the inevitable meeting and its outcome. Many pages are filled with a rather unlikely sub-plot where a young fisherman and a beautiful, severely traumatised refugee speedily develop a close and happy relationship.
Quite a lot of seemingly well-researched information about the refugee's countries of origin, their traumatic experiences, and the people-smuggling trade is included in the book. Many of the townsfolk are first or second generation migrants and all the varying views are very well presented.
November 29, 2017
This is the second book of Judy’s that I have read and it was absolutely brilliant! I was lucky enough to attend an author talk last week by Judy where she explained her research and background to this latest novel of hers. After hearing her read a passage from the book, I was itching to get into it!
It tells the story of a group of middle eastern people who flee their country for their own safety and finish up on a small island about 40k off the coast of WA. They are undiscovered until a retired fisherman finds them. Knowing he is at great risk of prosecution by the law for helping them, he brings them supplies and food and gets to know them personally.
There is a love story as well in this book, which Judy said is the first time she has woven romance into one of her books, and it was this story that I found the most compelling.
After reading this book you can’t help but feel for refugees and the horrors they flee from to find safety and acceptance in a new land.
It tells the story of a group of middle eastern people who flee their country for their own safety and finish up on a small island about 40k off the coast of WA. They are undiscovered until a retired fisherman finds them. Knowing he is at great risk of prosecution by the law for helping them, he brings them supplies and food and gets to know them personally.
There is a love story as well in this book, which Judy said is the first time she has woven romance into one of her books, and it was this story that I found the most compelling.
After reading this book you can’t help but feel for refugees and the horrors they flee from to find safety and acceptance in a new land.
November 14, 2017
An unputdownable book! The plight of these Immigrants and what was to become of them....it certainly made me think more about these people who have suffered so much and what was to become of them!
March 16, 2021
I won this book in a secret Santa and was quite delighted as while I had never read a Judy Nunn book before I know of her and I was very open to reading her work (plus I knew this book would tick a whole lot of boxes for Aussie based reading challenges :-)).
However, this book really annoyed me. I feel like I am in a minority with this one because it has so many high reviews, but not only was this book not for me, it also left me really angry!
This book had so much potential. The story is a very important one with the plight of boat people making it to our shores and the horrors these people endure before they get here and on the way here. The book started out really strong showing our 9 refugees arrive on a (fictional) island off the coast of WA which is abandoned at the time. The story interweaves chapters with them adjusting to life on the island with chapters showing their backstories (who they were in their old lives, what they endured and why/how they fled). If you have ever watched the tv show Lost, it felt a lot like that where you got glimpses of their past and present meshed together. Needless to say the first quarter or so of the book was great.
The second half of the book I really (and I mean REALLY) hated. Why?
1) I found it really slow and boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.
2) The other refugees were such interesting characters, yet the second Paul made it to the island they are all but forgotten. Their story ends. Why spend so long investing the reader in these beautiful characters and their backstory if you then just ignore them for the rest of the book to follow a badly crafted "romance".
3) The second Paul made it to the island, I knew where the author was going to go (but hoped she wouldn't). Here is this poor girl who has been through hell and Paul He is IMO one of the WORST characters I have ever read. I still feel so angry about him. YUCK! All he spoke about was that she was a pretty ornament and child like. This was wrong in so many ways. This was not romance. This was continued abuse based on deception and power imbalance and all because she was "beautiful"
4) The character development of Jalila was really badly done and rushed. We hear of this absolutely horrific backstory to the point where every character thinks of her as the walking dead and then in the space of a few weeks she is magically transformed. Totally unbelievable and I would think a slap in the face for most abuse survivors. All you need is a good Aussie man and all you worries and mental scars will disappear. I feel beyond angry.
5) I hate open endings.
When I say I "won" this in a secret Santa, I mean I stole it from someone else in a present stealing game (ah! Christimas brings out the best in us). Needless to say I threw the book at my husband this morning and told him to take it back to the person who initially won it in the hope that it brings them more joy than me. Books are so powerful at evoking emotions. I just don't read though to be angry - so I am done with this book/author. No more for me.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers Read Around Australia 2021 Challenge: Read a book set in Western Australia
Aussie Readers 2021 March "Spell It Out" Challenge: marcH H is for home. Read a book set in a country where you live.
Aussie Readers 2021 Autumn Mini Book Bingo Challenge: Row #4. Read a book set in Australia.
However, this book really annoyed me. I feel like I am in a minority with this one because it has so many high reviews, but not only was this book not for me, it also left me really angry!
This book had so much potential. The story is a very important one with the plight of boat people making it to our shores and the horrors these people endure before they get here and on the way here. The book started out really strong showing our 9 refugees arrive on a (fictional) island off the coast of WA which is abandoned at the time. The story interweaves chapters with them adjusting to life on the island with chapters showing their backstories (who they were in their old lives, what they endured and why/how they fled). If you have ever watched the tv show Lost, it felt a lot like that where you got glimpses of their past and present meshed together. Needless to say the first quarter or so of the book was great.
The second half of the book I really (and I mean REALLY) hated. Why?
1) I found it really slow and boring. I kept waiting for something to happen, but nothing did.
2) The other refugees were such interesting characters, yet the second Paul made it to the island they are all but forgotten. Their story ends. Why spend so long investing the reader in these beautiful characters and their backstory if you then just ignore them for the rest of the book to follow a badly crafted "romance".
3) The second Paul made it to the island, I knew where the author was going to go (but hoped she wouldn't). Here is this poor girl who has been through hell and Paul He is IMO one of the WORST characters I have ever read. I still feel so angry about him. YUCK! All he spoke about was that she was a pretty ornament and child like. This was wrong in so many ways. This was not romance. This was continued abuse based on deception and power imbalance and all because she was "beautiful"
4) The character development of Jalila was really badly done and rushed. We hear of this absolutely horrific backstory to the point where every character thinks of her as the walking dead and then in the space of a few weeks she is magically transformed. Totally unbelievable and I would think a slap in the face for most abuse survivors. All you need is a good Aussie man and all you worries and mental scars will disappear. I feel beyond angry.
5) I hate open endings.
When I say I "won" this in a secret Santa, I mean I stole it from someone else in a present stealing game (ah! Christimas brings out the best in us). Needless to say I threw the book at my husband this morning and told him to take it back to the person who initially won it in the hope that it brings them more joy than me. Books are so powerful at evoking emotions. I just don't read though to be angry - so I am done with this book/author. No more for me.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers Read Around Australia 2021 Challenge: Read a book set in Western Australia
Aussie Readers 2021 March "Spell It Out" Challenge: marcH H is for home. Read a book set in a country where you live.
Aussie Readers 2021 Autumn Mini Book Bingo Challenge: Row #4. Read a book set in Australia.
March 3, 2018
Eine Gruppe schiffbrüchiger Flüchtlinge aus dem Mittleren Osten (alle mit ihren eigenen, teils schrecklichen Vorgeschichten) landet auf einer kleinen Fischerinsel etwas abseits von Western Australia. Das bleibt natürlich nicht lange unentdeckt und schnell ergeben sich Themenfelder, Diskussionen und Vorurteile, die einem auch hierzulande unangenehm bekannt vorkommen.
Durch die ersten über 150 Seiten musste ich mich etwas zwingen, da man in der Story kaum vorankam, weil sämtliche Figuren inkl. Vorgeschichte etwas stelzern vorgestellt wurden, aber dann war's wirklich schwer wegzulegen.
Auch die Liebesgeschichte ist durch den besonderen Flüchtlingshintergrund und teils labilen Persönlichkeiten "anders" und nervt weniger als üblich.
Quasi in letzter Sekunde im Australien-Urlaub gekauft und nur zu Beginn bereut.
Durch die ersten über 150 Seiten musste ich mich etwas zwingen, da man in der Story kaum vorankam, weil sämtliche Figuren inkl. Vorgeschichte etwas stelzern vorgestellt wurden, aber dann war's wirklich schwer wegzulegen.
Auch die Liebesgeschichte ist durch den besonderen Flüchtlingshintergrund und teils labilen Persönlichkeiten "anders" und nervt weniger als üblich.
Quasi in letzter Sekunde im Australien-Urlaub gekauft und nur zu Beginn bereut.
May 6, 2018
How often does real life and the novel you have just read collide?
A week or after finishing this incredibly well written account of a group of fictitious asylum seekers attempting to get into Australia. I met a new client who had experienced something similar fleeing Iraq a number of years ago.
Whilst I do not believe I would have been judgmental or inappropriate in my interaction with my new client the humanity and integrity that Judy Nunn demonstrates describing the nine people who are thrown together in their exodus from various circumstances is something else. The way she weaves the past and present to the point where each of them steps on board the ill fated voyage is masterful. Because of all this being so recent in my mind and the complexity of each individual story I felt it truly provided me with a better grasp of my clients specific situation.
The first half of the book focuses on the near death experience and chance finding of a fishing island 40kms off Western Australia. There after the discovery of their presence by Lou a retired Australian/Italian fisher. The second half is spent contemplating life ashore in the town Shoal Haven, with all the bias, privilege and ignorance you would expect.
I found the story the way it is written so credible and thought provoking. I couldn't stay away I needed to know how the drama would unfold.
Seriously good and highly recommended, Judy Nunn another great find.
A week or after finishing this incredibly well written account of a group of fictitious asylum seekers attempting to get into Australia. I met a new client who had experienced something similar fleeing Iraq a number of years ago.
Whilst I do not believe I would have been judgmental or inappropriate in my interaction with my new client the humanity and integrity that Judy Nunn demonstrates describing the nine people who are thrown together in their exodus from various circumstances is something else. The way she weaves the past and present to the point where each of them steps on board the ill fated voyage is masterful. Because of all this being so recent in my mind and the complexity of each individual story I felt it truly provided me with a better grasp of my clients specific situation.
The first half of the book focuses on the near death experience and chance finding of a fishing island 40kms off Western Australia. There after the discovery of their presence by Lou a retired Australian/Italian fisher. The second half is spent contemplating life ashore in the town Shoal Haven, with all the bias, privilege and ignorance you would expect.
I found the story the way it is written so credible and thought provoking. I couldn't stay away I needed to know how the drama would unfold.
Seriously good and highly recommended, Judy Nunn another great find.
February 9, 2018
This Australian novel covers the topic of the boat people who are refugees trying to reach Australia. Author Nunn portrays sympathetically the lives and struggles of a small group whose boat nearly sinks but reaches a small island just off the Australian coast.
It's a heart rending read in places and perhaps the author pushes her philosophy a little obviously at times but she makes a strong case for Australia to treat these boat people more kindly.
It's a heart rending read in places and perhaps the author pushes her philosophy a little obviously at times but she makes a strong case for Australia to treat these boat people more kindly.
July 13, 2023
4.5 stars.
A lovely read about the friendships and bonds of the refugees on an island of the West Coast of Australia and the sufferings they endured before they arrived. I won't spoil the ending but it would have been nice to see what their futures may of held afterwards.
A lovely read about the friendships and bonds of the refugees on an island of the West Coast of Australia and the sufferings they endured before they arrived. I won't spoil the ending but it would have been nice to see what their futures may of held afterwards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2017
This was a very interesting, thought provoking book.
April 2, 2018
Certainly shows the human side of refugees, their desperation, desires, hopelessness and also their dreams. Loved it!
December 2, 2023
Very easy to read and thought provoking. This is the first book i have read by Judy Nunn and i will read more of her books. She is very well researched and the characters were beautifully described and likeable. I like a happy ending too.
May 30, 2019
I didn't expect to like this, but as ever, Judy Nunn was able to evoke a sense of empathy and understanding of her characters. But for that, there certainly wasn't enough going on here to rate the book higher than 2 stars. Well written and paced with plenty to make you think about the propaganda and preconceptions that are perpetuated by the media.
July 19, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read this year. An intricate human story that we know is played out in reality but one that in reality, rarely has the human compassion displayed in such detail.
January 16, 2018
Judy Nunn has a special gift and Sanctuary is another of her amazing books that I am happy to add to my collection. Giving this a four as it took me a little time to get in to – quite wordy at the beginning whilst it set the scene, but by 1/3 way in I was hooked and loved it. Nine Middle Eastern Refugees are stranded on an island 40 Kilometres off the Western Austalian Coast – we learn how each of the refugees came to be on the ill-fated dangerous and illegal journey. Then we meet Shoalhaven residents Lou and his grandson Paul as they discover the refugees and helped them. Loved these characters. Could have had a little more at the ending – was one of those books where you are holding it and the pages are getting less, but you want more. A great read …..
December 20, 2017
I’ve read several books about refugees coming to Australia by boat, the reasons why they left, the actual escape, the detention in Australia etc. One in particular “They Can’t take the Sky”which is a jumble of stories about refugees, the reasons they left and their subsequent treatment in detention centres. I was really curious as to how Judy Nunn would write a fictional story about this.
The refugees arrive on a fictional island off the coast of a fictional WA fishing town. They arrive on this island barely alive and find a range of small huts with adequate provisions for them to survive and become strong. As we get to know them we learn their backstories as to why they had to escape all except for Jalila a beautiful single young woman with dead eyes. Her back story comes later.
They are discovered by Lou who himself immigrated to Australia shortly after the war and he and his grandson take pity on them and help them with regular supplies. Paul is quite enamoured with Jalila.
This book I felt had so much potential and there was so much right with it but also so much wrong with it. I heard a short interview by Judy Nunn saying this was the most important love story she had every written. I’m sure she has her reasons for saying this and writing it as she did and I’d love to know her reasoning. On one level I thought the love story so lame and unbelievable but there were parts that worked, not many though.
When it all came to a head and the refugees were discovered I thought that was rushed and not explored enough.
The ending however I thought was good. This book was half hit and half miss for me.
The refugees arrive on a fictional island off the coast of a fictional WA fishing town. They arrive on this island barely alive and find a range of small huts with adequate provisions for them to survive and become strong. As we get to know them we learn their backstories as to why they had to escape all except for Jalila a beautiful single young woman with dead eyes. Her back story comes later.
They are discovered by Lou who himself immigrated to Australia shortly after the war and he and his grandson take pity on them and help them with regular supplies. Paul is quite enamoured with Jalila.
This book I felt had so much potential and there was so much right with it but also so much wrong with it. I heard a short interview by Judy Nunn saying this was the most important love story she had every written. I’m sure she has her reasons for saying this and writing it as she did and I’d love to know her reasoning. On one level I thought the love story so lame and unbelievable but there were parts that worked, not many though.
When it all came to a head and the refugees were discovered I thought that was rushed and not explored enough.
The ending however I thought was good. This book was half hit and half miss for me.
May 13, 2019
She is such a good writer. I was on the island & in Shoalhaven Bay WA. Really enjoyed reading Sanctuary.
June 28, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the first section of this book. We were slowly introduced to the background of some very interesting characters and how they were coming together to find survival.
Then just as all the characters are introduced they are very quickly dropped from the story and the focus switches elsewhere. Throughout the rest of the book I kept hoping we would switch back to the characters we were introduced to, but they did not and I was left wanting.
The rest of the book was fine, but the potential was not lived up to.
Still all in all a good read.
Then just as all the characters are introduced they are very quickly dropped from the story and the focus switches elsewhere. Throughout the rest of the book I kept hoping we would switch back to the characters we were introduced to, but they did not and I was left wanting.
The rest of the book was fine, but the potential was not lived up to.
Still all in all a good read.
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