Her inclusions of disabled, LGBT*, and Aboriginal characters are a welcome part of the novel, and show an awareness lacked by many first-time novelists. Don’t get me wrong, there’s several cases of forbidden love (and even some permitted love too) within the novel, but it feels more like a subplot than a major theme, and the value shift is refreshing.Īnother positive aspect of this novel is Romer’s conscious attempt to recognise the diversity of human experience. This has much to do with the emotional weighting of the novel: despite being marketed as a romance, friendship and family easily supersede the presence of the romantic interests. Unlike many stories, they are not pitted against each other in a petty “good girl vs bad girl” trope, even when they don’t agree. While there are still male characters playing important roles in the novel, the narrative places clear emphasis upon the actions, thoughts, and will of women. In fact, the wealth of female characters within this novel are an unexpected bonus. The two latter forms may not be the most original choices, but they are contextually relevant, and allow for a personal voice that would otherwise be missing. The book’s structure also reveals the extent of her hunt for details, alternating between simple prose, letters, and diary entries to give life to the three protagonists: Audrey, Aylish, and Glenda. Her knowledge of the plants and wildlife in rural Australia is impressive, which creates the vivid scenery of her novel, at the same time as showcasing her passion for nature. The plot itself is relatively straightforward, but it’s strengthened by the obvious depth of Romer’s research.
Though the town has reached its own conclusions about the deaths, Audrey soon becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth, and in doing so, gives the killer motive to strike again. Only then do they learn its history: two of the previous inhabitants - Aylish and her granddaughter Glenda - were both brutally murdered in a nearby gully, in 19 respectively. When Audrey inherits the old property where Bronwyn’s father grew up, the pair eagerly move into the new place. Thornwood House is primarily set in 2006, with the focus on single mother Audrey, and her daughter, Bronwyn. It’s an ambitious project, and while it’s not without it’s weaknesses, the end result is an engaging story that would appeal to fans of suspense and stories about family secrets. Romer’s debut novel is a murder mystery spanning four generations, set against the unique landscape of the Australian outback.
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