Finding Joy in Oyster Bay by Susan Duncan

Reviewed by Wendy Lipke

Susan Duncan’s latest novel is called Finding Joy in Oyster Bay. The first chapter spoke of nothing like “joy” as it is about a young woman who chooses to abandon her child. However, she knows that the baby will be cared for by others. As I continued to read on, I was overcome with the feeling that I had met most of these people before. Susan Duncan has written several books set on the coast in northern New South Wales. One of these was the novel Sleepless in Stringybark Bay which contains many of the characters found in this latest book. Sam Scully is the bargeman hauling cargo in the bays and waterways of Cook Basin and in this latest story is literally left ‘holding the baby’.

His partner, Kate, is a young woman with emotional problems and while many of the local residents condemn her actions, others realise that she is having trouble coping and possibly needs help. Kate has always been afraid to open the door too far to affection and happiness. Her earlier life has led her to the belief that such actions make you careless. Oyster Bay is a close-knit community whose members look out for each other. When it is discovered that Kate is still in the vicinity, they all rally around to give her support, trying not to be too judgemental.

Previous books by Duncan, The Briny Café and Gone Fishing, have given an insight into how the local landmarks are connected to Kate’s story. However, not having read these earlier books will not take away from the storyline. Another group who are prominent in this story are the GerriEcstacy retirees, the group of elderly people who have chosen to spend their remaining years in this area. Living in a beautiful area with all the luxuries they desire, however, does not satisfy all their needs.

Kate’s problems provide a project which makes them feel useful once again. This is a very human story, as all Duncan’s novels are. Her array of characters all have their flaws yet they are lovable in their willingness to step up and help others when needed.

I enjoy Duncan’s writing as she understands human nature so well. She also shows her love and appreciation of nature through her descriptions of the environment.

Clearly evident in this story is the undeniable truth that once a child is born their needs supersede normal daily routines. These needs affect people who still have to continue their working life and obligations to others. This story also shows that children, especially the very young, can bring happiness and pride to the whole community and have the power to cement relationships.

I look forward to the next book by author Susan Duncan. Having read several of her books, I am now invested in the lives of the occupants in the close-knit community.

Finding Joy in Oyster Bay

(2024)

by Susan Duncan

Allen & Unwin

ISBN:978-1-76147-154-4

$32.99; 352pp

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