Author: Amanda Ortlepp
ISBN: 9781925030631
RRP: $32.99
Amanda Ortlepp returns after the success of her debut, Claiming Noah, which we read for book club and I loved.
Running Against The Tide sees Erin pack up her sons and leave Sydney for the small town of Mallee Bay on the Eyre Peninsula, she remembered holidaying nearby as a child and the place holds happy memories – and it’s far from the mess that is her marriage.
The house is a little rundown, the town is a little small and Erin begins to wonder what she has gotten herself in for. Her teenaged sons are not thrilled with the move, Mike is happy to make the best of the situation but Ryan is not so accommodating.
Erin arrives in Mallee Bay with more emotional baggage than actual baggage and it is only slowly that events are revealed to explain her move to South Australia.
Her arrival also coincides with a run of oyster thefts and an arson that have fingers pointing in all directions but no real evidence backing up suspicions. The storytelling is compelling with some unexpected twists and enough red herrings to keep you guessing until the end.
The small town characters are engaging and I loved getting to know them. Erin’s neighbours are Jono and Helen, the elderly couple are friendly enough and have always lived in Mallee Bay; Jono is an oyster farmer who inherited the farm from his father. The couple are childless and getting to know them and their story is heartwarming and restores faith in love that lasts forever.
I feel like there are many different character types in the story and it was interesting to see the way they interacted, the way that different people brought out completely different sides to illustrate how multi-faceted most people are and how important it is not to judge on one persons opinion because you may bring out a different side to them.
Fifteen year old Ryan is quite a complicated character and the glimpse we get past his exterior completely changes the perception of him; and he was not the only character I came to question my perceptions of through the storytelling of the talented Ortlepp.
I was captured by the scenery and the characters of Mallee Bay; I wanted to keep reading to find out where we would be taken next. Some of the behaviour of characters didn’t sit right with me but it wasn’t enough to affect my enjoyment of the story.
Running Against The Tide was a compelling offering by Amanda Ortlepp that cemented my opinion of her as a must read Australian author. The book is a gripping tale of addiction, new beginnings, consequences and the danger of perceptions; a book that I enjoyed and would recommend to readers who like a suspenseful family drama.
Running Against The Tide is Book #3 for the Australian Women Writer’s Challenge 2016.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster 30 of our Beauty and Lace Club Members will be reading Running Against the Tide so please be aware there may be spoilers in the comments.
You can follow Amanda on Twitter.
I devour books, vampires and supernatural creatures are my genre of choice but over the past couple of years, I have broadened my horizons considerably. In a nutshell – I love to write! I love interacting with a diverse range of artists to bring you interviews. Perhaps we were perfect before – I LOVE WORDS!
I couldn’t put the book down as the story was intriguing from each character. I loved that each told their own version of the life now in Eyre Peninsula. Small town but great characters fill the community telling an unusual story with a few twists. I loved each character in their own way and feel there could be more to tell. What happens now? Are relationships mended & does time heal? I will be reading more of your stories Amanda Ortlepp! Will be reading this again!
“Running Against the Tide” is Ortlepp’s second novel. I enjoyed her first, “Claiming Noah”, and so picked this up with interest. Although it has some weaknesses, this is again an involving read with strong characters.
Erin Travers is escaping the fallout of a collapsing marriage. With her two sons, she has fled Sydney for the Eyre Peninsula, which she remembers fondly from childhood holidays. As an adult, the reality is a little different; a down at heel house, trouble finding work, and a bitterly unhappy younger son.
In fact, this was the first weakness of the novel for me. Both Erin and her older son appear to have had work in Sydney, as well as friends and so on. Yet she has taken off to a small town, responsible for the sons, with no work, and no prospect of it – and similarly, her older son has no work. Would you really do that without a little more thought? Sure, she’s just lost her house and her marriage. I’m not sure that really explains this irresponsible and impulsive behaviour.
However, if you ignore that and just accept that she’s done it, the novel then quickly engages. This is largely on the strength of the characters. Erin’s parental concerns are understandable, as are some of her problems of daily life. Her older son Mike is strongly drawn, and many readers will empathise strongly with Ryan (her younger son) and his aggravation at being taken from everything he knew. I must say that the fire sale of his possessions would have angered me too, and again made me wonder why Erin would run off without a job.
Their new neighbour, Jono, is a particularly strong character. Equal parts aggravating and helpful, most people will have met someone like him. Too quick to judge, but essentially good hearted, Jono will set your teeth on edge but also have you caring what happens to him.
I did feel that elements of the plot were spectacularly obvious, but that didn’t stop it being an involving and interesting read. The other main weakness of the novel, for me, came at the end. I can’t be too specific without outrageous spoilers, but there were at least two things Erin could have done which would have avoided the final crisis, and I can’t really see why she didn’t. I also felt that the aftermath of the final crisis lacked some of the emotional punch I might have expected.
Overall, though, this was an entertaining novel. The characters were strong, the setting well drawn, and the plot interesting if a little obvious in places. I recommend it.
What can I say about Running Against The Tide, Wow , The beginning is full of suspence. Erin goes away with her boys to escape a marriage she is trapped in. Many people can relate to that. The middle seems to drag a little but the last few chapters is where the book gets interesting. I could not put the book down. That poor woman gets trapped into someones psycho obsession. I was horrified for her. The author has finished the book leaving me hanging for more.
A sequel could be a possibility. I have already given the book to a friend.
I really enjoyed this book but I must admit it took me a few chapters to get into, reading different characters and thoughts was good and to see into ryans issues from his point of view was an eye opener for me as a mum. The plot thickens and its amazing what people can and do do to get there own way the end of this book left me wanting more totally making up for the slow start
I loved this book! It kept me guessing the whole way through, and the twists and turns were well written and convincing.
Erin is a character we can care for, and the difficulties she has reaching out to her troubled son Ryan, make us understand how much teenagers can feel the separation of their parents after a breakup, and how we as adults struggle to help them. It is painful to read of how out of touch the two of them are.
The older son Mike is mature and reliable, which is a comfort to Erin. He finds work quickly at their new town, and settles in well.
I enjoyed the background of Oyster Farming the story is set in, and I learned something new which was interesting.
The ending surprised me, and I thought was unexpected and perhaps didn’t quite fit in with the style of the rest of the story, but it tied up most of the lose ends.
Thank you for selecting another great book. I am loving the variety of books that are chosen for us to review.
I wasn’t sure when I first started reading this book if I was going to enjoy it, but gradually the characters and the writing style drew me in. Overall I enjoyed the book, however it didn’t leave a lasting impression.
Erin and her two sons Mike and Ryan have left their family home and moved back to the small town on the Eyre Peninsula where she grew up. The house they move into is dilapidated and not at all what they have been used to. Mike, the older son, seems determined to make the best of the situation, Ryan, the younger son, seems determined to be miserable. Their new neighbours are old but friendly and on discovering that Erin paints encourage her to enter a painting in the town art show. Entries for the art show close the next day, with judging only a couple of days after that, and the first prize is $1000.00.
From this unlikely start the story moves to intrigue, theft, grudges, allegations, domestic violence, gambling addiction, stalking, arson and attempted murder. Along the way we discover things about Ryan and gain an understanding of his character. Although we never really get to understand why Ryan has so little awareness of the issues between his parents that resulted in their separation.
At times the story became disjointed and far fetched and I did not find Amanda Ortlepp to be as compelling a story teller as the blurb on her book suggests. However the book was an easy read and overall quite enjoyable.
Running Against The Tide is the second novel from Sydney-based writer, Amanda Ortlepp (Claiming Noah). It’s also an intense mystery that stars a strong woman named Erin Travers. She is a lady that has packed up her life and two teenage sons into a car and travelled from NSW to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia in order to leave an abusive relationship. It’s a relevant and timely story that offers some real food for thought in our contemporary society where prejudice is common and domestic violence figures are high.
Ortlepp has done an excellent job of creating a complex story that is almost like an onion. It’s a slow and nuanced tale that reveals Travers’ narrative little-by-little as well as the troubling events that occur in the small and sleepy close-knit town of Mallee Bay, which is known for its oyster farming. Ortlepp writes well and offers very descriptive prose and rich characterisation of the Travers family and their neighbours, Jono and Helen. But while there is some darkness and drama to the story, there are some points where it is a little too slowly paced to retain the reader’s attention and the ending was far too rushed.
Running Against The Tide is a realistic book that will have readers wanting to know what actually happened and who’s responsible for some troubling events in the town (like arson and theft). It’s a story that will keep you on your toes and leave you guessing as prejudices and fractured relationships are the order of the day. It also means the reader’s own prejudices will colour their view and interpretation of this Aussie whodunit. Clever stuff.
Running Against the tide is a second novel written by Amanda Ortlepp. I haven’t read her first novel and after reading Running against the tide I am definitely going to pick up her first novel as I absolutely loved the style of her writing. Running against the tide also has a preview chapter of her first book (Claiming Noah) at the back to give you a taste of Claiming Noah.
This was really a great read. I just wanted to finish reading the book in one sitting. The story just flowed and felt like as if I was watching a movie instead of reading a book. The author described each and every scene with great talent. Nothing was over exaggerated and everything just flowed like a movie scene.
This book is a thriller, a mystery and you just want to keep on reading to see what happens next or to know who did that?
The story covers reality subjects ie Divorce,separation ,single mothers , starting out a new life ,theft,arson,gambling etc which a lot of people could relate to their own lives . This book taught me so much. First of all we judge someone by their behaviour but deep down they can be totally different and not what we would expect.
For example the characters played by Ryan, how in the beginning we feel that Ryan is a troubled teenager but in the end it is revealed that he isn’t too bad just wants someone to talk to him and listen to him. Also character played by Puff, just because he has a tattoo all over his chest doesn’t mean he is bad , he turns out to be a pretty good character. The character played by Gavin, he is portrayed to be handsome,cute,charming but it is revealed in the end that you cant just trust someone by the looks.
It teaches me that communication is key in every relationships be it husband to wife or mother to child . Communication can prevent a lot of problems.
The author has done her research very well when writing this book . Topics covered ie Oyster Farming are described in so much depth. I found that quite interesting to read and learnt a few new things about Oyster farming.
There is a lot of suspense in this book and slowly by slowly the answers to the suspense are revealed. Therefore this book keeps you on your toes and keeps you wanting to read more and more in order t reveal the suspense.
I love the multitude of characters . So many characters in this book and each character just enriches this book . I really loved the character played by Jono the neighbour. It just relates to my life and I remember the time when we moved to a small town in QLD in Rockhampton where we didn’t know anyone. I had the pleasure to meet a neighbour who was so similar to Jono. It was as if the author knew about my neighbour Kevin and wrote about him.
The ending is quite unexpected and sad. The death of a character was taken so simply and not elaborated..
There are a few questions unanswered . For example what did really happen to Erin”s wrist .Who bruised it?
I love that this story is set in Australia . I could just imagine myself living in Malee Bay in South Australia.
I think this is great book for all ages. Young old , if you love a mystery or thrillers then this book will be great for you.
Erin is a newly separated mother of two teenage boys.
She leaves the bright lights of Sydney and moves to the seemingly idyllic Eyre Peninsula. One of her sons fits in well and the other, not so much.
For me the book is not about new beginnings but about first impressions. Are people always who they seem?
Sometime a little predictable but overall well written and informative ( I enjoyed learning a little about Oyster Farming) I did feel like there were a few unnecessary relationships ie Ryan and his father.. it didn’t add anything for me.
Heartbreaking and at times quite scary, I felt like the end left many issues unresolved. But overall I enjoyed the latest offering from Amanda Ortlepp.
Having read Amanda’s first novel Claiming Noah I was very excited to have the opportunity to review her new novel.
The book did not disappoint. I was kept guessing the whole way through which is what I love in a novel.
Every single twist and turn was well written and very believable.
I feel like a lot of people could relate to Erin’s story. She runs away with her sons to try to escape her marriage.
What unfolds in the Eyre peninsula is great and sure kept me guessing.
I really hope Amanda writes another novel as she is a fantastic author.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to review another fantastic book.