Reviewed By Gabrielle Smith
A Distant Prospect by Annette Young is a well-written, well-researched novel set in Sydney in 1928. It is basically concerned with the character of an apprehensive, self-conscious, resentful teenager, Lucy Straughan.
Following the tragic death of his beloved wife, grieving and poverty-stricken Morgan Straughan escapes the ravages of war torn Ireland and migrates with his daughter Lucy to Australia to begin a new life. Here problems of a different nature besiege them. Morgan leaves Lucy in an orphanage while he looks for work and affordable accommodation, only to find that Lucy contracts Polio.
Her recovery is slow and she is left wearing bulky boots and callipers. The story told through Lucy’s eyes begins on her first day back at school after seven long and frustrating years. During her convalescence she has mastered the ’cello and fostered a deep love of mathematics but none of this prepares her for the reception she endures after she arrives. Blunt, quick tempered and judgemental, Lucy builds up a barrier to the bullying and heartlessness of her classmates. They immediately detect and ridicule her clumsy, awkward stance and thick Irish accent. She glowers at the approaches of the gentle, kind Della Sotheby, initially but soon melts when she realises Della’s friendship is sincere.
Mrs Epstein, Lucy’s ’cello teacher, teaches Della the violin and the girls are soon forced into a quartet with two other girls who also attend their school. At first the girls can hardly tolerate each other but through a growing understanding of life and the strict guidance of Mrs Epstein they learn to co-operate and become inseparable friends.
The characters of Pim Connolly, Phoebe Raye and Della live through the dialogue. Lucy realises she is not the only one who has a problematic past. The mystery that surrounds Lucy’s mother’s death, Phoebe’s strange habits and lifestyle and Pim’s anger towards a rebellious sister keep us gripped. The romances, the humour and the wit as well as the amazing understanding of the instruments and classical pieces being played all add to the novel’s attraction. Historical facts, such as Bert Hinkler’s arrival at Mascot make the story even more authentic.
The writing style of the book is compelling and once started is hard to put down. It is easy to see the faces of each person and be part of each scene, including some of the meals.
The deep faith of Morgan and others show how tremendous peace and happiness is achieved through prayer and the sacraments and even passed on to others who struggle with belief.
This is a wonderful book and recommended not only to teenage girls but to adults and boys who love music. It has the potential to stand there with some of the classics including Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice.
Reviewed By Gabrielle Smith for Cardinal Newman Catholic Bookshop, Sydney
Reprinted from Cardinal Newman Catholic Bookshop November 2013 Catalogue
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