Publication Date: 1st August 2013
Pages: 297
Book Source: Harlequin Mira
Synopsis: A modern-day Romeo and Juliet set amongst the beauty of Byron Bay and
the grind of Sydney.
Rip and Sahara have always been together. Primary school friends to high
school lovers, their ties to each other are as intertwined and inescapable as
the roots of the Byron Strangler Fig. But like that same tree, the tendrils of
their love are beginning to stifle and choke, and soon, Sahara finds she must
leave, moving to Sydney to pursue her career as an artist.
In Sydney, Sahara draws the attention of Sean, a charismatic
entrepreneur, and is quickly drawn into his expensive and glamorous world ???
so very different from the quiet, simple place of her youth. But even as she
creates a new life, and a new version of herself, Sahara cannot seem to leave
Rip behind.
Back in the Byron hinterland, Rip moves to a working farm to recover
from the wounds Sahara left. It's here that he begins to understand his past
and reimagine his future. But as Rip rebuilds, Sahara unravels, losing herself
in Sean's shiny, but meaningless world and plagued by visions of her previous
life and lover.
Heartbreaking and haunting, The Inevitability of Stars is a poignant
novel about the burden of fate, the viscosity of reality and the resilience of
love.
My Thoughts:
I struggled a little to get
into this one, but Lyster's beautiful turn of phrase kept me reading and I
finished up enjoying this new age re-imagining of Romeo & Juliet a lot more
than I initially thought I would.
Not wanting to settle for an 'ordinary' life in
Byron Bay, Sahara breaks up with Rip and moves to Sydney. But her bid for
independence and artistic growth becomes a melting pot of toxicity and Sahara's
life slowly unravels.
There's quite a spiritual focus to Rip's side
of the story and maybe it was that, that took me a bit to get my head around. Not
to say that it isn't my thing, it just wasn't what I expected. I can't really
say any more without getting spoiler-ish ... but the author's lyrical writing
style is lovely to read.
The alternating chapters by Rip and Sahara work
well, I really enjoyed the dual narrative and I loved the contrast in setting
from Byron Bay to Sydney.
It's a profound, bittersweet story. It's about
healing, self discovery, finding your place in the world, standing on your own
two feet and being in charge of your own happiness. It's about that beautiful
thing called serendipity.
I hadn't heard of this one and think it sounds good. Thanks for telling us about it!
ReplyDeleteMary I hope you enjoy it, let me know. Unexpected often turns out good :)
DeleteBummer it wasn't as good as you hoped!!
ReplyDeleteJulie it was nice to be surprised at my enjoyment of it after a wobbly start. The author's writing was so lovely, I'll definitely read another from her :)
DeleteA tough beginning is never a good thing
ReplyDeletein this case I was good with it as I ended up enjoying the message :)
DeleteI'm intrigued by the Romeo & Juliet comparison and also the spiritual aspect. Sometimes I find that refreshing.
ReplyDelete