Annabelle, a Melbourne academic, learns that her husband is leaving her for an honours student. She leaves for her family home in Townsville and takes a job with an archaeologist doing cultural surveys for mining permits. There she meets Bo Rennie, an Aboriginal stockman whom Annabelle had met during her childhood. Instantly attracted to one another, the two embark on a journey to rural Queensland to survey a dam.
Reception
The Sydney Morning Herald praised the novel and Miller's "meticulous, skilful writing".[3] The Curtin University of Technology's API Review of Books was less positive, calling the narrative "surprisingly disappointing" and some of the dialogue "uncharacteristically clumsy" for Miller.[4] Critics and scholars were mixed on Miller's portrayal of Reconciliation, some claiming the book romanticized his indigenous characters, others citing the narrative's complexity.[5]
Awards
Tasmania Pacific Region Prize, Tasmania Pacific Fiction Prize, 2005: shortlisted
State Library of Tasmania People's Choice Award, 2005: winner
Festival Awards for Literature (SA), Dymocks Booksellers Award for Fiction, 2004: shortlisted
