The View From Out Here

When a parent dies young, reaching that age can be confronting. From the moment Martin's doctor gently comments that he's reached the age his mother was when she died, Martin's life jolts out of place. He's soon on the road, heading into the unfamiliar Australian outback, leaving his job, home and loving wife Alison back home in Sydney. Without a plan and not knowing what he's searching for, Martin keeps moving, gradually opening himself up to new places and encounters. Throughout his journey, Martin meets many people whose lives increasingly intersect and connect. Within this new life, how will Martin and Alison navigate a separation that could last a year? And how does an unexpected gift set Martin off on a new creative journey? Meanwhile, in Sydney, Alison begins a project to mark the 30th anniversary of Martin's mother's death. Her research uncovers family secrets and previously unknown family members. This story weaves together the past and the present, the city and outback. It is a story of friendships, family, love - of dealing with loss and learning how to live.

About the Author

Christine Crawford is a Canberra-based writer, having lived in the ACT for decades.

Her novels reflect her interest in people and their stories. The lives of her characters intersect and overlap. She writes about the interactions between generations and the lasting impact the past can have on the present.

Christine’s books show her strong love of visual art, whether she is writing about painting, photography, stained glass or the beauty of the landscape.

A sense of place is important in Christine’s stories, informed by her love of travel. This could be an historic home in the Southern Highlands of NSW, a tiny hotel room in Paris, the wide blue skies of outback Australia, or a wartime dance hall.