The Secrets at Ocean's Edge

The secrets that bind a family can also destroy a family. The absorbing story of a guesthouse keeper and his wife who attempt to start over, from devastatingly talented debut author Kali Napier

'An intense tale of a family's heart-rending search for belonging' The Australian Women's Weekly

'One of the best books I've read this year. I am still thinking about it' MELISSA ASHLEY, The Birdman's Wife

1932. Ernie and Lily Hass, and their daughter, Girlie, have lost almost everything in the Depression. Abandoning their failing wheat farm, they make a new start on the west coast of Australia, where they begin to build a summer guesthouse. But forming new alliances isn't easy - and when Lily's shell-shocked brother Tommy wanders into their new life, his presence will raise questions that cut to the heart of who Ernie, Lily and Girlie really are.

Kali Napier breathes a fever-pitch intensity into the story of these emotionally fragile characters as their secrets are revealed with tragic consequences.

'Beautifully told, poignant and memorable' KATE FORSYTH

'If you enjoyed The Woolgrower's Companion, Salt Creek, We That Are Left, and The Dressmaker, then this is definitely for you' Historical Novel Society

“I absolutely loved it. Totally gripping, beautifully written, the characterisation is superb. An absolutely stunning book. - MELISSA ASHLEY, The Birdman's WifeAn engaging mystery while also being an absorbing tale of family secrets, lies, betrayal and sacrifice. The story brims with authenticity that comes from painstaking research. The gradual release of information about the family combines to create a level of suspense that is sustained and that kept me guessing until the very end. The author knows how to keep a secret, how to pass on a secret and how - and when - to divulge a secret. - CASS MORIARTYA story layered with all the hallmarks that make for an Australian classic. I loved this incredible novel. I enjoyed every beautifully evocative sentence . . . I didn't want it to end. - THERESA SMITH, Australian Women Writers ChallengePaints a vivid picture of post-WWI Australia... The secrets multiply as the story progresses... an absorbing historical piece that also delves deeply into the emotional lives of its flawed and fascinating characters. - GAIL CLEARE”

I absolutely loved it. Totally gripping, beautifully written, the characterisation is superb. An absolutely stunning book. - MELISSA ASHLEY, The Birdman's Wife

An engaging mystery while also being an absorbing tale of family secrets, lies, betrayal and sacrifice. The story brims with authenticity that comes from painstaking research. The gradual release of information about the family combines to create a level of suspense that is sustained and that kept me guessing until the very end. The author knows how to keep a secret, how to pass on a secret and how - and when - to divulge a secret. - CASS MORIARTY

A story layered with all the hallmarks that make for an Australian classic. I loved this incredible novel. I enjoyed every beautifully evocative sentence . . . I didn't want it to end. - THERESA SMITH, Australian Women Writers Challenge

Paints a vivid picture of post-WWI Australia... The secrets multiply as the story progresses... an absorbing historical piece that also delves deeply into the emotional lives of its flawed and fascinating characters. - GAIL CLEARE

KALI NAPIER worked in Bangladesh as an anthropologist on gender programs before working as an Aboriginal family history researcher for the Queensland government and as a Native Title anthropologist in the mid-west of Western Australia, the setting for THE SECRETS AT OCEAN'S EDGE. The novel was longlisted for the Bath Novel Award, as was her first manuscript - also a finalist in the Hachette Australia Manuscript Development Program. Kali is currently an MPhil candidate in creative writing at the University of Queensland. She now lives in Queensland with her two children.

The secrets that bind a family can also destroy a family. The absorbing story of a guesthouse keeper and his wife who attempt to start over, from devastatingly talented debut author Kali Napier'An intense tale of a family's heart-rending search for belonging' The Australian Women's Weekly 'One of the best books I've read this year. I am still thinking about it' MELISSA ASHLEY, The Birdman's Wife 1932. Ernie and Lily Hass, and their daughter, Girlie, have lost almost everything in the Depression. Abandoning their failing wheat farm, they make a new start on the west coast of Australia, where they begin to build a summer guesthouse. But forming new alliances isn't easy - and when Lily's shell-shocked brother Tommy wanders into their new life, his presence will raise questions that cut to the heart of who Ernie, Lily and Girlie really are.Kali Napier breathes a fever-pitch intensity into the story of these emotionally fragile characters as their secrets are revealed with tragic consequences. 'Beautifully told, poignant and memorable' KATE FORSYTH 'If you enjoyed The Woolgrower's Companion , Salt Creek , We That Are Left , and The Dressmaker , then this is definitely for you' Historical Novel Society

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.