The Year of the Farmer

AUTHOR: Rosalie Ham PUBLISHER: Picador RRP: $32.99 REVIEWER: Jo Marsh

IF LIFE isn’t hard enough with the drought, farmers around a small country town now face a new threat - the local water authority which is set to siphon off farmers’ water allocations under the guise of civic and environmental benefit.

While the community battles it out, small-time grievances loom large.

Out to get everything she can, the unpopular and truly awful Bicycle Mandy aims her hatred and unhappiness at everyone in her path, including her catch-of-the-year husband, Mitch.

Life hasn’t panned out for Mandy the way she expected, but when popular Neralie leaves town, Mandy is quick to trap her ex (Mitch) in marriage.

She’s also landed Neralie’s prized job – running the newsagency – but nothing is as good as it seemed from afar.

When Neralie comes back to run the pub, Mandy’s bubbling discontentment boils over and no-one is safe.

Author Rosalie Ham (The Dressmaker) takes us on a roller-coaster ride of small-town personalities as they battle the elements and each other.

Her portrayal of snarky Mandy, nice Neralie, amiable Mitch and a dozen other characters could be taken from any small community anywhere in Australia and each chapter leaves the reader waiting to see what happens next.