Adrian (former lover, now friend) had called in for coffee that morning. For the last year he’s been organising a writer’s festival in Shelly Beach. He’d convinced authors t come, raised funds through charity events, persuaded the local council to chip in, and advertised the festival far and wide. And now, with a month to go, he’s gone and got himself a job in the city. So guess who’s running the festival now? No choice in the matter. It’s a fait accompli.
A year and a half ago Gina Laurel came to Shelly Beach with her whole life in just two suitcases, her life in tatters after the breakup of her marriage and a big setback to her writing career. Since she’s moved here, she’s made friends, found a new lover and been adopted by a dog. She’s found new jobs, and built a life for herself. But maybe now she’s ready to move on. So when she’s offered a brilliant job back in the city she’s ready to take it. But first there’s just the small matter of the writers’ festival that has suddenly become her responsibility.
In four chaotic weeks Gina negotiates way through booking glitches, venue changes, author hissy-fits and brushes with the past, all the while wondering if she’s really ready to swap this new life for the bright city lights.
The Festival by the Sea is a comic romp through seaside living, literary festivals and mid life changes. A sequel to The Shelly Beach Writers’ Group, the story stands alone, with enough back story to ensure a new reader is not disadvantaged. Gina is a humorous and likable first person narrator, ably supported by a range of other characters from comic to tragic, with The Dog a curiously endearing one. Whilst partly a story about the festival, The Festival by the Sea is just as much a tale of self-discovery and friendship.
A clever story.
The Festival by the Sea, by June Loves
Penguin, 2012
ISBN 9780670076444
This book is available in good bookstores or online from Fishpond.