Caryl Lambourn

I loved this interesting and stimulating novel set in the Snowy Mountains, Australia at the time of the birth of the Snowy Mountains Scheme. The Finley Confession captured and held my attention to the very end. A coming of age tale told by a character with many flaws about a group of young men each with his own. Set at a pivotal point in Australian history it weaves a story of secrets, betrayals and misunderstandings set against a backdrop of beautifully described landscape and stifling social constraints. The obliteration of a town in the name of progress mirrors the changes occurring in the wider world of the 60s. Each main character epitomises an archetype of gender, race or class but without being heavy-handedly stereotypical The arrival of sexual complications brings with it a maelstrom of activity,deception, violence and passion and finally a sort of resolution. George Watt has expertly crafted the structure of this novel which moves back and forth seamlessly. His style is subtly erudite with plenty of sly humour. The mystery gains speed and strength until the very end and leaves the reader reflecting on the meaning of the story and at the same time feeling thoroughly entertained.