Reviewed by Kylie Buckley
In Australia in 1914, Tom Stott, an eighteen-year-old farmer’s son, met the
love of his life, Gracie O’Donnell. Heartbreak followed when Tom learnt she was
promised to another. Feeling empty, he enlisted in the army and set off for war.
Years later, the story reconnects with Gracie married to Ray Clifford. Their
son, Will, has a strained relationship with his father, but shares a beautiful
connection with his angelic mother who encourages him to spread his wings.
The narrative follows Will as he moves to England, then starts a family of his
own in Ireland. When his children grow older, one of his daughters follows her
heart to America where she has a son.
As time passes, all four generations end up together in Australia and hidden
stories of the past are disclosed.
Harmony is a young adult novel that follows a family across multiple
generations and countries. It is beautifully written with a myriad of complex
characters and intriguing storylines to engage the reader. It includes themes
of family, love, relationships, connection, belonging and secrets. It is highly
recommended for an audience 12 years and older.
It is interesting to note that while this work is largely one of fiction, it was
written as a tribute to the author’s great uncle, Thomas Stott, who died at
Gallipoli during World War I.
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