Secrets, betrayal, an Aussie town on the edge: This book has it all

The Secrets We Keep is Shirley Patton’s debut novel and she’s produced a clever work of fiction set in the harsh but thriving mining town of Kalgoorlie some time ago.

It is a story that touches on many issues including politics, adoption, parenting, family conflict, the devastating loss caused by cancer, the plight of Aboriginals in Western Australia (especially at the time of writing this book), women’s struggles to be represented on council, employment in government (welfare) with its changing policies, the challenge of moving and adapting to a new community and above all, the life experiences that shape us, compelling us to keep secrets.

The latter is predominantly Aimee’s story. A young social worker seeking a new life, with a group of contemporaries (Lori, Maureen, and Patrick to name a few), and a role that brings her professionally into the lives of the Steele family; Paul who is dying of cancer, his wife Kerrie who is cracking under the pressure and who is questioning more than his future passing, and Amber their 11-year-old daughter.

Intermingled in all this is the author’s theme of destiny versus choice and the extrasensory psychic powers of Agnes and Lori (who is also a social worker).

From the very beginning there are so many peripheral characters and perhaps this is the reason it took me till about one-third of the read to really feel any keen interest or empathy with the array of personalities that are introduced as the author moves from one key person, and their close friends and family, onto the next.

Although Aimee carries her own secrets, as a character I found her somewhat disappointing. She is a trained social worker, yet her treatment of her mother, who has not mistreated her in any way is rather strange. (Actually, there is no treatment and little or no caring for her mother). Her relationship with Lee, the man she has left behind, is also a little hard to fathom, at least initially. I found the clairvoyant aspects rather fanciful, although I know there are many followers and believers who would enjoy this aspect of The Secrets We Keep.

This is not a love story as such, but love is the very essence and the link that permeates and connects this story – a very pleasurable read for all ages. The Secrets We Keep, a debut novel by Shirley Patton, published by HQ Fiction is available in either printed or digital copy – click here for details.