Geraldine (Andrea Thompson, Fremantle)

In this heartwarming debut novel, spanning the 1960s to the early 2000s, music journalist and artist manager Andrea Thompson tells the story of Geraldine, a fierce protagonist who remains true to herself despite the world’s attempts to define her. The novel follows Geraldine from her early years in England, through her childhood when she’s forced to move to Zambia, and into her coming-of-age years in Perth, where she remains into adulthood. Originally intending to write a memoir, Thompson pivoted to fiction and brings a fresh approach to a narrative about the experience of gender diversity, focusing on moments of light and hope rather than dwelling in darkness—something I believe we need more of in the works on bookshop shelves. The result is a character-driven story full of ordinary yet meaningful moments. Despite its uplifting tone, Geraldine touches on some important political and historical issues surrounding gender inclusivity in Western Australia. With a unique blend of sweet sorrow and hope, the novel raises awareness of life’s injustices, while leaving this reader feeling inspired rather than dispirited. Packed with music references from the 60s and 70s, and nods to some of Perth’s most iconic bars and nightclubs from the 80s and 90s, this is a book for those yearning for a compelling protagonist who never backs down. Fans of Craig Silvey’s Honeybee and the anthology An Unexpected Party will find themselves right at home with Geraldine.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Nadia Heisler is a CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) writer originally from Brazil with a background in journalism. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews Think Australian top reviews