The Campers
The Campers
Reviewed By Nan van Dissel February 7, 2025
Author Maryrose Cuskelly
Distributor: Allen ad Unwin
ISBN: 9781761471261
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Release Date: February 2025
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Best-selling award-winning author Maryanne Cuskelly’ has not disappointed readers with her latest book ‘The Campers’, which will make the reader examine her/his own values long after the book is closed. With the problem of homelessness at its core, the author has woven an intriguing tale of privilege, hypocrisy and entitlement.
The close-knit community of the residents of The Drove, an inner-city-cul-de-sac, has long guarded Gideon’s Paddock as their private domain; not to be shared with ‘non-Drovers.’ The arrival of a group of unkempt strangers setting up home in ‘their park’ has the neighbourhood’s chat group buzzing. Although Drovers believe in helping the homeless, the underlying message is ‘not in our back yard’. How will this ‘undesirable’ group affect the residents of this safe, community- oriented enclave?
Leah, married with two young children is immediately attracted to the mysterious Sholto, the campers’ charismatic leader, while other neighbours appear to be more suspicious of him. Why has he chosen Gideon’s Paddock to establish his tent community?
The author’s use of social media posts, allows the reader to acquire a greater insight into the character of the prominent members of ‘The Drovers’ and their perceptions surrounding the ‘invading’ group.
This thought – provoking novel will make the reader reassess her/his attitude to homelessness and how it can impact on the reader’s own community.