Review: Back on Track

Title: Back on Track

Author: Tricia Stringer

Publisher: 4th October 2023 by Harlequin Australia, HQ & MIRA

Pages: 464 pages

Genre: fiction, contemporary, romance

Rating: 4 crowns

Synopsis:

Bestselling author and voice of Australian storytelling Tricia Stringer tackles troubled relationships, ageism, and love old and new in this warm, funny, uplifting story of colleagues and unlikely travel companions thrown together on an astonishing (and revealing) train trip across Australia.

Ketty Clift's couture dressmaking business is thriving but the same can't be said for her staff. Lately, cracks have appeared in the team's harmony, testing relationships and causing issues with customers. Worse, the rumour that Ketty has lost her touch is circulating. So when Ketty's old friend Carlos suggests a holiday by train - on the iconic Ghan, no less - Ketty decides to take her surprised staff with her in the hope of fixing what ails them. 

But it's not turning out to be the cure-all Ketty had hoped for. Her protective second-in-command, Judith, doubts Carlos's intentions and sows suspicion in Ketty's mind. Her younger staff members, Birgit and Lacey, are beset by relationship disasters and financial worries, whereas invaluable employee Ning is under pressure from her family to retire, and seamstress Tien is terrified of everything outside her comfort zone - especially the outback. 

Each new stop on the way, and the surprising behaviour of some of the other passengers, affects the group and reveals something more about each of them. As the train pulls deeper into the mesmerising outback, matters seem set to come to a disturbing crescendo. Ketty must sidestep the drama, reunite her troubled workers and save her business and relationships. But will her transformative magic work to bring them all back on track?

My Thoughts

Back on Track is the latest offering from Aussie favourite Tricia Stringer. Tricia's talent extends across a range of genres from rural fiction through to contemporary and her readers are always guaranteed some wonderful escapism. On this occasion Tricia gives us another multi generational drama and all set on the iconic train, ‘The Ghan’ a trip from Darwin at the top of Australia to Adelaide in the south of Australia. 

‘And just as on a cruise ship, every surface gleamed. She closed her eyes, inhaled the lingering trace of eucalyptus scent and anticipated the trip ahead. Her spirits lifted.’

As usual Tricia includes a strong cast of characters that cover all ages - from Ketty in her 70s, Judith in her 50s through to Lacey in her 20s and many others. So, already you can see, there is sure to be something for everybody to relate to. Also, who could surpass Tricia’s wonderful descriptions of outback Australia with stop offs at Katherine, Alice Springs and Coober Pedy. I also appreciated the descriptions of The Ghan itself from the cabins to the dining experience.There are some topical issues in this book - ageism is at the top but Tricia also touches on retirement, work place tensions, discrimination, working visas, disabilities, family breakdowns -  dealing with them in her usual sensitive way. 

“I think sometimes we’re our own worst enemies when it comes to ageism. People make jokes about it and we go along with them.”

This is an easy read with engaging characters, encompassing problems and solutions common in today’s society. Yet, delve a little deeper - this is a story about how we treat those over the age of 50/60 in our society and even the way we talk to ourselves into fitting into a stereotype.  This is a story of understanding and compassion, growth and development. As the title so aptly indicates, when the wheels come off (pardon the pun) how do we go about getting ourselves and those around us, ‘back on track’?

‘The timeline was short, only three nights, and Ketty needed all the help she could to make sure she got her staff back on track.’

This is another great story of family and friends with Tricia, a master at producing authentic, real people and places that take you right to the centre of the community. Not only a story that takes you to some iconic destinations in Australia but also the importance of communication and maintaining positive relationships. 

“Who wrote the rule there’s a cut-off age for enjoying life? You’re never too old for friendship, companionship, even love.”

This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.