Kaleidoscope of Life

The novel Kaleidoscope of Life concerns the lives of Sally Evans, her immediate and extended families, and those of the local aborigines entwined throughout. Sally experiences various adventures on the Bogan River in far western New South Wales. This historical novel is set immediately after World War II1945-1949but the shadow of both world wars hovers over three generations of Sallys family. Community and family interact to provide support as everyone moves towards post-war healing. There are two romantic subplots and two relevant extended war narratives, one from each world war. When Sallys father, who was missing in action, unexpectedly arrives home, Sally thinks he is an intruder and is always afraid of himwith good reason. His psychological problems, domestic violence and alcohol dependency affect him and everyone else, especially Sally, who was born after his departure. Sally is given her own pony and she and her cousin, Elizabeth, who attend the same one-teacher school, are hosted to a weeks holiday at Government House, Sydney. Sally spends another week in Sydney at the childrens hospital, with suspected diphtheria. Both she and her part-aboriginal classmate, Trudy, who really did have diphtheria, spend time recuperating at the Far West Childrens Home in Manly. Sallys Jewish friend, Esther Aarons, remains important, even after Esther moved from Nyngan to Sydney. She helped Sally grapple with the puzzle of where babies come from, and Sallys letters to her provide an outlet for her many concerns. Sally is spirited, inquisitive and thoughtful, with many girlish questions. She is secure in everyones love, except her fathers, constantly asking herself, Why doesnt Daddy love me? Peter, her mothers new love-interest and her fathers best mate, finally answers her and opens up new possibilities.