Blueberry

By: Glenna Thomson

Narrated by: Stef Smith

Greer O'Reilly needs to start over. Her partner of 12 years has left her, and she's moved to a blueberry orchard in the Victorian hills. When she and daughter Sophie arrive to take possession, the former owner, 81-year-old jazz lover Charlie Chandler, refuses to move out. Dying and desperate to spend his last days in his old home, the unlikely pair soon form a close bond - one that will offer the strength and inspiration Greer needs.

©2017 Glenna Thomson (P)2017 W.F. Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"Reading Blueberry made me think Glenna Thomson knows my secret dreams.... I wish I could crawl inside the pages and live there." (Toni Jordan)

Exceptional debut!

Greer O’Reilly was struggling after her partner Nick left her and their daughter, six year old Sophie. Her job in Melbourne was high stress; Sophie needed after school care more often than Greer was happy with. So when the opportunity to purchase a rundown blueberry orchard in the Victorian bush near Euroa presented itself, Greer decided to take the chance. The peace and quiet would be a balm after the hustle and bustle of the city and the laid back lifestyle could be just what both Greer and Sophie needed.

The day they arrived at their new home, Greer realised her rose coloured glasses had hidden the age and neglect of the old home. But she was a stubborn and independent woman – she would make a go of this venture; after all it couldn’t be too hard could it? Her shock at finding the previous owner, eighty one year old Charlie Chandler, housed in his studio at the back of the home was great. But her sympathy at his plight soon came to the fore. Charlie was dying – he’d lived in the home, working on his paintings and listening to the jazz music he loved with his beloved wife (who was the blueberry orchardist) for the whole length of their marriage. Charlie’s absent son Warren wanted to install Charlie in a nursing home, but crusty old Charlie didn’t want to go…

As Greer learned about the blueberry orchard which was now her livelihood, she did her best to help Charlie. The unusual bond the two formed had Greer comparing Charlie with her father. But what was to be the outcome to the standoff and tense situation? And would Greer manage everything that was required in the art of blueberry farming?

Blueberry is the debut novel by Aussie author Glenna Thomson and it’s an exceptional piece of writing in my opinion. Thoroughly enjoyable, the depth of characters from six year old Sophie to eighty one year old Charlie is extremely well done. I could easily visualise the property where the orchard was located; the bush and winding roads; the small town of Euroa – Blueberry is a novel by a new voice which I highly recommend.