Tricia Stringer is a bestselling author and voice of Australian storytelling. She’s back, and better than ever with a glorious read about the journeys we take, professionally and personally.
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’ 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?
Tricia Stringer has built a huge following with her warm-hearted reads that tackle life and love, with highly relatable female characters front and centre. I always grab her novels when they arrive at the office, assured of a great weekend read. Her latest novel, Back on Track, is a double treat, combining two of my favourite things: train journeys and excellent storytelling.
As always, there are several central characters of differing ages and backgrounds, meaning there’s always someone we can relate to. In this novel, however, I found it difficult to choose a favourite, with each character and subplot equally compelling. Ketty Clift, owner of a couture dressmaking business, takes her whole team on a holiday on Australia’s iconic Ghan. There are cracks showing in her valued team, and Ketty feels this time together will sort things out.
Anyone who has read Table for Eight will know Ketty, who met the charming Carlos on a cruise. That backstory is quickly explained here, so you don’t need to have read the previous novel, but those who have will be delighted to see Carlos return here. I love these two and enjoyed their character arcs in Back on Track. I also adored the younger Lacey, who shoulders a lot in life, and seamstress Tien, who is well outside her comfort zone here.
Back on Track covers a lot of ground in the time it takes to get from Darwin to Adelaide. Stringer deftly explores troubled relationships, love – old and new – and ageism. The team from Ketty Clift’s Couture and the passengers they meet are unlikely travel companions, and yet, are right where they’re meant to be. The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the train, the scenery and the stops along the way, and I felt like I was there with them all as we travelled across Australia.
Back on Track is pure (train) escapism… but with guts and heart – and an ending that will make you smile. I’d tell you more but I’m off to book a trip on the Ghan.
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