When a good friend raves about a book, you have to read it. (I don’t make the rules.) So, when my buddy Sarah was raving about Cherrywood by Jock Serong, I went out and bought it the same day.
I left the bookshop triumphantly holding my new purchase and dove right in!
Cherrywood switches between the past and the present, with a mysterious crossover between the two time periods. In 1916 Scotland (and later, Melbourne) Thomas Wrenfether, and his slightly shady business partner, devise an ambitious plan to create a magnificent paddlesteamer out of some rare and stunning wood.
In 1993 Melbourne, idealistic and intelligent young lawyer Martha is struggling with the nastiness that comes hand in hand with her career. After reluctantly agreeing to attend a party one night, Martha stops to buy a bottle of wine at the Cherrywood, a beautiful pub she’s never seen before – and struggles to locate again after that night.
This is a whimsical story that’s grounded by Serong’s assured storytelling. Details about the law, shipbuilding, and history scaffold a tale of love that spans decades. The most fascinating character in this book? A strangely moody building that manages to defy the laws of physics.
Cherrywood is a grand and expansive story that’s touching and tender but never sentimental. It’s about the power of love and perseverance, and the futility of trying to escape the past. It’s a truly imaginative ride – I could see an incredible TV series springing from this book.
I’ve never read anything by Serong before this, but now I’m very keen to check out his other work. (And the Cherrywood TV series that we richly deserve!)
Cherie lives, works, and reads in beautiful Tasmania – the green island gem below Australia known for its gorgeous landscape and beautiful wildlife. She holds multiple academic qualifications in English, journalism, and fine art theory, and has worked in writing, editing, and communications roles for more than a decade. Most importantly, she has a deep love for books that began as soon as she learned how to read.
Old, new, any genre – for Cherie, reading is about as vital as breathing. She is interested in sharing books that move, excite, and compel, so others can share the joy of a truly great read. While she reads across most genres, her favourite is literary fiction. Particularly anything by Margaret Atwood, Ottessa Moshfegh, Kate Atkinson, Elizabeth Berg, Ann Patchett, and Anne Tyler.
Cherie frequents Tasmania’s beautiful boutique book shops as well as scouring secondhand shops for books to add to her extensive home library. Catch up with her on LinkedIn and on Instagram.
