The Brennans - parents, Finn and Bridget, and their sons, Jarrah and Toby - have made a sea change, from chilly Hobart to subtropical Murwillumbah. Feeling like foreigners in this land of sun and surf, they're still adjusting to work, school, and life in a sprawling purple weatherboard, when one morning, tragedy strikes.

In the devastating aftermath, the questions fly. What really happened? And who's to blame?

Determined to protect his family, Finn finds himself under the police and media spotlight. Guilty and enraged, Bridget spends nights hunting answers in the last place imaginable. Jarrah - his innocence lost - faces a sudden and frightening adulthood where nothing is certain.

Sixty Seconds is a haunting, redemptive story about forgiveness and hope, inspired by the author's own family experience.

'It is, quite simply, a masterpiece' Kate Forsyth

'A captivating, visceral, beautifully written story of a family navigating a nightmare. The characters were so real and relatable that I was riveted, thoroughly invested in each of their journeys. Jesse Blackadder is a powerful storyteller writing from her heart and experience' Robyn Harding, international bestselling author of The Party

'A beautiful work. One of the most moving and artistically satisfying endings I've read in a long while' Susan Johnson, Courier Mail

'An unflinching but tender exploration of what happens when the worst happens, this achingly beautiful novel broke my heart. And then put it back together' Wendy James, author of The Mistake and The Golden Child

'Powerful and captivating - a novel you will not forget' Eliza Henry-Jones, author of In the Quiet and Ache

'Sixty Seconds is at once heartbreaking but heartening, tragic but life affirming, its characters complex but familiar, its ending miraculous but well earned. It is a book of contrasts then, so it's little wonder that even as you can't stop rushing through, you feel it will stay with you for a very long time' Laurie Frankel, author of This Is How It Always Is

'A heart-wrenching, beautifully told story about tragedy and the slow journey toward hope. As Finn, Bridget, and Jarrah wade through their grief, readers will find themselves surprised by moments of grace. This story will linger long after the last page is turned' Nicole Baart, author of Little Broken Things and You Were Always Mine

PRAISE FOR JESSE BLACKADDER'S RAVEN'S HEART AND CHASING THE LIGHT

'... utterly intriguing and completely unputdownable ... The writing is evocative and powerful' Good Reading
'Her writing immerses the reader in the beauty and danger of the Southern Ocean and the sights, sounds and smells of Antarctica. Verdict: DAZZLING' Herald Sun

WRITE A REVIEW

A haunting & engaging work of fiction from Jesse Blackadder

Sixty Seconds is all it takes for a family of four to become a family of three. Parents Finn and Bridget have two wonderful children. Jarrah, who is navigating the complicated world of adolescence and little Toby, a bright, gregarious toddler. This tight little family has upped and left Hobart to start fresh in Murwillumbah. They are all adjusting to this sea change and trying to forget the reasons they left Hobart to start afresh. A sudden tragedy occurs which cracks the foundations of this normal Australian family. Loneliness, guilt, resentment, blame, and lies weave their way into this family dynamic. Is the love that is left enough to see them through? I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I'll focus on Jesse Blackadder's writing. I am aware that tragedy in Blackadders past was the trigger for this novel and wonder if that's why there is such sensitivity and respect with the handling of the main characters. The incredibly descriptive prose drew a picture of the family home so clear, I could imagine the garden, the layout of the house and the workshop where Finn worked on his metalwork sculptures. I found the book an addictive read and my heart, in particular, reached out to Jarrah as he navigates not only a confusing and scary teenage world, but also a family on the brink of crumbling completely. This could happen to any Australian family.

Duffythewriter

Sydney

2017-11-10

I'm a confirmed fan of Jesse Blackadder's writing

I read every day, but mostly reference books. I only bother with novels when I know they are worth spending my time on. This book was! :D I've already recommended it to others.

Librarian's daughter

via Kyogle

2017-10-10

Sixty Seconds

4.5 2

0.0

ISBN: 9781460754245
ISBN-10: 1460754247
Audience: General
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number Of Pages: 384
Published: 18th September 2017
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Country of Publication: AU
Dimensions (cm): 23.5 x 15.5 x 3.0
Weight (kg): 0.52