The Grass Castle

The story of two remarkable women and their stories of courage, forgiveness and acceptance from the bestselling author of The Lightkeeper's Wife.

The daughter of a pastoralist, Daphne grew up in a remote valley of the Brindabella Ranges where she raised her family with her husband Doug in a world of world of horses, cattle and stockmen. But then the government forced them off their land and years later, Daphne is still trying to come to terms with the grief of her departure from the mountains and its tragic impact on her husband.

It is during a regular visit to her valley that she meets Abby, a lonely young woman shying away from close contact with others, running from a terrible event in her early teens that has shaped her life. But like the grandmother who cared for Abby when her mother was ill, Daphne is a patient mentor, and slowly a gentle friendship develops between Abby and Daphne.

While Abby's family history means she tries to ignore her feelings for journalist Cameron, Daphne struggles with her own past and the long shadow it may have cast over the original inhabitants of their land. Both women must help each other face the truth and release long-buried family secrets before they can be free.

The Grass Castle is a moving and captivating story of displacement and belonging, love and forgiveness. Above all, it is about the strength which resides in us all: the courage to grow and learn from the past.

About the Author

Born in Melbourne and raised in the Dandenong Ranges riding horses and writing stories, Karen went on to study veterinary science at Melbourne University before working in practice for several years. She completed a PhD in wildlife health, and since then she has worked on a wide range of Australian native animals, including kangaroos. Karen loves landscapes, wild places, people and animals. She is the author of two previous novels: The Stranding (A&U 2008) and the bestselling, The Lightkeeper's Wife (A&U 2011). The Grass Castle is her third novel. She lives in Canberra with her husband and two children.