Exchange reviews

Here's my review of this insightful novel...

Salvation Jane by Ann Massey is a politically-charged drama featuring Jane Patterson, a resident of Sydney who relocates to Perth as a result of a bequeathment and finds herself the crestfallen owner of a borderline flophouse. Massey’s female protagonist is portrayed as a scrappy, idealistic Aussie woman who grows indignant over the prevailing attitude towards the underprivileged in Perth, and her struggle against the powers-that-be sets up a dramatic conflict that provides plenty of room for discussion.

Councillor Leonard Hardie appears as the major antagonist in this novel. The oily career politician brings his charm and benevolent authority to the table, only the repartee gives way to a game of arms as Jane’s candor slowly dissolves his deceptive veneer. Push comes to shove as Jane’s mascot, Horrie Nelson and his friends are marginalized and persecuted by the movers and shakers in the City Council. The destitute community is plagued by sanctions and restrictions enforced by the police, until a mysterious bombing threatens to close the hotel and put an end to Jane’s ministry. It is the intercession of Ida Wright that comes as a turning point for Jane and her focus group, and the playing field is evened as we see that not all rich people have cold, hard hearts of bloodless gold.

Massey’s Jane Patterson is both personable and admirable, keeping the novel from veering into didacticism. There is a necessary amount of expository dialogue as both sides are presented in the discussion of the homeless situation plaguing major cities around the globe. Yet Jane provides a solution, and Salvation Jane by Ann Massey reminds us there’s always room for one more needy person in our communities and our hearts.