In the Clearing
Pomare, JPWhat happens in the Clearing, stays in the Clearing ... but is it really possible to walk away from a cult? Adrienne has a vision to lead twelve perfect children into the future, but it involves a commitment and determination that affects the different members of the community to varying degrees. But it is too much for Amy who flees to the 'outside'. And just where does Freya Heywood fit in, with her son Billy and her normal, everyday life?
Told through Amy and Freya's intertwining stories, this chilling fast-moving contemporary psychological thriller, set in the Victorian bushland, echoes real-life events from 1960s and 70s Australia.
Pages
328
328
Year
2019
2019
Reviews
13-10-2023
Everyone in our group enjoyed this book. It was a real page turner, with a fascinating plot that had unexpected twists and turns. We loved that it was based on a true story.
09-10-2023
A mixed review. Some really enjoyed, some didn't. Keep everyone on their toes though, not sure what was real and what wasn't. Stimulated some interesting discussions about cult life.
15-09-2023
We enjoyed this book even though it was not a comfortable read. The twists were surprising and overall generated good discussion. Well worth reading.
17-08-2023
A few did not finish and none really liked it. We thought it was well written in that all the threads were joined at the end, but didn't really engage with any of the characters in spite of the disturbing topic.
31-07-2023
With the themes of power and control in cults, this is a difficult read for many. Unsettling, gripping and powerful - a real page turner! Pomare maintained suspense and intrigue, right until the last page. A little confusing at the start.
24-07-2023
This took us all a little time to get into, but it was well worth persevering. A few twists and turns and surprises that none of us saw coming.
15-06-2023
We all really enjoyed this book! Some thought slightly predictable but otherwise rave reviews. Now we are looking for the book 'The Family', to read more about the actual cult. Highly recommend!
07-06-2023
Polarising. Two people wouldn't read it due to the nature of the topic. Others found it intriguing, paced, thrilling and well-written. People were pulled into the book despite the topic.
04-05-2023
Book enjoyed by all although felt it was far-fetched.
08-11-2022
A very mixed response. Several found the book very disturbing in the way children were treated. 2 enjoyed the book very much, while 2 others couldn't read it. We discussed the real life cult the book was based on and cults generally.
23-09-2022
One said they were so disturbed they couldn't finish it, while another said it was the best book she'd read for ages - so gripping she couldn't put it down.
08-08-2022
Too dark for some people - most wouldn't want to read more of this author though.
29-06-2022
A few didn't read it, and some that did didn't enjoy it.
22-04-2022
Very well-written.
26-11-2021
Good read for most. Some found the content a bit confronting and so gave it a lower rating.
24-11-2021
Good read for most. Some found the content a bit confronting, and so gave it a lower score.
03-11-2021
General consensus was that this was a clever, well-written book, but the subject matter was disturbing. The twists and turns of the plot keep the reader engaged.
03-11-2021
Half of our book group were interested in the dark themes of this cleverly written book. The other half of the group struggled with the themes and couldn't get past the first pages.
05-10-2021
Undemanding, captures your attention. A good thriller, and read very quickly. Well-written.