Book Review – The Paradise Pact by Anita Heiss

This is more than a Romance novel.

At its heart it is a comparison of indigenous issues in both Australia and Hawaii. It explores similarities and differences as three fifty-something female friends take a holiday. A trip which includes running a half marathon.

I read this book at the start of my own long vacation which included a trip around the main cities of Canada, where the same issues featured in this story came to light in the many museums we visited exploring Inuit culture – that same dispossession where people were forced to take on Western ways and to forget their native language and history.

But I’m no stranger to these issues as my husband is a beautiful Kamillaroi man. In fact, Anita’s novel made me cry at one point, but I’ll explain why later.

This novel begins with a breakup.

Abbey has recently discovered her partner has very different political views, enough to wonder if he ever really understood her. She is a successful businesswomen with kids (and grandkids), and even though there’s been a reconnection with her ex, she is still unsure he has changed. This holiday with her besties is exactly what she needs.

What follows are genuine moments of true friendship – the kind where eyes are rolled and unwarranted advice is given. And romance, of course!

But it’s the first nations’ viewpoint which really drives this narrative.

There’s a heartfelt conversation (one of many) where the friends discuss how their relatives view their success. This includes a special mention of their elders, who understand how much work it takes to succeed, knowing these girls didn’t just land on their feet. This is where I got teary.

I value my in-law elders. My own siblings aren’t close and I can recall the many times my husband’s family have been proud of my achievements, and how his sisters and a niece and nephew kept checking up on me when my health took a turn for the worst. It’s not that my own family weren’t worried, but they aren’t as comfortable instigating these conversations.

The Paradise Pact is a page turner.

And while it explores love, it’s the love between the friends which it really delves into – where their views originate from and how modern friendships are cultivated through social technology. I enjoyed every moment I spent with Abbey, Stevie and Caitlin.

Five stars.