Tree Palace

Longlisted for the 2015 Miles Franklin Literary Award They tried Mansfield but it was freezing and snowed and people like them don't fit in becausethey don't look prosperous. One time near Yellingbo they found a church no one prayed in andthey lived there and for three weeks had stained glass for windows...They got chased out andwent to Shepparton but Shane had a run-in and police said move. Shane, Moira and Midge, along with young Zara and Rory, are 'trants'-itinerants roaming theplains north-west of Melbourne in search of disused houses to sleep in, or to strip of heritagefittings when funds are low. When they find their Tree Palace outside Barleyville, things arelooking up. At last, a place in which to settle down. But Zara, fifteen, is pregnant and doesn't want a child. She'd rather a normal life with town boys,not trant life with a baby. Moira decides to step in- she'll look after her grandchild. Then Shanefinds himself in trouble with the local cops... Warmly told and witty, Craig Sherborne's second novel is a revelation-an affecting story offamily and rural life.

Ideal for readers interested in reading.