The Kettle’s On - Susan Hughes

Louise Lewis and her family, like most people living in Sydney, are challenged by crises brought on by a rapidly changing climate, (and not changing for the better that’s for sure). The realisation that they have not done enough to avoid this unfolding crisis is just as difficult to live with as the extreme heat waves.

Life gets too difficult in the city so Louise, her parents, and family plan a retreat, an escape to the family property in country NSW-’, to Aunty Betty’s, where they will regroup and together face what Mother Nature is throwing at them.

Louise, still dealing with her own trauma, learns that raising chickens, baking bread, growing veggies and battling the elements, is not easy, (particularly when you’re nearing your sixties).

The family, often strengthened by a fortifying cuppa, face the day-to-day challenges with humour, love and a good dose of Aussie practical know-how. Amid celebrating Christmas, a wedding and the joy of self-sufficiency in the country, tragedy strikes and ’getting on with it’ needs more courage, wisdom and love, (and more cups of tea).

The warm hospitality (and cups of tea) at Aunty Betty’s are very welcome and life begins to bloom again in more ways than one.