John Franks' remarkable debut novel, Echoes, is primarily a modern story of love, challenge and relationships. Interwoven through this contemporary tale is an intriguing historical narrative, the significance of which left me guessing right up to the book's ending.
The reader follows Marek, born in Australia of Polish parents, as he navigates the establishment of his new construction business in Newcastle, Australia, and at the same time begins to fall in love with Gwynne, a practical single mother hesitant of risking all that she has worked so hard to achieve. Family events in Poland take Marek to the land of his parents' birth where he learns some surprising truths and experiences a deluge of unfamiliar emotions. Ultimately Marek must return to Australia and attempt some resolution in both his business life and his, at times, confounding personal relationship.
Echoes is beautifully and sensitively written without ever being sentimental or saccharine. A lovely debut novel - touching, poignant and effortlessly readable!