Back on track, p.39
Back on Track, page 39
The Ghan is high up there on special experiences and I knew I had to take Ketty on that journey to see what she would make of it. The route the train takes in this story is true to the real trip, as is most of the general information about the travel, but please forgive my poetic licence with bookings, cabin layouts, off-train experiences etc. And a big hello to the wonderful staff and fellow travellers we met on our trip – especially Anne and Tony.
If you’re someone who’s ever tried to get an Australian visa, I’m sure you’ll relate to Carlos’s experiences although once again I’ve blurred some of the rules and timelines for the sake of the narrative.
Ketty likes her jazz but other music gets a mention so I’ve made a playlist – a Back on Track soundtrack – for you to enjoy. It’s on Spotify and my profile is Tricia Stringer and the playlist is called ‘Back on Track’.
My trip to Paddington last year was cut short by a bout of covid so sadly no visits to any of the glamorous couture dressmakers I’d planned but I did manage to touch base with Robin from Nelder Jones who gave me a small glimpse into their lovely premises. And while it wasn’t as many days as I’d hoped for, I did get to experience a bit of Paddington life. I’m most grateful to Dylan at Mrs Banks Hotel who shared a wealth of local knowledge and kindly made lockdown as pleasant as it could be.
I’ve spoken at a few VIEW clubs in recent years and I’d like to make mention of one in particular, Marion VIEW club, which I’ve visited several times. On my last visit to the club I’d written the bulk of this story so I was enthralled by a couple of tales shared where the women had experienced ageist remarks. We were all appalled and then able to laugh and I’m grateful to them for adding some extra breadth to the experiences of Ketty and Virginia in my book.
The World Health Organization have released a global report on ageism, providing evidence that half of the world’s population think and feel negatively about getting older, older people and this phase of life. How sad is that? Of course ageism isn’t only experienced by older people and can just as easily be aimed at any generation. As with any form of discrimination we each of us have it in our power to challenge it and make a change. If you google ageism and the country you live in you’ll find lots of supportive information.
A very big thank you to my publisher Jo Mackay who draws out the best in me, and my editor Annabel Blay whose insight helps me hone the story. And thank goodness for the keen eyes of proofreader Annabel Adair. They are part of the crew at Harlequin and HarperCollins, and my thanks also extend to all who’ve played a part in the intricate job of bringing this book to life. From editing to publicity, marketing and sales, it’s a team effort – thank you.
And the result of that effort is a new story for you, dear reader. I appreciate you choosing my book to fill your precious reading hours. Thanks also for sharing the news of your enjoyment. Word of mouth is still the best way to find new reads.
Thanks to fellow writers for friendship, laughter and a listening ear. And to librarians, booksellers, book reps and the book news community, your support is invaluable in sharing the love of stories, thank you.
And finally huge thanks to my dear friends and family with special hugs for Daryl, Kelly, Steven, Harry, Archie, Dylan, Sian, Jared, Alexandra and our newest member, Lawrence. Your love and support is the fuel that keeps me writing.
book club questions
Ketty booked the train holiday hoping it would be ‘some kind of magical fix-it elixir’ for the problems with her staff. Do you think it was a) a good idea and b) successful?
Ageism is a theme in the story. Do you think old-age is a use-by date? Or is it just a number?
Judith has an instant dislike of Carlos and sees all his actions in a bad light. Why do you think that is?
Judith, Dean and Birgit all face the possibility of being homeless. Lacey has a home but is struggling to pay for it. How does this affect their relationships with each other and other people?
Retirement is one of life’s big changes. It challenges two couples, Maurice and Lee, and Warren and Val, in different ways. What are the challenges of retirement for these couples and how does it affect these two relationships? Could they have been better prepared or done things differently?
Ketty nearly always sees the possibility of relationships for other people and yet she struggles to see the possibility of a relationship with Carlos. Why is that, do you think?
Which character or moment in the novel evokes the strongest emotional response from you and why?
Have you ever travelled on the Ghan or taken another similar train journey? How did it compare to this one?
Have you read Tricia Stringer’s Table for Eight where Ketty Clift goes on a cruise? If yes, which is your favourite Ketty holiday and why?
Do you think travel changes people? Are there any examples in the book?
ISBN: 9781867247739
TITLE: BACK ON TRACK
First Australian Publication 2023
Copyright © 2023 Tricia Stringer
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Tricia Stringer, Back on Track
