Where we begin by Christie Nieman
![cover image](https://www.readplus.com.au/covers2/wherewebegin.jpg)
Pan Macmillan Australia, 2020. ISBN: 9781743535660.
(Age: 14+) Highly recommended. Anna doesn't want anything to stand
in the way of achieving her dream to become a doctor; she sets
herself a strict study schedule, and Nassim her new boyfriend is
understanding and supportive. But the secret Anna carries every day
suddenly explodes when Nassim finally gets to meet her mother,
Cathy, whose fierce alcohol-fuelled reaction to their relationship
seems fired by racism.
Anna goes on the run; she tracks down the family that has always
been hidden from her, her fragile grandmother, Bette, and severe
grandfather, Hessel, living on an isolated run-down property in the
shadow of a ruined Victorian mansion. But the mystery only deepens,
as she gradually becomes aware of other secrets that have been kept
hidden for so long.
Nieman's writing kept me enthralled, and while there are hints along
the way that had me guessing, this is not a predictable story and
the ultimate revelation is shocking. At the same time there is an
authenticity to the characters and relationships - the tension
between Anna and her mother goes very deep and is not something that
is easily resolved. Other tensions of violence and intimidation are
equally well described.
There is also a beautiful portrayal of the kind, caring, and
exuberant Basil, the young Aboriginal boy, son of her mother's
childhood friend Leonie. Growing closer to Leonie and Basil, Anna
has to confront her own prejudices and lack of knowledge of the land
and its original custodians. Learning from Basil, she builds an
appreciation of the natural environment that surrounds her.
This novel draws together themes of alcoholism, abuse, racism, and
violence, but it is not a dark book. It is not oppressive. It
explores the values of friendship, the continuity of life in all
things, and the connectedness of everyone and everything in the
world. The ending is positive but also realistic, all threads are
not completely tied up; Anna still has to find her way, but there
are no more secrets and the circle of people around her are willing
to give it a go. It is as the publisher says a "deeply compelling
coming-of-age YA novel" that both teenagers and adults will enjoy
reading.
Themes: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Alcoholism, Racism, Violence, Teenage
pregnancy.
Helen Eddy