Book Review: The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green
Book Review: The Bellbird River Country Choir by Sophie Green
1 November 2022
Australian author Sophie Green delights readers with a story about a quirky community in the fictional town of Bellbird River.
The Bellbird River Country Choir portrays a year (1998, to be precise) in the life of a small NSW country town. As the stories of residents old and new intertwine, relationships change, and secrets emerge. While each of the key characters grapples with life’s challenges, they find solace and solidarity in the local community choir.
This is an easy and entertaining read, with creatively drawn personalities reminiscent of any close-knit village or neighbourhood. Landing metaphorically somewhere between A Country Practice’s Wandin Valley and Home and Away’s Summer Bay, readers can chuckle, sigh and shake their heads as the drama unfolds. In between the social niceties, wry quips and cupcakes, though, there are frequent shrewd observations about human nature.
Above all, this book celebrates the powerful possibilities of friendship and community. The decades-long bond of cousins Victoria and Gabrielle, the budding camaraderie of newcomers Alex and Debbie, and the intrinsic, unspoken connection between lifelong residents all illustrate the rewards of simply doing life together well. In Bellbird River, the choir members discover this as they gather to sing – for much more is crafted in their group than simply good music: genuine care and love enrich them all.
The Bellbird River Country Choir is available at good bookshops.
Are you interested in the power of community choirs and similar creative groups? Recently appointed Worship Arts Community Engagement Coordinator Jason Simmonds is passionate about enriching community through the arts. Contact him onjason.simmonds@salvationarmy.org.au
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