Stillwater Creek is well written, and it is
obvious that
Alison Booth is familiar with the area where the action
takes place - the south coast of NSW, Australia. Although the focus is on the two main characters, Ilona and
Zidra - who are Latvian refugees - there are many other characters and sub-plots, which help to
make the novel an enjoyable and interesting experience. A number of
issues are presented via the different characters and the events in
which they are involved. The author does not attempt to give
solutions to problems such as the assimilation of refugees and
aborigines or even the abuse of children - issues which, in the
1950s, were possibly not as much in the forefront as they are today -
but gives the reader something to think about after he/she has
finished the novel. An interesting read made all the more satisfying
by the knowledge that it is followed by a sequel,
Indigo Sky.