You can’t choose your neighbours… The Campers is a provocative exploration of privilege, fear and the delicate balance of community life.
Leah has a good life. She lives on the Drove, an idyllic inner-city cul-de-sac, with her husband and their two children. The Drove’s residents - known as the drovers - pride themselves on their close-knit, safe and community-oriented enclave. But their harmony is shattered when a group of itinerants sets up camp in the nearby park.
Maryrose masterfully captures the simmering tension between the drovers and the campers, with charismatic Sholto at the heart of the conflict. Through Leah, we witness a compelling internal struggle as she’s drawn to Sholto’s enigmatic presence, even as her neighbours rally to protect their way of life. As fear and resentment grow, questions about Sholto’s motive and choices deepen the divide. Why would someone like him - clearly capable of other options - choose to live in a tent beside the Drove? And why is Leah willing to risk her family life when he turns his gaze toward her? The Campers is rich with atmosphere and social commentary, revealing the layers of hypocrisy and self-interest hidden beneath a picture-perfect community. The sharp, insightful writing and nuanced characters make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The novel’s critique of how fear and privilege shape our actions is both unsettling and eye-opening, challenging readers to confront their own biases. I thoroughly enjoyed the blend of suspense and intelligent social insight, making this a story that lingers long after the final page.
Maryrose Cuskelly is a best-selling Australian author. Follow Maryrose online.
Reviewer: Andrea Molloy
Allen & Unwin