Maria
is travelling lightly. This means she is bringing the same amount
of stuff as usual, but is in a relentless good mood. I am travelling
heavily. The contrast is the story of my relationship with Maria:
I set out with good intentions, and she ruins everything.
Jack
drives his ex-girlfriend 1400 kilometres from Sydney to Adelaide,
where she is to meet up with her new boyfriend.
Along
the way they are assaulted by stories of love and heartbreak told
by strangers in every country town, by shopkeepers, drinkers, hitchhikers;
these are tales which bust through motel walls, interrupt the radio
cricket and endlessly remind Jack of his and Maria's failures and
shortcomings.
Despite
all evidence, Jack maintains hope.
“This
is a novel that deserves to be widely read. Cohen's exploration
of Jack and Maria is tender, at times poignant, and non-judgmental.
We are reminded of our own frailties in the changes and chances
of this fleeting world. They grow on the journey and so do we.”
— (Melbourne) Age
