RedDoor nets 'compelling' novel tackling conservation from Booth

RedDoor has netted Bellevue, a "compelling" 1970s-set novel from Alison Booth.

Publisher Heather Boisseau acquired world rights, including audio, directly from the author. The novel will be published on 16th March 2023. 

Booth’s "timely" novel focuses on environmental and conservation issues in 1970s Australia whilst examining displacement, finding a safe place and caring for future generations. The synopsis reads: "New South Wales, 1972. Following the death of her beloved Aunt Hilda, widow Clare Barclay inherits Bellevue, a historic property in the Blue Mountains township of Numbulla, Australia. Giving up her teaching job to move to the mountains, Clare plans to restore the house to its original glory. She also hopes to track down a box of missing documents that may shed light on why husband Jack secretly second-mortgaged their former home.

"Clare makes friends with the locals, including a young boy, Joe, and soon hears of plans to redevelop Numbulla and to exploit the land bordering the protected wilderness area.  As she joins the protest against the rezoning, it’s clear someone doesn’t want her there and they’ll do anything to stop her… " 

Boisseau commented: "I am delighted to be publishing Alison’s latest novel, not only because it is beautifully written, but also because of the compelling storyline. Bellevue is unique in its combination of themes which include environmental, conservation and displacement issues. I have no doubt these important concerns will strike a chord and that readers will fall in love with the authentic and genuine friendship between Clare and young Joe. I can’t wait to publish this wonderful book and get it out there into the wild." 

Booth added: "I’m thrilled that RedDoor are to publish my new novel, Bellevue. Set in the early 1970s, this is a multi-layered story of a small rural community that fights back against powerful and short-sighted interests who want to exploit its location at the edge of a wilderness. Readers of Bellevue will quickly find themselves caught up in the story’s web of suspicion and betrayal."