Alex Leslie – Author

“Davo” by N.R. Walker

I love to support my fellow Aussie writers, and when someone like N.R. Walker comes along with a back catalogue of sublime books featuring Australian stories told from a genuine Aussie perspective, it’s a privilege not only to experience their work, but recommend it to everyone. Davo is a classic example of Walker’s ability to weave together an engaging story with carefully constructed main characters, a uniquely Australian backdrop and quirky side characters who really bring something special to the mix. This is a story you will hopelessly fall in love with.

Synopsis

When Sydney-based Fergus Galloway is sent on a research trip to a remote mining town in the Western Australian desert to study the effects of long-term isolation in remote communities, he couldn’t be farther out of his comfort zone if he tried. But despite the heat and the remote location, Fergus is quickly enamoured with the little town and its population of quirky inhabitants. He also finds himself fascinated by one handsome resident in particular.

Davo is a rough and tumble mining man. He also openly loves wearing skirts. Nobody in town bats an eyelid at Davo’s fashion choices, but Fergus finds himself unable to tear his attention away from the burly, muscular man with a wicked smile. But can Fergus afford to follow his heart? He’s only visiting for a few weeks and when his research is complete, it’s back to Sydney and his normal routine. But could he have finally found someone worth giving up the bright lights of the big city for, or is he destined to get his heart broken?

Review

Once in a while, a book will come along that will really change your perspective on things. I have never thought of visiting the Western Australian desert or a remote mining town. I never really thought about either of these things at all, if I’m completely honest. But Davo really helped to paint a picture of a fun and welcoming community set amongst a gorgeous natural backdrop of red sand and clear desert night skies. It made me want to brave the extreme heat so I too could experience this unique and unexpectedly beautiful environment just like Fergus.

The relationship between Fergus and Davo, while quick off the mark, feels genuine and relatable. I love how these two vastly different men, both complex characters that manage to complement each other as they grow closer, seem like total opposites initially but somehow also seem so right for each other at the same time. It takes talent to weave such contradictions into characters and storylines so effortlessly.

Davo was a pleasure to experience and I heartily recommend it to anyone who wants to enjoy a quintessentially Australian tale that will stay in your heart long after you put the book back on the shelf.

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Audiobook edition available via Audible and other digital retailers.

eBook edition is available via Amazon Kindle Unlimited.

Printed edition is also available.