A life on Pittwater by Susan Duncan

I chose to read this beautiful book because the Pittwater area is where I grew up and I wanted to rekindle some memories. Well, it did more than that. It made me feel so much part of this lovely little passionate community again that I had to smile each time I picked it up and I was tinged with sadness each time I had to put it down.
It is written by the author who wrote Salvation Creek (which is also about this area and her life there). In the early 1980’s Susan Duncan left a busy life as journalist in New York to return to Australia. She moved to Pittwater and still lives there with her husband. She said this place changed her life forever! Her book helps you share how much she really loves her beloved Pittwater and its people.
The photographs are just absolutely breathtaking of the bush, the people, the characters, the dogs and chickens, the bay, the water, the boats on the water (tinnies, ferries), the boatsheds, the wildlife. This book and the photography have captured the feel of the close community of artists, actors, writers, shipwrights, cooks, everyone and anyone really, that is united by a love of life by the water.
In her own words “There is not a single day that I do not say a silent thank you for the privilege of living here. Each day feels like a gift. Perhaps because it is”.
After reading this book I also feel that privilege. Don’t get me wrong though, this book will appeal to everyone. You also be drawn into the life of this magical place where the only way home is by boat.
Tracie