A personal challenge to myself this year was to read more books by Aussie Women Writers , (AWW) last year I managed 30 so this year I thought I would try to match it or maybe even beat it, so the aim is 33, achievable I think. Over the coming weeks I will go back and review the AWW I have read this year so you look forward to those over the coming weeks.
I was having a look at my kindle to see of the far to many books I have on it was by AWW – I found that I had a few Loretta Hill novels, then whilst at the library I saw The Girl in Steel-Capped Boots on the shelf and thought, this has to happen, I picked it up and started reading on my walk home.
Our main character Lena is a recent Engineering graduate in Perth Western Australia, she is uber feminine, loves to organise fun nigh out and adores shopping. She is trying to prove herself as an engineer and wants to make a good go of it. Her boss Ivan calls her into the office to let her know that as part of her Graduate Program requirements she needs to head to regional WA to the Pilbara to work on a project out there. Lena is less than excited about working out there but she knows her future as an engineer there depends on it. Some choices in her past are playing on her and she needs to prove to herself and those around her that can do this job.
Being on site for Lena is a massive learning curve, she thought she would have lovely living conditions instead she has to live in a “Donga” (small mobile home type thing) in a work camp near the site. She has brought half her wardrobe with her and she has to wear a uniform and she is covered in red dust.
After a few bumps Lena starts to find her way on site, she has some resistance for being a young woman on site but slowly though proving herself gets more people on side, she meets a certain amount of resistance from old-school types but she keeps working hard. One of the biggest hurdles is the client, Bulldog as he is called on site, Dan Hullog is safety conscious and a perfectionist and nothing is good enough for him.
The book is filled with great Aussie characters, the supporting characters on the job are very funny, there are some great cameos by some Kangaroos and the descriptions of the landscape are breathtaking.
The book covers some important topics, sexism, the pressure and difficulty of those working in fly-in-fly-out projects, mental health and workplace safety. I have worked in this kind of industry for the last 10 years and it all really rang true for me. Loretta’s style is readable and enjoyable and I can’t wait to read more of her work.
4.25 Stars
Michelle's Musings 