The Little Boat on Trusting Lane

Richard runs his alternative healing centre from an old houseboat in a scrapyard on Trusting Lane. The Little Mother Earth Ship provides spiritual sustenance at regular meetings of the Circle of IEWA. While Richard plies his new-age wisdom, disciples Finn and August help to run the centre. But warning letters from the council are piling up down the side of the fridge and the arrival of a new mystic, Celestiaa Davinaa, is about to rock their world. How many alternative healers can one small boat hold before the enterprise capsizes?

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Delightfully subversive, tenderly insightful; the nutmilk chai latte and hemp brigade have a new champion.’ Rashida Murphy

‘This novel made me laugh, cry and wonder. Mel Hall perceptively observes individuals’ struggles for meaning and emotional recuperation in an idiosyncratic yet recognisable urban Western Australian community. Her characters’ problems are both regional and global, their insights hard-won yet often humorous. A sharp yet empathic and ultimately life-affirming story.’ Simone Lazaroo

‘It is rare to come across such an original, refreshingly disarming voice in Australian fiction. A gentle gem, and a timely meditation on love, longing and community.’ Laurie Steed

‘Mel Hall has created a thoughtful story about the quest for personal meaning, exploring themes of invisible illness, sexuality, community, faith and spirituality.’ Books+Publishing

‘Ultimately, The Little Boat on Trusting Lane is an ode to seeing both sides, to embracing the spectrums of life rather than subscribing to binary thinking.’ Good Reading

‘… feel-good, find-yourself novel …’ Western Suburbs Weekly

‘The ripe-for-parody world of wellness is at the centre of this satirical novel by local author Mel Hall.’ Weekend West

‘Mel Hall’s debut novel, The Little Boat on Trusting Lane, is a tender and thoughtful reflection on the power of community in the process of healing.’ The AU Review

‘… a cosy, feel-good sort of spiritual journey novel.’ Beauty and Lace

‘In all, The Little Boat on Trusting Lane is a gentle examination of people and difference, of life and loss, and ultimately of learning to trust and finding the capacity to love. It also makes you smile a lot.’ Fremantle Shipping News