Books

From the time sarah’s mother gifted her a type-writer, she was compelled to write stories.

Sarah’s debut novel, ‘Canvas’ was published in 2018. Filled with tales of hidden love, dark family secrets, and chance encounters, Canvas is a sharply observed and compelling family drama, interwoven across generations and set in the heart of Australia’s iconic grazing country.

PRAISE FOR CANVAS

  • It had me at the first page. To weave a story around five generations of pastoralists, told through the voices of three strong, yet realistically flawed women, demonstrates Sarah Hopes skill as a writer and researcher. The style of writing, the voices, speak truly for their respective eras; Florence in the 1870's, Cecily in the 1940s, 50s and modern day, and Alice - the granddaughter of one, great great niece of the other. Within each chapter, the nuances of the period were delivered seamlessly, transporting me in turn to the lives and times of the women and their families ... The author's great love of Victoria's western district leaps from the page, as does her knowledge of fine arts and Australian and English arts history. Highly recommend.

    Susan Mackie

  • This was an enchanting historic story of three different women and how their lives were entwined. I found the story fascinating as it was set around the Grampians in Victoria, Australia which is not far from where I live and even closer to where I have a rural holding. Towns of Hamilton (known as Michell) in the novel and Dunkeld, Melbourne and Portland were all mentioned. A strong debut for Sarah Hope and I hope (no pun intended) that she publishes more work.

    Hayley

  • I found myself really invested in the characters. For me, a sign of a good book is when I continue to think about the characters and the story, long after I finish the final chapter. I love Australian books and being able to relate to the characters and the region. Growing up in Ballarat and then moving to a farm in the Western District, I really enjoyed reading the description of the settings. At 537 pages, it was lengthy. With plenty of twists and turns I had trouble putting it down. Overall Canvas is a great debut novel. It was well written and researched by Sarah Hope. I hope there are more books to follow.

    Kate

  • Thoroughly researched so that the past comes to life - a master storyteller who provides plenty of twists and and turns and then ties them all together ending with a totally satisfying resolution. Well done Sarah - looking forward to your next book.

    Maria

CANVAS

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Purchase Canvas directly through hopeandco.com.au – bonus, because you’re buying direct from Sarah, you can get signed copies or a personalised note!

eBook

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