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Reading Kate Grenville’s 1999 novel takes you into the heart of a small, inward-looking community out in the sun-baked interior of New South Wales, Australia.

Douglas Cheeseman, an engineer with jug ears and low self-esteem, who cannot stand heights, has come to Karakarook to demolish and replace the quaint bent bridge.

Harley Savage is homely, middle-aged and suffering from the effects of her third husband’s suicide. She is in Karakarook to establish the heritage museum. Clearly their paths will converge. The Idea of Perfection suggests that two weaknesses can, together, build a strength.

They meet in a variety of delightful situations – this is an enchanting love story of two endearing characters who restore each other’s self esteem. Not the least endearing character in the novel is the stray dog who is determined to be adopted by Harley.

Another highly amusing  but very sad thread of the story follows Felicity Porcelline, the bank manager’s wife, who is convinced that the Chinese butcher has a passion for her. The whole story of this dusty, remote little town’s fight for its bridge and creation of its heritage museum is beautifully told.

Kate Grenville can really write. This was a deserving winner of the 2001 Orange Prize for Fiction. It would make a first rate addition to the Christmas gifts for anyone who would like a happy novel to lighten up gloomy winter days.

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