The Swap
Robyn Harding
Simon & Schuster Australia
ISBN: 9781760854232
Description:
Low Morrison is not your average teen. You could blame her hippie parents or her dreary, isolated island hometown. Whatever the reason, Low just doesn’t fit in – and neither does newcomer Freya, an ethereal beauty and once-famous social media influencer.
After signing up for Freya’s pottery class, Low quickly falls under her spell. Buoyed by Low’s adoration, Freya is compelled to share her darkest secrets and deepest desires. Finally, Low feels a sense of belonging … until Jamie walks through the studio door. Freya, Jamie and their husbands become fast friends, leaving Low alone once again.
Then one night, after a boozy dinner party, Freya suggests swapping partners. It should have been a harmless fling between consenting adults, but instead, it upends their lives.
And provides Low with the perfect opportunity to unleash her growing resentment.
My View:
Where to start? This is a read that is nuanced with so many interesting moral dilemmas, current issues (the impact of fertility/low fertility will break your heart and the big one; bullying, domestic abuse that is surprising yet somehow not…fits this character perfectly) and a cold-blooded murder that is chilling in its ease of enactment.
I guarantee this book will intrigue and give you many thoughts to consider.
Reading, Writing and Riesling 
It does sound as though there’s quite a lot of ‘food for thought’ here, Carol! And I like the setting and context for the novel, too. I can see how the characters would keep your attention, too. Yes, lots to ponder here, I’d guess.
Lots to think about here Margot – things are not always what they seem – a characteristic of this authors writing.