"Thirst For Salt" marks the debut novel from the talented Australian author, Madelaine Lucas. The story revolves around the Unnamed Protagonist (UP), a character who returns to Sydney from New York City after a love affair that unfolded nearly thirteen years earlier with a man much older than her. Her brief stay in the Blue Mountains with her mother rekindles memories of that intense year-long relationship with Jude, whose image she recently came across online.

Fresh out of university at the age of twenty-four, UP joins her mother at Sailors Beach, where they've rented a cottage. Her time there introduces her to Jude, a charismatic antique dealer who is forty-two. UP is immediately drawn to him and embarks on a passionate affair, initially keeping it secret from her mother, although she believes her mother's previous bohemian and nomadic lifestyle would likely be accepting.

After her mother returns home, UP continues to visit Sailors Beach, eventually moving in with Jude in his spacious old house. They even adopt an elderly stray dog and lead a secluded life together, interrupted only by Jude's furniture-selling endeavors. As UP learns more about his past relationships, she grapples with the question of what kind of person she needs to be to keep him.

UP's unconventional upbringing, characterized by the absence of a steady male presence, may explain her naivety and emotional immaturity at twenty-four. This leads her to tolerate Jude's questionable behavior, as she's enthralled by his notions of freedom and trust in their relationship. Jude's belief that true love allows each partner the freedom to come and go at will creates a compelling dynamic between them.

The narrative's refusal to name the characters, along with the absence of quotation marks for dialogue, can be frustrating and confusing for readers, though the lush descriptive prose partly compensates for this. The story also jumps between different periods of UP's life, adding to the ambiguity. While these literary techniques may appeal to critics, they might not resonate with the average reader.

Despite these quirks, Lucas provides insightful observations through her characters. Lines like "time in the absence of someone you love cannot be measured in the same way as regular time" and "it’s not so easy to forget, to leave the past behind. It follows after, like a loose hem or a wake in water. You drag it with you when you go" offer poignant reflections on love and memory.

Thirst for Salt, set in a seaside town in Australia, traces the complexities of a relationship between the twenty-four-year-old protagonist and an older man named Jude. I am a huge fan of literary fiction, especially that which explores the messiness of love and humanity and twists the knife *just enough* as we readers sit with the uncomfortable feelings that come with all of that.

As a debut novel, Thirst for Salt did a great job expressing those emotions. I greatly enjoyed Lucas's novel and am looking forward to more of her stunning prose and depth of character!

This is a great example of excellent writing bogged down by a not great story.

The bones of the plot here were fine and Lucas writes beautifully and thoughtfully, but the story becomes a tougher and tougher hang as it progresses.

The protagonist isn’t particularly likable, and she’s not interesting enough to offset that. And while I can understand the appeal intellectually of Jude to a person like this, as an objective outsider it’s pretty clear what’s going to happen and tough to fathom why the narrator didn’t see it coming. She has some intriguingly poignant thoughts about what goes on between them, but that’s about as much as you can get out of it as a reader.

It’s a depressing story, and not in a way that makes
you feel like the rawness is worth it. And while what happens with the dog in the end is written compassionately, I don’t think it needed to work this way and it furthers the low mood of the book and makes the narrator even less sympathetic and less appealing as a character you want to root for.

including IG review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqS8DGuL9iv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

This book was filled with beautiful descriptive imagery, but was also quite slow. I would argue it’s too slow (plot-wise) to listen to..I do think there is a correct audience for folks to read a physical copy of it.

"Thirst for Salt" by Madeline Lucas takes readers on a contemplative journey through the arid landscapes of Utah, delving into themes of identity, resilience, and personal transformation. With its evocative prose and introspective narrative, this novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human spirit.

Lucas's descriptive writing effectively captures the harsh beauty of the desert setting, immersing readers in its atmospheric details. The author's ability to evoke a sense of place is commendable, transporting readers to the unforgiving terrain and its challenges. The vivid imagery allows readers to experience the environment alongside the characters.

The heart of the story lies in Ella, a complex and introspective protagonist. Her journey of self-discovery and healing forms the backbone of the narrative. Lucas delves into Ella's internal struggles and past traumas with sensitivity, presenting a nuanced portrayal of her emotional growth. Ella's character arc is compelling, and readers can empathize with her quest for self-acceptance.

The supporting characters in the novel add depth to the narrative, each offering a unique perspective on resilience and human connection. However, some of the secondary characters could have benefited from further development and exploration to fully realize their potential impact on the story.

"Thirst for Salt" successfully explores themes of identity and personal transformation. Through Ella's experiences and encounters, Lucas examines the power of self-reflection and the significance of embracing one's true self. The narrative encourages readers to ponder the complexities of human nature and the impact of our past on shaping our present.

While the novel's introspective approach and lyrical prose are notable, there are instances where the pacing feels sluggish. At times, the narrative meanders, hindering the overall momentum of the story. Some readers may find themselves longing for a swifter pace and more distinct plot progression.

"Thirst for Salt" offers a captivating glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of its characters, underscored by a poetic exploration of resilience. While the novel presents some areas for improvement, it remains a thought-provoking read for those seeking a character-driven narrative and an introspective examination of personal growth. Fans of literary fiction will appreciate the novel's contemplative atmosphere and nuanced portrayal of human resilience.

Thirst for Salt by Madelaine Lucas is a balmy, sleepy kind of story about a young woman who falls in love with someone nearly twice her age off a coastal Australian beach town during one summer. Embarking on a profound journey of self-discovery, our protagonist explores their desires and boundaries, seeks personal significance, navigates the intricacies of love and loss, and ultimately embraces the multifaceted nature of relationships in various contexts. Lucas's exceptional talent lies in vividly capturing the essence of the environment, transporting you to the heart of the salty ocean, basking in the scorching Australian sun, and immersing you in the unfolding events with unparalleled realism.

the premise was promising but there was something in the delivery that struck me as been-there-read-that. the tone was slightly too affected, cool. maybe readers who are keen on authors like rooney will find this more rewarding than i did.

Thirst For Salt is the reflective story of the relationship between our protagonist and her older love interest, Jude. This kind of novel will appeal to readers who enjoy reading stories that explore feelings and the reasons behind human behaviours. The author's voice and narration style worked very well. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the Audiobook.

The overall feeling of this book was melancholy. I felt like I was at the beach on a cloudy day the entire book. It was a nice story and I enjoyed listening to the audiobook. Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the ARC.

I gave this book 4 stars on Goodreads. As I mentioned above, I was sent an audiobook copy of this book. The first thing I want to mention is how great the narration was! The author narrated her own book, which (in my opinion) really added to the story. Sometimes the author narrating their story doesn't always work as well as a professional voice actor/narrator, but it worked here.

To be completely transparent, this is not a fast moving, twisting and turning kind of book. Its actually the opposite. There aren't any big plot points, but the story is more focused on simple everyday living. As long as you go in not expecting a big production, I think you will really enjoy this one! I personally read a lot of fast moving, fully involved books---but I was able to pick this one up and still really enjoy it! I liked that this was more of a character/relationship study because I love well crafter characters! Though the book does center the relationship between Jude and the main character, it also explores the relationship between the main character and her family as well. I appreciated that the author explored those relationships too rather than just the romantic one, it seemed more authentic and realistic.

Overall, I thought this was a really well written debut novel! I would absolutely check out any of the author's future works. I would recommend for readers 17/18+ due to some some adult language, dialogue, and themes throughout the book. If you are a lover of literary fiction, Australian/coastal settings, and good narration!

Format: Audiobook
Narrated by: Madelaine Lucas herself
Rating: 5 stars

This is a beautiful love story about a young 20-something woman (who is never named), and the somewhat older, weathered, Jude. They meet on the beach, in a small coastal town, where she is on holidays with her mother, with whom she is very close, and where he lives in his father’s old house.

Gradually she slips into step with his life, eventually moving to Sailor’s Beach and just existing in his world, leaving behind her share-house, friends, and dreams of being a writer, cocooned in ‘the old house’. When a gorgeous big old scrappy dog appears on the beach one day, presumedly abandoned, they become a little family of three.

Jude occasionally disappears, not answering his phone, coming home late or not at all, and just expects the trust from her that ‘he will always return home'. He doesn’t like to talk of past life or loves, which keeps him only in the present.

As this is her first big love, she imagines having a child with Jude and staying in this beautiful life they have created for ever. But then where does that leave her dreams of being a writer. She misses the student share-house life spent with her friends (who weirdly seem almost angry that she has abandoned them) and she misses her mother and younger half-brother.

This book explores missed opportunities, lives lived or not lived, what makes a home or a sense of place, a family, truth and love.

Medelaine’s narration accentuates the beautiful poetic prose-like nature of the story. And you truly feel like you are her, present in this in this beautiful and honest love story.

As I listened on a commute or a walk, it took me right there to Sailor’s Beach, cocooned in ‘the old house’ smelling the salt and coastal scrub, feeling the sand underfoot, the chill winds coming off the off-season beach, achingly hoping that these two would find a way to make it work.

I thought of times, where I too could have chosen a simple life like this, and where love may have been enough.

I really loved this so much, that I would often walk further just to hear more of their story, and really did not want this to end.

Thank you Madelaine Lucas, for this beautiful book – I think it is my favourite read this year!

Thank you also to NetGalley for an advance audio edition of this book in exchange for an honest review of this wonderful novel.

This was a very compelling debut from Australian author Madelaine Lucas, atmospheric literary fiction with a uniquely Australian coastal vibe.

Thirst for Salt gives insight into the experience of our unnamed protagonist who whilst on summer holidays falls for a man, Jude who is 20 years her senior.

While I found the writing style meandering, I enjoyed the nuances of the relationship where it was not always clear who who held the position of power or was benefiting more from the courtship. Jude was never fully committed whist she wanted more, but at the same time she was exploring her sexuality as a young woman. It was cathartic and relatable as she reflected on her experience in hindsight. By the halfway point I honestly could not put it down.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review the audiobook, which I listened to along side the physical book. Narrated by the author, I enjoyed how immersive the writing was and how vivid the setting. Lucas did a wonderful job bringing her story to life.

This novel was beautifully written! The story had me thinking of first loves and all the joy & pain that comes with it. Thirst for Salt was an excellent debut novel!

Narrated by the author herself the writing was very descriptive and made it easy to visualize the Australian scenery. I will push the book to a 3.5 rating. Thanks to NetGalley I was able to listen to and review the audiobook. The story does not only describe romance with an older man, but also its ultimate breakdown and touches on relationships with family members.

This was very beautifully written. I really loved the author's voice (both in her prose and in her reading for the audiobook). I did find it a bit slow at some points and the characters somewhat predictable but overall enjoyed listening to it. Thank you for the Netgalley giveaway!

Thank you to #Netgalley for a free copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review.

My Interest

I love a true older man, younger woman romance. Not a bimbo and a billionaire, but the real thing. You know, like in the Cary Grant movies? That kind. The kind I write and hope to publish. Plus the story is set in Australia–somewhere I don’t get to read about very often. So, when Netgalley offered this book I took it.
The Story

Told in memories, a woman remembers meeting and falling for an older man on the beach. They are attracted to each other. They have you-know-what (in this book, you-know-what was needed and I didn’t find any “ick” moments). He is not a drifter, but kind of a loner, and on the rebound. She was clueless about her life then. He has a rhythm to his life that he enjoys. He is too old to hold hands in public and tries telling her that. She wants it all. He reveals just enough of himself to her. (I did not go back to verify that was an actual quote–its a close paraphrase). He doesn’t say the lame “love means never having to say you’re sorry” line, but nearly. When she wishes he could fall in love again for the first time–this time with her, he replies “Every time is like the first time–that’s the beauty of love.” She needed to heed the “gap to fall into” aka the years between them in age. Then there is the photo that tells her she could have had it all. (Minor spoiler).
My Thoughts

I should have known that anything so over-hyped as “A love affair so richly and attentively imagined it carries the grace and gravity of memory itself.” ( —Leslie Jamison) would not live up to expectations. This book was gloomy, dreary. I’ve never read a dreary beach book! She was a whiner wanting a boyfriend. He was a grown up wanting to have sex after a failed long-term relationship. There were red flags everywhere for them but the young woman (what was her name??) wouldn’t see them. Unlike the book Groundskeeping where the characters were so utterly annoying because it was so well written, this was like listening to my daughter’s high school cheerleading friends whine about how the basketball players wouldn’t take them on romantic dates, but only wanted the free milk (if you take my meaning). I turned it on to try to listen to more and my brain said “do I have to?” No, I didn’t have to–I’d been bored long enough. So, this was a big old DNF for me. Your results, of course, may vary.


My Verdict
2 Stars

Madelaine Lucas’ Thirst for Salt was one of my favorite books, not only of 2023, but of the last several years. This character-driven novel reads like a coming-of-age memoir told through the lens of a formative relationship.

I loved this audiobook so much that I often extended my drives so that I could spend more time soaking in the story. The early chapters made me feel nostalgic for my young adulthood years spent in Australia. I’ll add, though, that even if you did not spend your early 20s living seaside in a beach town in New South Wales, Lucas’ beautiful prose still evokes a warm nostalgia.

While I enjoyed the audiobook, I found myself wishing I had a physical copy as well, so that I could pause, re-read and reflect as I went along. I would love to read this one in a warm cafe by the beach on a rainy day.

A special thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books (RB Media) for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest opinion.

Written beautifully and lyrically. I just couldn't get into the characters. It didn't feel authentic and believable.

I’m a sucker for novels that have age gap romances, but where the stories are actually more of a slow revelation of their relationship rather than a typical romance book. “Thirst for Salt” fits that bill.

I found myself drifting in and out while listening to this audiobook, and at first, I thought it was me or the narrator. But after awhile, I realized it was because there isn’t much engagement. I didn’t care for any of the characters, and the story didn’t have much of a plot. This book is written in a meandering way, and I never quite really knew where the story was going.

If you like stories where they’re told as the lives of the characters unfold, then you’ll like this book. I like something with more of a typical plot line, where there’s a reason for the story to be told in the first place.