Family Tragedy and Dysfunction

The Road from Coorain begins prior to Jill Conway's birth, with the history of her parents, who, despite their differing backgrounds, marry, acquire Coorain and move there to build a life togethert. Over time, their lives grow intertwined and they produce a family. Conway's mother finds that she has become a country woman. Sadly, however, this unity does not last forever. When the draught comes, Conway's father lets himself fall into a deep depression that ultimately leads to his (probable) suicide. The family is stuck in tragedy, particularly Conway's mother who in one way never recovers from the loss of her husband.

Conway's father's death marks a significant turning point in the book. While her mother runs Coorain for another three years, she was only putting off the inevitable move to Sydney and handing Coorain over to a manager. She loses her original hardworking spirit...