Category: Novel

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Publication date: 18 April 2023

Blurb: Phoenix Rose, a 35-year-old neurodivergent teacher, is at a crossroads in her career and in her relationship with her boyfriend, Zack. But when she receives an urgent plea from a friend in Tasmania who needs to rehome her beloved animals, Phoenix, who has always led with her heart, spontaneously decides to help.

When she suddenly finds herself the custodian of an eccentric dog, two cats, a clutch of chickens and a geriatric pony, she makes another snap decision – to provide a new home for them all herself. The trouble is, she will have to drive the menagerie all the way back to Brisbane in time to return to Zack and her job – and she cannot do it alone. She enlists the help of Lily – a colourful younger woman who is also neurodivergent – as well as resourceful members of their online community. Together the new friends must navigate unexpected twists, setbacks and moments of heartbreak and triumph as they both move towards a new identity and understanding of themselves.

The Wonderful Thing about Phoenix Rose is a joyful and moving tale of a woman’s commitment to fulfilling a friend’s dying wish, while finding her own inner strength and power and sharing it with others along the way.

‘A beautifully written story that celebrates difference …and about learning how to stand out in a world that demands you fit in.’ Weekend Australian ‘A joyful celebration of diversity, friendship and animal magnetism.’ Kathy Lette

Review: I have read quite a few books by Josephine Moon before, and, while I enjoyed this one, it wasn’t my favourite of hers.

I enjoyed the road trip and all the twists along the way, as well as the variety of autistic characters. It also showed something that I know to be true – that online supports can be just as real as in real life supports. Given the main character hadn’t been diagnosed for very long, she seemed to have quite a solid understanding of how to unmask and what she needed for her sensory needs, which I found a bit strange, possibly because I’m still trying to figure it out nearly two years after diagnosis!

Overall, this was a good read with positive representation of autism in women, and a fun adventure.

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