Bereft

I enjoyed Bereft by Chris Womersley which is set in early 20th century regional Australia.  Quinn Walker's 12 year old sister, Sarah, is murdered and Quinn is suspected of the crime.  He runs away and after serving in WWI he returns to his town 10 years later when the influenza epidemic is at its peak.  He wants justice for his sister and forges an unusual alliance with a young girl, Sadie, who has lost her mother to the flu.  Quinn and Sadie hide out in the bush until that is no longer possible and Quinn's mission reaches its end. It is a dark tale and was on the 2011 Miles Franklin Literary Award Shortlist. 4/5