The Spirit of the River

Book excerpt: We’re all travellers; wouldn’t you agree? In this world of constant change, we’re all travellers worn out from carrying excess baggage. Each one of us has our own share of overstuffed backpacks with every kind of emotional and spiritual load. So what happens when a gush of life topples us over, with no one to help us back up on our feet? Zoe, a newly turned adult, with her 18th birthday still a happy new memory, is confronted with the untimely death of her parents. The reality of such a huge loss throws Zoe into the dark corners of grief but leads her on an unexpected journey where she learns to experience life on her own. Armed with the only companion—her dog—Ocean, she sets off into the unknown beauty of Banjar Valley to a camp where people from all around the world come to emotionally reset and refresh. Through tales of broken hearts and missed opportunities, second chances and coloured pasts, Zoe effectively explores her own troubled soul and finds its deep, unshakeable strength. The other residents of Camp Eden become her new trust circle, and as they all grieve over what’s lost, they together learn how to live, love, and move on. While still finding new connections to life, Zoe discovers the surreal possibility of a link between Camp Eden and a family member she never knew she had. Is finding happiness as easy as letting go? Is being free more important than finding someone you can call your own? Discover yourself through Zoe’s story by unravelling the endless possibilities for a joyous and spirited life.