June 27, 2023
Gabbie Stroud’s first adult novel The Things That Matter Most packs a powerful emotional punch. Stroud is no stranger to the book industry, having previously penned memoir Teacher, nonfiction collection Dear Parents and the young adult novel Measuring Up. Here, she ambitiously marries her advocacy for teachers and passion to address the education crisis with a riveting tale that captivates readers yet lays bare some of those problems she is passionate about. Fictional Boltford, a small country town that oscillates between burning heat and icy cold, is home to St Margaret’s, a primary school battling the burdens of bureaucracy, litigation and media scrutiny. Outside the school gates, staff grapple with their own issues. Colourful first-year teacher Tyson confronts the reality of his new role; stress cripples vice-principal Derek; cranky office manager Bev fights her demons; talented teacher Sally-Ann grieves for lost motherhood; and then there are the children, who come to school with their own baggage. All these problems culminate in a devastating climax. This exposé of the complex reality of teacher life explores the judgement teachers face, the constant work pressure and the emotional weight they carry. While there is an obvious readership among those with some connection to schooling, the novel’s portrayal of a rural community divided by class goes beyond education to provide a broader snapshot of a society polarised by disadvantage. Easily readable, Stroud’s book features an insightful, compelling plot and engaging characters, making it highly recommended general fiction.