I was engrossed… in this novel of nature, magic and connection to our ancestors, I turned to the next page excited to see what comes next and it was blank. I couldn’t believe it, I was so deeply entrenched in this magical tale I hadn’t even realized that I was at the end of the book! It actually took me some time and a little grief to fully accept my journey with Kayla had come to an end, so inspiring was this tale for me. Falling for water by Francesca Cairns, a local Australian Author, who has traveled far and wide to collect her wisdom, running as an undercurrent through this story that captures the imagination and invites you to dive deep into the waters of life. From the story of Kayla’s youth and her unique gifts, to her deep connection with water and her ancestral ties on the other side of the world, this is an uplifting and inspiring story, that reminds us we all have magic and the earth belongs to everyone, we are all responsible for her health or her sickness. And when we pause to connect with the natural world on a deeper level, we can be healed to the very water carried within our cells. You will love reading this tale and the magic woven into it will ripple through your life. I loved it! And will read it again and again, and to my children
Serra Manawey
I’ve just finished this book – thank you Fran Cairns so much. It’s a quiet and powerful tale of water, of spirit, of the earth, of lineage and of belonging. Belonging to the big everything, and to those who came before us. To Self. I love how Fran has managed to write the stuff that has no words, that can feel so clunky when we try to name it. And there it is, un-named, but so absolutely there in this book. Congratulations Fran! A very moving tale
Cindy Alby
Just finished this beautiful book by local author Francesca Cairns. Lovely writing, lyrical prose makes this gentle tale a pleasure to read. Congrats Fran! Deborah White
As a writer, Fran Cairns has always had a wonderful capacity to evoke a sense of place for her readers. In her latest book, she does the same, taking us from one side of the globe to the other. The landscape, the environment, is as much a part of the story as the characters that interact with it. In this book, however, she takes us deeper to a place we did not even know that we needed to go. Somewhere deep, ancient and primal, not alien, rather an echo of something we think we might have forgotten, and were perhaps a little afraid to remember. I finished this book with a deep sigh, and I realised I had been holding myself much too tight for far too long. Now I felt myself able to breathe life back in full and generous measure. Kayla and her journey will stay with me for a long time, and I am grateful to have walked a while with her.. Jennifer Powell
I finished ready “Falling for Water” having read slowly to totally immerse myself.
I cried with Kayla when X died, felt sad when Kayla felt sad, was curious when she was curious.So beautifully written and a call to protect our environment with Kayla’s passion and commitment. Thank you Fran! Georgia Hunt
Thoughts on Falling for Water, a new novel by Francesca Cairns
As I was reading Falling for Water, certain lines really spoke to me – they reminded me of my own path, and of the deep connection we all share with the natural world.
The words “You are this water and this water is you” stopped me in my tracks. Water runs through our veins, it sustains us, and it connects us all. I often find myself gazing across the eastern shores, being reminded that the very same waters connect me here in Tasmania to my friends in South America and beyond.
“Drops become trickles and trickles become streams.” I added my own thought to that — streams that lead to oceans, is where we all come together. Just as in life, small actions and choices, build into movements that can create change. As many of you are aware this is my deep seeded passion to enact change, through my involvement with North West Environment Centre and ecofest.
“No one likes to be told, but if you are listening, lessons come in the most unlikely of ways. I hold no fear from the teachings of nature.” These words ring true for me.
When we are open, nature guides us, teaches us resilience, patience, and balance.
Like many of us, I once found myself caught up in a cycle of “working just to support a working lifestyle” as it says in Falling for Water. But then I realised, later in the book it says “We need reminding — we make choices every day about the destiny of our own lives.” And yes, as we grow older, it can feel easier, even safer, to stay with choices we never really meant to make. Yet bravery lies in remembering that wonder, that freedom, is still ours to reclaim.
This phrase really inspired me: “reclaiming the wonder to be had in simply trusting all that I see, smell, touch, feel and hear.”
Sometimes it’s as simple as walking in silence, letting other senses fill our bodies with joy — through smell, taste, and touch.
One of the greatest reminders for me was: “It’s not your job to carry the world, only to do what you can.” That’s a principle I try to live by. Many hands make a lighter planet. By grasping the wisdom of the past, nurturing Mother Nature as she nurtures us, and choosing daily acts of care, we lighten the load — together.
This book has reminded me that water, memory, nature, and human spirit are all bound together. It has reminded me to pause, to listen, to act, and to trust.
Thank you for letting me share a little of what spoke to me, and thank you Fran for giving us all such a gift in these pages.
Kayla lives in us all!
Cassie Smith Manager of ecofest26, Secretary North West Environment Centre & Educator @ 24 Carrots Kitchen Garden Program
The book is a work of technical excellence before even starting to read. The size, the feel, the appearance, the art work, makes it a pleasure to handle, and immediately gives a feeling of confidence that everything about it is professional, artisan, and inspired. And then there is the text!!!
Your book, from the very first impression, promises the gravitas of a very considered and crafted work – and then immerses the reader in an experience which is transcendent as well as grounded.
What a satisfying and engaging story this is! There is so much we learn about water, about a woman’s journey, about other parts of the world, about life itself.
Gill Neale
and here are some reviews from readers of the early draft manuscript of Falling for Water (previous working titled Kayla Book One & Two)
Kayla’s journey carries us through diverse Australian climatic conditions with complete conviction.
The narrator’s voice is swift, sure and commands a poetic eye equipped for both inner and outer travel. Water. What could be more essential to life? Kayla has been gifted and tutored to respond to the assaults we’ve made on the most precious resource of this driest of continents. To redress the imbalance seems nigh impossible. Yet her actions inspire as does the defiant tenderness that moves us through these pages.
Rod Moss
Central Australian Artist & Writer
2014 Chief Minister’s NT Book of the Year Award, One Thousand Cuts
2011 Prime Minister’s non-fiction award, and the NT Book of the Year
Just finished reading Kayla. I really love it, just awesome. Vital evocative message. Beautiful imagery. It made my heart sing. Well worth publishing. I would love to read the sequel of how Kayla discovers her self and her purpose in her ancestral home.
Wilma Pearson
Finished reading this last night and love this poetically penned coming of age story of the young inspirational Kayla. I’m delighted she is a guardian of mother earth, her precious water and takes an unconventional approach to work and life. This is a lesson in self nurturing and bravery all rolled into one. Looking forward to the next installment…
Lyndi Whalen
Wow, what a beautiful story. So richly told. I really connected with Kayla. And I was in tears at the end. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful story. 5 stars!
Jessie Di
I love the thought provoking take of this story, I loved being emotionally connected to the strong main character and her destiny. It dealt with current social issues reminding me of the delicate balance between nature and humans. The pace of the book was steady and consistent throughout and at no point did the story feel rushed. This great story had me captivated from start to end and left me feeling uplifted. Can hardly wait for the next one and the continuation of Kayla’s journey!
Louise Hulme
I love the transcendence of Kayla’s affinity to water, and the dimension beyond the usual that you bring to this story. It’s expanded beyond narrative into allegory while maintaining the linear story, and thus operating on more than one level.
The literal narrative unfolds fluidly and Kayla’s travels provide a wide ranging portrait of Australian country and regional life. Your descriptions of the landscapes are as ever full of the senses. I can feel and smell and see and touch and taste as you write about the dust, and the moistness, and the eucalypts and the sand ….
The whole novella throbs with authenticity and sincerity and passion. It stands alone. It cries out for more!
Gill Neale
KAYLA is a mysterious and beautiful story. Impassioned by an intuitive knowledge, Kayla leaves conventional school and family life at fifteen to pursue her dreams. Amongst many themes it speaks about social connectivity, politics and finding oneself. It is slowly thrilling and draws on the deep secrets of water. You can almost smell and see the Australian landscape in this book. This read is definitely something to broaden the perspective; showing heart in what seems like ordinary situations, revealing the forgotten mysteries of life.
Rebecca Ooniqua Brown
I reluctantly finished Kayla 2 this morning and I’m missing her already! Crack on Fran, we’re all waiting! My armchair adventure with Kayla to Newfoundland was a cryptic aperitif now I want the main course. Mystery, politics, warmth, contemplation, and exciting possibilities. Excellent!
Janet Rattigan (Tasmania, Australia)
Kayla is a captivating read that instantly takes the audience on an adventurous journey. The author is truly talented, it is astonishing how she brings together both Newfoundland and Australian cultures and allows them to collide in this epic tale. This is a must read, it will have you sitting on the edge of your seat as Kayla embarks on a journey of a lifetime to discover her native roots.
Charlee Jennifer Kathleen (Newfoundland, Canada)
Francesca Cairns crafts an unforgettable character who comes to Newfoundland seeking the truth of her mysterious past. An immensley readable tale of a woman caught between the real and the mystic. The story flows like the water itself which brings Kayla to the profound answer to the mystery.A sensitive, wise tale told in beautiful prose – part philosophy, part story, totally enjoyable!Kayla had always felt haunted by unknown spirits, and traveled half way around the world to find the answer in a small Newfoundland outport.
Sandy Stavlo (Newfoundland, Canada)
Read more about my latest novel and the launch details here:
Francesca Cairns 