Tenderfoot by Toni Jordan

Tenderfoot is such a beautifully written coming-of-age story - emotional, immersive and deeply Australian.

Set in Brisbane in the 1970s, the novel follows Andie Tanner, a young girl whose life revolves around her father and the racing greyhounds they keep beneath their home. Andie has a clear vision for her future, but as life begins to unravel around her, she’s forced to grow up quickly and navigate a world far more complicated than she expected.

What makes this novel so compelling is Andie’s voice. Toni Jordan captures the perspective of a young person trying to make sense of grief, addiction, secrecy and instability with incredible honesty and warmth.

The setting also feels vivid and alive - from the greyhound racing world to suburban Brisbane in the 1970s. There’s such a strong sense of place throughout the story.

Despite dealing with difficult themes, the novel never loses its humanity. It’s ultimately a story about resilience, survival and trying to build a future when the foundations beneath you have shifted.

This is thoughtful, emotionally rich Australian fiction with unforgettable characters at its centre.

Special thanks to Toni Jordan for chatting with us about the book on Between The Lines podcast. You can listen to the episode on the podcast!