Whistler Street, by Noel Braun

Published 2007 | Pages 349 | Paperback 

After a childhood in the Western Australian surf, Vince Kelly, burning with a desire to save mankind, enters the Catholic priesthood. In contrast, his beach mate, Jamie Griffiths, lacking any direction, drifts into a disastrous job and marriage.
Following his unwitting involvement in Jamie’s mother’s death, Vince suffers an emotional and spiritual crisis, shattering all his former rock-solid beliefs. In desperation, he quits both Perth and the priesthood. He crosses the desert to Sydney and settles in Manly, hoping to find new meaning and purpose.
As soon as he sees the quaint Federation house in Whistler Street, he knows it’s an ideal place for his recovery. He transforms the house into a home, makes new friends and begins to rebuild his life but is plagued with indecision and guilt.
Back in Perth the despairing Jamie cries for help. Already guilt-ridden at abandoning his lifelong mate, Vince leaves Manly painfully aware that on his return he must make some vital decisions about his own direction.