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Fearless
Six strangers from across the world converge on the tropical island of Bali to attend a course designed to help them face their fears. Their backgrounds are as diverse as their fears - which range from flying, public speaking and heights, through to intimacy, failure and death...
Friendships and even romance blossoms as the participants are put through a series of challenges which are unusual, confronting and sometimes hilarious. A week of fun in the sun suddenly tranforms into something far more serious, however, when the unthinkable happens - a tragic disaster that puts the group in deadly danger that will test the individual courage of every member...
Shocking, powerful and utterly gripping, Fearless takes you to the edge and makes you look down.
Friendships and even romance blossoms as the participants are put through a series of challenges which are unusual, confronting and sometimes hilarious. A week of fun in the sun suddenly tranforms into something far more serious, however, when the unthinkable happens - a tragic disaster that puts the group in deadly danger that will test the individual courage of every member...
Shocking, powerful and utterly gripping, Fearless takes you to the edge and makes you look down.
392 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2016
About the author
Fiona Higgins
16 books159 followersFiona Higgins is the author of four novels - An Unusual Boy, Fearless, Wife on the Run and The Mothers’ Group - and a memoir, Love in the Age of Drought. She writes predominantly about contemporary life, with a special interest in intimate relationships, families and the complexities of parenting in the digital age. Her novels have been translated internationally, including in the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain and Estonia.
Outside of writing, Fiona has tertiary qualifications in the humanities, social sciences and Indonesian Studies, and a longstanding involvement in the Australian not-for-profit sector. Over the past twenty years, she has worked with organisations specializing in philanthropy, international development, youth at risk, rural and regional issues and youth mental health.
She lives in Sydney with her family and enjoys ocean swimming, strong coffee and arguing about Monopoly with her three children.
Outside of writing, Fiona has tertiary qualifications in the humanities, social sciences and Indonesian Studies, and a longstanding involvement in the Australian not-for-profit sector. Over the past twenty years, she has worked with organisations specializing in philanthropy, international development, youth at risk, rural and regional issues and youth mental health.
She lives in Sydney with her family and enjoys ocean swimming, strong coffee and arguing about Monopoly with her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
October 19, 2016
As the six strangers arrived in Bali from various parts of the world, they converged on the Fearless Retreat which they’d signed up for. One week to face their fears and to overcome them. Janelle was from Australia – she had quit her mundane job and booked her place in Fearless; her numbing fear was flying so she booked her flight before she could talk herself out of it. The only thing that would help her terror was vodka – lots of it.
There was Cara from Australia, though she’d been living in Bali for the past four years, and Annie from the United States, also Henry from the UK and Remy from France plus Lorenzo from Italy. All had varying fears that were debilitating to them all. Their facilitator was Pak Tony – he would lead them through the week long course which included challenges and sessions, some as a group, some alone. They experienced delicious Balinese food, gentle massage and much more…
As the strangers started to get to know one another, friendships formed and gentle understanding and help began flowing through the group. But on the fourth day of the retreat the unthinkable happened and the lives of each and every member of the Fearless Retreat changed. As the disaster unfolded, the courage and bravery of many were tested. What would be the outcome for these innocent strangers who were friends after only a few days?
Fearless by Aussie author Fiona Higgins is this author’s best yet in my opinion! Fabulous characters with depth; it was easy to know them, to picture them and feel their fear and pain. I found myself in tears of laughter over one particular challenge the ladies had to participate in. Fearless is fast paced and gripping; emotional, powerful and filled with suspense. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to TRR and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
There was Cara from Australia, though she’d been living in Bali for the past four years, and Annie from the United States, also Henry from the UK and Remy from France plus Lorenzo from Italy. All had varying fears that were debilitating to them all. Their facilitator was Pak Tony – he would lead them through the week long course which included challenges and sessions, some as a group, some alone. They experienced delicious Balinese food, gentle massage and much more…
As the strangers started to get to know one another, friendships formed and gentle understanding and help began flowing through the group. But on the fourth day of the retreat the unthinkable happened and the lives of each and every member of the Fearless Retreat changed. As the disaster unfolded, the courage and bravery of many were tested. What would be the outcome for these innocent strangers who were friends after only a few days?
Fearless by Aussie author Fiona Higgins is this author’s best yet in my opinion! Fabulous characters with depth; it was easy to know them, to picture them and feel their fear and pain. I found myself in tears of laughter over one particular challenge the ladies had to participate in. Fearless is fast paced and gripping; emotional, powerful and filled with suspense. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel highly.
With thanks to TRR and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read in exchange for my honest review.
April 1, 2019
A group of strangers, from all around the world ascend on Bali to attend a Fearless convention. Fears are faced and friendships are formed. A few days into this tranquil environment the unthinkable happens, and this will test all members of this already tightly nit group.
Fiona Higgins knowledge of Bali is apparent, the research gone into this was evident on every page. Character development was flawless, and I felt like I was there every step of the way. I would recommend reading The Mothers' Group by this author first, as there is a spoiler for that book here. I did not enjoy Fearless as much as that one but I still give this four stars.
Fiona Higgins knowledge of Bali is apparent, the research gone into this was evident on every page. Character development was flawless, and I felt like I was there every step of the way. I would recommend reading The Mothers' Group by this author first, as there is a spoiler for that book here. I did not enjoy Fearless as much as that one but I still give this four stars.
March 15, 2017
I love the idea of six strangers meeting at a retreat in Bali to learn to face their fears. What a beautiful and exotic place to visit while learning to come to grips with whatever it is that is holding you back. All six characters are interesting and complex with common phobias they really want to overcome, but in some cases masking something deeper that they are afraid to admit to themselves. The retreat program all sounds a bit new-age to some of the participants, but it actually seems to work and they find themselves bonding through their experiences. By the time the group are confronted with a real life and death threat they are better equipped to take action and overcome their fear to help others. Although dealing with a tragic event, this was a fun read with interesting characters and even some romance. Fiona Higgins fills in the background to her story delightfully with her deep knowledge of Bali, its history, customs and wonderful people.
November 13, 2016
3.5 stars.
So here's the thing: when the blurb mentions "a tragic disaster that puts the group in deadly danger"? I expect that tragic disaster to take place well before the 60%-65% mark in the book. For some reason, I also assumed that said tragic disaster was going to be some kind of And Then There Were None situation. But no.
Anyway, all of that meant that I spent about two thirds of this book waiting for the Big Bad Thing to happen and being frustrated at the end of every chapter when it still hadn't. That said, the characters were fun, the friendships and relationships that happen between them were cute, and despite the Big Bad Thing there were some scenes that are light-hearted and funny (the female bonding "vagina cleansing ritual" for example).
It's a fast paced story, despite taking FOREVER to get to the Big Bad Thing, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't an And Then There Were None situation, because I feel like that would have been a better way of having them deal with their respective fears. But whatever. I sped through this, and the ending - while a little too neat and tidy - was pretty satisfying.
So here's the thing: when the blurb mentions "a tragic disaster that puts the group in deadly danger"? I expect that tragic disaster to take place well before the 60%-65% mark in the book. For some reason, I also assumed that said tragic disaster was going to be some kind of And Then There Were None situation. But no.
Anyway, all of that meant that I spent about two thirds of this book waiting for the Big Bad Thing to happen and being frustrated at the end of every chapter when it still hadn't. That said, the characters were fun, the friendships and relationships that happen between them were cute, and despite the Big Bad Thing there were some scenes that are light-hearted and funny (the female bonding "vagina cleansing ritual" for example).
It's a fast paced story, despite taking FOREVER to get to the Big Bad Thing, and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't an And Then There Were None situation, because I feel like that would have been a better way of having them deal with their respective fears. But whatever. I sped through this, and the ending - while a little too neat and tidy - was pretty satisfying.
December 14, 2016
Fearless is the third novel by Australian author, Fiona Higgins. At Ubud, the Bali home of all things alternative, the Puri Damai resort hosts the Fearless retreat. Six Westerners are booked in for the week, a disparate group from far corners of the globe. Their fears or phobias differ just as much as they do. For some, it has taken courage just to get here; another joins in almost by accident; for still others, it’s a last resort (pardon the pun).
English Henry’s passion is bird-watching, but what paralyses him is public speaking. Aussie Janelle has quit her job on impulse, and hopes that overcoming her fear of flying will enable a relationship. French Remy’s fear of heights is holding back his career, while American Annie’s snake phobia has suddenly re-emerged. Italian Lorenzo has been dragged here by his wife, who is trying to get pregnant: is he afraid of fatherhood, or something else? And Aussie Cara had been hiding in Bali from the trauma of her loss for four years. She’s been told she has a fear of intimacy.
Pak Tony, their facilitator, explains the various activities that form the retreat, and some of the group wonder just how effective they could be. Isn’t it all new-age claptrap designed to pander to their First World problems? But their fears and phobias are real to them. As Remy says: “Suddenly there was an emergency inside of me…” And their retreat experiences seem to have some profound effects, whether or not they are the intended ones. But then something terrible happens, and now they really know fear.
Higgins gives the reader a wholly plausible plot with some quite topical twists and a heart-thumping climax. Her characters are well developed and appealing for all their very human flaws. Their dialogue (including Pak Tony’s ever ready clever maxims and positive aphorisms) is natural and believable. Bali itself is well rendered, as are the snippets of Sydney, Melbourne, Derbyshire, California and Paris. She gives the reader plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but manages to explore some serious and sensitive subjects as well.
Readers familiar with Higgins’s first novel, The Mothers Group, will enjoy finding out what happened to Cara after her escape to Bali. Those planning to read The Mothers Group should be aware that Fearless does contain a rather large spoiler. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is Higgins best yet.
With thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read and review.
English Henry’s passion is bird-watching, but what paralyses him is public speaking. Aussie Janelle has quit her job on impulse, and hopes that overcoming her fear of flying will enable a relationship. French Remy’s fear of heights is holding back his career, while American Annie’s snake phobia has suddenly re-emerged. Italian Lorenzo has been dragged here by his wife, who is trying to get pregnant: is he afraid of fatherhood, or something else? And Aussie Cara had been hiding in Bali from the trauma of her loss for four years. She’s been told she has a fear of intimacy.
Pak Tony, their facilitator, explains the various activities that form the retreat, and some of the group wonder just how effective they could be. Isn’t it all new-age claptrap designed to pander to their First World problems? But their fears and phobias are real to them. As Remy says: “Suddenly there was an emergency inside of me…” And their retreat experiences seem to have some profound effects, whether or not they are the intended ones. But then something terrible happens, and now they really know fear.
Higgins gives the reader a wholly plausible plot with some quite topical twists and a heart-thumping climax. Her characters are well developed and appealing for all their very human flaws. Their dialogue (including Pak Tony’s ever ready clever maxims and positive aphorisms) is natural and believable. Bali itself is well rendered, as are the snippets of Sydney, Melbourne, Derbyshire, California and Paris. She gives the reader plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but manages to explore some serious and sensitive subjects as well.
Readers familiar with Higgins’s first novel, The Mothers Group, will enjoy finding out what happened to Cara after her escape to Bali. Those planning to read The Mothers Group should be aware that Fearless does contain a rather large spoiler. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is Higgins best yet.
With thanks to GoodReads Giveaways and Allen & Unwin for this copy to read and review.
November 9, 2016
In this, her third novel, Fiona Higgins introduces us to a disparate group of six people with one thing in common - they have all booked in to the Fearless Retreat in Ubud, which aims to address and perhaps cure them of the phobias and fears that are holding them captive.
Janelle, an Australian, is afraid of flying and it’s taking her a lot of courage (and vodka) to get through this flight; Henry, our Englishman is a bird-watcher but has a fear of public-speaking; Annie is sixty, overweight and has a fear of snakes (or is it death); Remy, the lovely Frenchman, is afraid of heights; Cara, a twenty-nine year old who escaped from Australia to Bali four years before is still crippled with grief after a tragic accident; and Lorenzo, the Italian, is hoping to have his infertility cured to appease his wife, whilst he struggles to come to terms with a deeper issue that has long plagued him.
Placed together and working through various exercises either in groups or on their own, with the input of their mentor, Pak Tony, they slowly begin to form tentative friendships with one another as they revisit their pain in an attempt to cleanse and heal themselves.
On day four, however, it all comes to a head when they are faced with a situation that no class (or even Fear Factor for that matter) could ever have prepared them for.
Using a very real contemporary fear, Fiona goes for the jugular and gives us a twist that nobody is expecting, so don't let the innocent looking cover fool you because, beneath the façade lurks a crisis that is going to teach these characters the true meaning of living, loving and letting go.
All of her characters are interesting with amazingly distinct voices and, although having six narrators could easily cause confusion, I really enjoyed the structure of Fiona alternating between them.
Her setting of Bali is well evoked and, having never travelled there before, one of my favourite aspects was the vivid imagery that Fiona paints of the scenery and the people, giving me a real feel for the Balinese culture and customs.
Whilst Fearless is a tense, suspenseful read that is smart and original and doesn’t fail to entertain with a number of light-hearted moments (such as the “vagina cleansing ritual”) which had me snorting with laughter, the story covers some serious issues from thoughts about paedophilia to religious extremism.
With a plot that can be translated into plausible reality, well-rounded characters who are relatable and complex, Fearless is a thought-provoking, riveting and emotionally powerful story about self-discovery, courage, transformation, resilience, survival and the pain that can be hidden in private while people try to find themselves amidst the circumstances that have shaped them.
Fiona captivates with this one and I have no doubt that you'll have a dose of agoraphobia to deal with as you struggle to put it down.
Janelle, an Australian, is afraid of flying and it’s taking her a lot of courage (and vodka) to get through this flight; Henry, our Englishman is a bird-watcher but has a fear of public-speaking; Annie is sixty, overweight and has a fear of snakes (or is it death); Remy, the lovely Frenchman, is afraid of heights; Cara, a twenty-nine year old who escaped from Australia to Bali four years before is still crippled with grief after a tragic accident; and Lorenzo, the Italian, is hoping to have his infertility cured to appease his wife, whilst he struggles to come to terms with a deeper issue that has long plagued him.
Placed together and working through various exercises either in groups or on their own, with the input of their mentor, Pak Tony, they slowly begin to form tentative friendships with one another as they revisit their pain in an attempt to cleanse and heal themselves.
On day four, however, it all comes to a head when they are faced with a situation that no class (or even Fear Factor for that matter) could ever have prepared them for.
Using a very real contemporary fear, Fiona goes for the jugular and gives us a twist that nobody is expecting, so don't let the innocent looking cover fool you because, beneath the façade lurks a crisis that is going to teach these characters the true meaning of living, loving and letting go.
All of her characters are interesting with amazingly distinct voices and, although having six narrators could easily cause confusion, I really enjoyed the structure of Fiona alternating between them.
Her setting of Bali is well evoked and, having never travelled there before, one of my favourite aspects was the vivid imagery that Fiona paints of the scenery and the people, giving me a real feel for the Balinese culture and customs.
Whilst Fearless is a tense, suspenseful read that is smart and original and doesn’t fail to entertain with a number of light-hearted moments (such as the “vagina cleansing ritual”) which had me snorting with laughter, the story covers some serious issues from thoughts about paedophilia to religious extremism.
With a plot that can be translated into plausible reality, well-rounded characters who are relatable and complex, Fearless is a thought-provoking, riveting and emotionally powerful story about self-discovery, courage, transformation, resilience, survival and the pain that can be hidden in private while people try to find themselves amidst the circumstances that have shaped them.
Fiona captivates with this one and I have no doubt that you'll have a dose of agoraphobia to deal with as you struggle to put it down.
December 17, 2016
Not what I expected but an enjoyable read. So nice to sit down and do nothing but read a book.
Six strangers come together in Barli to attend a coures to help them face their fears. They are not strangers for long as they each have to share their story in the group. Prejudged issues about each other are soon layed asside as they get to know each other. And they start to support and encourage each other as challengs come along. They are a lovely bunch of people and I liked every one of them.
Some people may find this book a bit 'new age' preaching because we get to learn and be challenged along with the characters. I didn't mind because you take what you need and discard the rest and I like when a book challenges me to do better.
There is a really funny, embrassing funny part in the story I laughted and cried and chringed when I came across these pages hilarious. Loved it. Something does come up and they will have to work together to save thenselves and each other.
Wonderful and easy to read and it suprised me because I thought it was a murder story. I would read this story again sometime.
Six strangers come together in Barli to attend a coures to help them face their fears. They are not strangers for long as they each have to share their story in the group. Prejudged issues about each other are soon layed asside as they get to know each other. And they start to support and encourage each other as challengs come along. They are a lovely bunch of people and I liked every one of them.
Some people may find this book a bit 'new age' preaching because we get to learn and be challenged along with the characters. I didn't mind because you take what you need and discard the rest and I like when a book challenges me to do better.
There is a really funny, embrassing funny part in the story I laughted and cried and chringed when I came across these pages hilarious. Loved it. Something does come up and they will have to work together to save thenselves and each other.
Wonderful and easy to read and it suprised me because I thought it was a murder story. I would read this story again sometime.
December 2, 2016
It’s always obvious if authors of fiction are writing about a topic or place they know well as they can seamlessly drop facts in without it appearing as if they’re offering up some sort of PhD thesis and overtly demonstrating their vast knowledge. The fact that Fiona Higgins – author of Wife on the Run and The Mother’s Group – lived in Indonesia and understands the place, customs and culture is thus very obvious (in a good way) in her latest novel, set in Bali.
Higgins did a good job of character development. In fact, as we spent so long with the first character we meet (Janelle) I’d assumed she’d be the focus but instead each of the six players are given a lengthy introduction and backstory – either at that time, or later in the novel.
The characters could easily have been clichéd but were complex and each brought something a little different to the group and to the plot.
I assumed this book to predominantly be about the ‘disaster’ mentioned in the blurb. I won’t share what that event entails, but it feels a little late coming (about 2/3 of the way through the book), almost as if an afterthought. Although the events of end are catastrophic and offered our characters some opportunity for growth, they felt a little underdone and almost irrelevant to the story.
The range of characters on offer means this book should appeal to a range of readers, and very particularly lovers of Bali for the realistic portrayal of its culture and customs.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5 stars
Higgins did a good job of character development. In fact, as we spent so long with the first character we meet (Janelle) I’d assumed she’d be the focus but instead each of the six players are given a lengthy introduction and backstory – either at that time, or later in the novel.
The characters could easily have been clichéd but were complex and each brought something a little different to the group and to the plot.
I assumed this book to predominantly be about the ‘disaster’ mentioned in the blurb. I won’t share what that event entails, but it feels a little late coming (about 2/3 of the way through the book), almost as if an afterthought. Although the events of end are catastrophic and offered our characters some opportunity for growth, they felt a little underdone and almost irrelevant to the story.
The range of characters on offer means this book should appeal to a range of readers, and very particularly lovers of Bali for the realistic portrayal of its culture and customs.
Read the full review on my site: http://www.debbish.com/books-literatu...
3.5 stars
July 20, 2021
Fearless is the third novel by Australian author, Fiona Higgins. The audio version is narrated by Zoe Carides. At Ubud, the Bali home of all things alternative, the Puri Damai resort hosts the Fearless retreat. Six Westerners are booked in for the week, a disparate group from far corners of the globe. Their fears or phobias differ just as much as they do. For some, it has taken courage just to get here; another joins in almost by accident; for still others, it’s a last resort (pardon the pun).
English Henry’s passion is bird-watching, but what paralyses him is public speaking. Aussie Janelle has quit her job on impulse, and hopes that overcoming her fear of flying will enable a relationship. French Remy’s fear of heights is holding back his career, while American Annie’s snake phobia has suddenly re-emerged. Italian Lorenzo has been dragged here by his wife, who is trying to get pregnant: is he afraid of fatherhood, or something else? And Aussie Cara had been hiding in Bali from the trauma of her loss for four years. She’s been told she has a fear of intimacy.
Pak Tony, their facilitator, explains the various activities that form the retreat, and some of the group wonder just how effective they could be. Isn’t it all new-age claptrap designed to pander to their First World problems? But their fears and phobias are real to them. As Remy says: “Suddenly there was an emergency inside of me…” And their retreat experiences seem to have some profound effects, whether or not they are the intended ones. But then something terrible happens, and now they really know fear.
Higgins gives the reader a wholly plausible plot with some quite topical twists and a heart-thumping climax. Her characters are well developed and appealing for all their very human flaws. Their dialogue (including Pak Tony’s ever ready clever maxims and positive aphorisms) is natural and believable. Bali itself is well rendered, as are the snippets of Sydney, Melbourne, Derbyshire, California and Paris. She gives the reader plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but manages to explore some serious and sensitive subjects as well.
Readers familiar with Higgins’s first novel, The Mothers Group, will enjoy finding out what happened to Cara after her escape to Bali. Those planning to read The Mothers Group should be aware that Fearless does contain a rather large spoiler. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is Higgins best yet.
English Henry’s passion is bird-watching, but what paralyses him is public speaking. Aussie Janelle has quit her job on impulse, and hopes that overcoming her fear of flying will enable a relationship. French Remy’s fear of heights is holding back his career, while American Annie’s snake phobia has suddenly re-emerged. Italian Lorenzo has been dragged here by his wife, who is trying to get pregnant: is he afraid of fatherhood, or something else? And Aussie Cara had been hiding in Bali from the trauma of her loss for four years. She’s been told she has a fear of intimacy.
Pak Tony, their facilitator, explains the various activities that form the retreat, and some of the group wonder just how effective they could be. Isn’t it all new-age claptrap designed to pander to their First World problems? But their fears and phobias are real to them. As Remy says: “Suddenly there was an emergency inside of me…” And their retreat experiences seem to have some profound effects, whether or not they are the intended ones. But then something terrible happens, and now they really know fear.
Higgins gives the reader a wholly plausible plot with some quite topical twists and a heart-thumping climax. Her characters are well developed and appealing for all their very human flaws. Their dialogue (including Pak Tony’s ever ready clever maxims and positive aphorisms) is natural and believable. Bali itself is well rendered, as are the snippets of Sydney, Melbourne, Derbyshire, California and Paris. She gives the reader plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but manages to explore some serious and sensitive subjects as well.
Readers familiar with Higgins’s first novel, The Mothers Group, will enjoy finding out what happened to Cara after her escape to Bali. Those planning to read The Mothers Group should be aware that Fearless does contain a rather large spoiler. Funny, moving and thought-provoking, this is Higgins best yet.
December 17, 2016
‘Fearless’ is a new fiction novel from Australian author, Fiona Higgins.
I was really excited to read this novel, as I’d thoroughly enjoyed Higgins’ ‘Wife on the Run’ back in 2014, and everything about ‘Fearless’ was broadcasting being a “great summer read” to me. But what really pushed me into reading this one was my catching the 2012 movie ‘The Impossible’ on TV one night. It’s a great movie based on a true story, about a British family on holiday in Thailand, who are separated by the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The blurb of ‘Fearless’ alludes to ‘an unspeakable act’ happening in Bali, that throws six strangers’ lives into mayhem – and of course that’s alluding to an event similar to the 2002 Bali Bombings – but ‘The Impossible’ reminded me of the power in such stories where an unfathomable disaster happens in the middle of “paradise” … so I delved into ‘Fearless’, and hated it. Absolutely hated it.
The premise of ‘Fearless’ is these six strangers from all corners of the globe come to Bali to attend a Fearless retreat where they intend to combat everything from a snake phobia, to fear of heights and flying, to general dissatisfaction with life. We get a chapter that follows each of the six strangers, to understand the deeper meanings behind their wish to combat fear. And straight away from meeting these characters, the story started to fall down for me because there’s so much cliché … there’s Annie, an older mid-Westerner who is (of course) an outspoken devout Christian and overweight American. Remy is a Frenchman who falls for Australian Janelle while she’s wearing a rash-vest and zinc on her nose (because of course he does – Frenchmen are so very romantic). Henry is a paunchy, British bird-watcher and quintessential geek (because he’s British?). Cara is a broken mother … and even her, who has one of the more compelling and believable backstories, I wish there’d be a decision to make a subversive gender-flip and have her be a father grieving the loss of his child, just so that not every character was so darn predictable. And then there’s Lorenzo – an Italian photographer who has experienced some Bill Henson-esque backlash in his home country, amid accusations that his artistic photographs of ingénue girls are inappropriate … his introspective story takes a bizarrely sharp turn towards the end, and I couldn’t help but feel he got lugged with this exploration on the cliché that Italian men are sleazy and pervy or something?
It wasn’t just that these characters all felt built on the most typical of tourism clichés, it’s also that they’re all kind of unbearable. At one point, the Australian Janelle puts on a saccharine “presentation” to be filmed for her bulimic teenage niece, wherein she quotes bumper-sticker philosophy while stripping down to her underwear and Taylor Swift’s ‘Fifteen’ plays from her iPod in the background. I just … my eyes were so busy rolling, I could barely focus on the page during that scene (which is also when Frenchman Remy really falls in love with her, because … of course.)
‘Of course,’ said Remy, impressed by how much Janelle seemed to care. About the orangutans of Borneo, the world’s rainforests, the gamelan orchestras of Bali, teenagers with eating disorders and, naturally, her own family. He considered what he cared about. The last time he’d cried was after the defeat of Paris Saint-Germain to archrivals Montpellier in round 32 of the Ligue 1 football season. Janelle’s compassion is more than refreshing, he thought. It’s intoxicating.
But the book was also off-putting to me for the presentation of Bali, as seen through the eyes of these Westerners … it reminded me of a Kirkus book review I read once, of Heidi R. Kling’s YA book ‘Sea’ in which the reviewer accused the story of being; “Disaster tourism masquerading as romance…” and the last line of the review was also apt for Higgins’ ‘Fearless’; “Well-meaning, but ultimately about slumming in disaster zones for a summer’s recuperative fun.” Because Higgins does present Bali as a “disaster zone”, essentially. Everything from Annie’s observations of their abuse of street dogs, to Remy watching a woman defecate in the street and all six hearing locals bad-mouth the Javanese … none of this sat well with me.
So, nothing in this book was really working for me – why did I keep reading? Well, I wanted to get to the “unspeakable act” tagline on the cover … I thought everything at the Fearless retreat and getting to know these strangers was boring or infuriating, but maybe they’d rise to the occasion in the midst of a disaster? But this plot-turn doesn’t happen until around page 220 (of a 391-page book) and it did feel utterly disjointed from the rest of the story … it felt cheap, actually – as did the whole book for me, unfortunately and ultimately.
I was really excited to read this novel, as I’d thoroughly enjoyed Higgins’ ‘Wife on the Run’ back in 2014, and everything about ‘Fearless’ was broadcasting being a “great summer read” to me. But what really pushed me into reading this one was my catching the 2012 movie ‘The Impossible’ on TV one night. It’s a great movie based on a true story, about a British family on holiday in Thailand, who are separated by the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. The blurb of ‘Fearless’ alludes to ‘an unspeakable act’ happening in Bali, that throws six strangers’ lives into mayhem – and of course that’s alluding to an event similar to the 2002 Bali Bombings – but ‘The Impossible’ reminded me of the power in such stories where an unfathomable disaster happens in the middle of “paradise” … so I delved into ‘Fearless’, and hated it. Absolutely hated it.
The premise of ‘Fearless’ is these six strangers from all corners of the globe come to Bali to attend a Fearless retreat where they intend to combat everything from a snake phobia, to fear of heights and flying, to general dissatisfaction with life. We get a chapter that follows each of the six strangers, to understand the deeper meanings behind their wish to combat fear. And straight away from meeting these characters, the story started to fall down for me because there’s so much cliché … there’s Annie, an older mid-Westerner who is (of course) an outspoken devout Christian and overweight American. Remy is a Frenchman who falls for Australian Janelle while she’s wearing a rash-vest and zinc on her nose (because of course he does – Frenchmen are so very romantic). Henry is a paunchy, British bird-watcher and quintessential geek (because he’s British?). Cara is a broken mother … and even her, who has one of the more compelling and believable backstories, I wish there’d be a decision to make a subversive gender-flip and have her be a father grieving the loss of his child, just so that not every character was so darn predictable. And then there’s Lorenzo – an Italian photographer who has experienced some Bill Henson-esque backlash in his home country, amid accusations that his artistic photographs of ingénue girls are inappropriate … his introspective story takes a bizarrely sharp turn towards the end, and I couldn’t help but feel he got lugged with this exploration on the cliché that Italian men are sleazy and pervy or something?
It wasn’t just that these characters all felt built on the most typical of tourism clichés, it’s also that they’re all kind of unbearable. At one point, the Australian Janelle puts on a saccharine “presentation” to be filmed for her bulimic teenage niece, wherein she quotes bumper-sticker philosophy while stripping down to her underwear and Taylor Swift’s ‘Fifteen’ plays from her iPod in the background. I just … my eyes were so busy rolling, I could barely focus on the page during that scene (which is also when Frenchman Remy really falls in love with her, because … of course.)
‘Of course,’ said Remy, impressed by how much Janelle seemed to care. About the orangutans of Borneo, the world’s rainforests, the gamelan orchestras of Bali, teenagers with eating disorders and, naturally, her own family. He considered what he cared about. The last time he’d cried was after the defeat of Paris Saint-Germain to archrivals Montpellier in round 32 of the Ligue 1 football season. Janelle’s compassion is more than refreshing, he thought. It’s intoxicating.
But the book was also off-putting to me for the presentation of Bali, as seen through the eyes of these Westerners … it reminded me of a Kirkus book review I read once, of Heidi R. Kling’s YA book ‘Sea’ in which the reviewer accused the story of being; “Disaster tourism masquerading as romance…” and the last line of the review was also apt for Higgins’ ‘Fearless’; “Well-meaning, but ultimately about slumming in disaster zones for a summer’s recuperative fun.” Because Higgins does present Bali as a “disaster zone”, essentially. Everything from Annie’s observations of their abuse of street dogs, to Remy watching a woman defecate in the street and all six hearing locals bad-mouth the Javanese … none of this sat well with me.
So, nothing in this book was really working for me – why did I keep reading? Well, I wanted to get to the “unspeakable act” tagline on the cover … I thought everything at the Fearless retreat and getting to know these strangers was boring or infuriating, but maybe they’d rise to the occasion in the midst of a disaster? But this plot-turn doesn’t happen until around page 220 (of a 391-page book) and it did feel utterly disjointed from the rest of the story … it felt cheap, actually – as did the whole book for me, unfortunately and ultimately.
March 13, 2017
This was an easy, enjoyable read but I didn't find it as good as her previous book, The Mother's Group. The characters and situations seemed a bit too obvious at times.
November 7, 2016
This was an engaging and really easy book to read - it took me less than a day! I was interested from the beginning to find out about each of the characters enrolled in the Fearless retreat and was waiting to find out what the tragic disaster could be that the blurb referred to.
I’ve recently just read a book that I gave 5 stars, so I couldn’t help comparing this one with that, and felt the quality of the writing wasn’t quite as good, and the ending felt a little too well-wrapped up and “they all lived happily ever after”ish.
I liked the connection to the author’s first book, The Mother’s Group, although this one works as a standalone. However, if you are planning on reading The Mother’s Group, it’s probably best to read it before this one, as the twist in that one comes into this one.
I’ve recently just read a book that I gave 5 stars, so I couldn’t help comparing this one with that, and felt the quality of the writing wasn’t quite as good, and the ending felt a little too well-wrapped up and “they all lived happily ever after”ish.
I liked the connection to the author’s first book, The Mother’s Group, although this one works as a standalone. However, if you are planning on reading The Mother’s Group, it’s probably best to read it before this one, as the twist in that one comes into this one.
February 19, 2017
I really enjoyed Fearless from beginning to end. Fiona Higgins masters the art of character building.I went through a whole range of emotions following their respective paths. The author describes a culture she knows well and it's a pleasure to see another point of view of Bali than tourists' one. I am actually very curious now to know if a particular challenge took place in an existing place.
I really recommend that book.
I really recommend that book.
September 3, 2016
I loved this book. At least as good as The Mother's Group. Totally gripping story and really captures the zeitgeist. I've lived in Bali for many years and the cultural references are spot on. I couldn't put it down and read it in two sittings. Highly recommended.
September 3, 2016
Fearless has the makings of a great movie - action, suspense, love, friendship to name a few. A gripping read. The way Higgins develops and portrays her characters is always fantastic.
November 14, 2016
An advance reading copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher.
Life’s most precious moments couldn’t be memorialised, she knew. Joy and suffering inscribed upon the soul were remembrance enough.
‘Fearless’ is the name of a seven day retreat in Bali that helps people overcome their fears and phobias.
Six strangers, all from a different part of the world with different lives and different fears, begin their journey one beautiful Sunday morning in Bali. Their fears range from flying, heights, public speaking through to intimacy, failure and death.
The story follows their journey of self-acceptance and the acceptance of other influences in their lives. Friendships and romance blossom as the six participants complete challenges and tasks of self-discovery to overcome their phobias.
Halfway through the retreat, the unthinkable happens. A tragic turn of events catapults the group into deadly danger, forcing each member to summon courage they didn’t know they had or ever expected to need.
Nothing happens by coincidence, and so there was a reason this book found its way to me.
Fearless is full of emotion — it had me crying, laughing, and crying from laughter.
I was mesmerised by the lives of the characters, and their reasons for attending the course.
Fiona Higgins writes the book from all six points of view, so at any given time the story is progressing from the view of one of the participants. Her writing flows so smoothly that by chapter three you feel like you are part of the group as a silent observer.
I loved the way a very taboo topic — religion and religious extremism — was covered with so much thought. The story’s ability to balance religion, faith, and custom is so refreshing. We witness the flow of religious beliefs into long-held customs. And the comparison of religious belief to the teachings of Louise Hay.
At the end of the day, all everyone wants is to be accepted, acknowledged, and loved. No matter beliefs the participants had — Catholic or Atheist — they all walk away with a higher meaning of life that was derived by their experience of it and not by following a instilled doctrine.
There are no accidents … I’ve been an Atheist for as long as I can remember … I’m not exactly sure what God really is, I know I don’t believe in some sort of divine headmaster who’s keeping score above the clouds … Whatever shape my faith takes, I know it’s not going to be extreme
But most importantly, religion and faith are described in terms of our ability to make sense of the world.
In the face of human suffering, it was futile — conceited, even — to continue and demand answers … One could merely accept that this suffering was so, and attempt to forgive oneself and others for contributing to it.
I identified myself in many of the characters, and reflect upon my own life through their faiths.
Finally, if I haven’t convinced you to read this book for self-development, then you should read it for the Vagina Spa scene alone. Yes, I googled it ladies, Vagina Spas are an actual thing.
The Vagina Spa chapter had me in stitches at 1:30 am, woke up hubby and all. He thought I was possessed, I almost peed my self from laughter.
This is the first Fiona Higgins book I have read, and I am definitely going read the others now.
The pursuit of comfort rarely occurs in a vacuum. That the very action of getting ahead invariably means that others are left behind.
Life’s most precious moments couldn’t be memorialised, she knew. Joy and suffering inscribed upon the soul were remembrance enough.
‘Fearless’ is the name of a seven day retreat in Bali that helps people overcome their fears and phobias.
Six strangers, all from a different part of the world with different lives and different fears, begin their journey one beautiful Sunday morning in Bali. Their fears range from flying, heights, public speaking through to intimacy, failure and death.
The story follows their journey of self-acceptance and the acceptance of other influences in their lives. Friendships and romance blossom as the six participants complete challenges and tasks of self-discovery to overcome their phobias.
Halfway through the retreat, the unthinkable happens. A tragic turn of events catapults the group into deadly danger, forcing each member to summon courage they didn’t know they had or ever expected to need.
Nothing happens by coincidence, and so there was a reason this book found its way to me.
Fearless is full of emotion — it had me crying, laughing, and crying from laughter.
I was mesmerised by the lives of the characters, and their reasons for attending the course.
Fiona Higgins writes the book from all six points of view, so at any given time the story is progressing from the view of one of the participants. Her writing flows so smoothly that by chapter three you feel like you are part of the group as a silent observer.
I loved the way a very taboo topic — religion and religious extremism — was covered with so much thought. The story’s ability to balance religion, faith, and custom is so refreshing. We witness the flow of religious beliefs into long-held customs. And the comparison of religious belief to the teachings of Louise Hay.
At the end of the day, all everyone wants is to be accepted, acknowledged, and loved. No matter beliefs the participants had — Catholic or Atheist — they all walk away with a higher meaning of life that was derived by their experience of it and not by following a instilled doctrine.
There are no accidents … I’ve been an Atheist for as long as I can remember … I’m not exactly sure what God really is, I know I don’t believe in some sort of divine headmaster who’s keeping score above the clouds … Whatever shape my faith takes, I know it’s not going to be extreme
But most importantly, religion and faith are described in terms of our ability to make sense of the world.
In the face of human suffering, it was futile — conceited, even — to continue and demand answers … One could merely accept that this suffering was so, and attempt to forgive oneself and others for contributing to it.
I identified myself in many of the characters, and reflect upon my own life through their faiths.
Finally, if I haven’t convinced you to read this book for self-development, then you should read it for the Vagina Spa scene alone. Yes, I googled it ladies, Vagina Spas are an actual thing.
The Vagina Spa chapter had me in stitches at 1:30 am, woke up hubby and all. He thought I was possessed, I almost peed my self from laughter.
This is the first Fiona Higgins book I have read, and I am definitely going read the others now.
The pursuit of comfort rarely occurs in a vacuum. That the very action of getting ahead invariably means that others are left behind.
March 23, 2017
What an awesome book! I read the last half of it in one sitting - I couldn't put it down. Haunting storylines, interesting characters and as the 'unspeakable act' unfolded I was gripping my seat. I feel like these people are my friends and I was there with them. Amazing book!
September 3, 2016
I loved this book - couldn't put it down. Incredible story, amazing characters, the type of book that stays with you long after you finish it. Highly recommend it.
September 4, 2016
A real page turner! Fiona sure knows how to spin a yarn and this is her most gripping yet. A must read if you spend any time in Bali.
February 2, 2017
Yep loved it. The book started off from Janelle's perspective, stuck in a rut with a fear of flying so heads off to Bali to join a fearless retreat. Then we start hearing the back stories of the other participant. I quite enjoyed it though it was kind of strange that the perspective change wasn't marked in anyway i.e. The title of the chapter the person's name. Anyway, it didn't matter too much. By this time I'd forgotten the blurb I would have read when I purchased the book and I settled into a more of a personal development tale of 6 people and really quite enjoyed it. Then BOOM (literally) and the story changes (well then I remembered the blurb!) it was at this point that I just could not put the book down and it resulted in me breaking my kobo by taking it with me whilst I did other things (lesson learnt). Really enjoyed the end of the story too. I loved the growth that each character underwent, I feel that everyone reading could take something away as well. I put 4 stars but this is the longest review I've written so stuff it, I'm giving it 5.
P.s. I didn't really like Henry's character, if he's not closet gay then me no comprende
P.s. I didn't really like Henry's character, if he's not closet gay then me no comprende
December 21, 2016
I am more than a tiny bit conflicted about this book. So much so, that I've been reflecting on it for a few hours after finishing it. I found it difficult to get into, and was unsure about the massive backstories that were built for some characters, but not others. Eventually everything became clear leading to the climax happening with a bang. It was well-written and drawn out, but I would have preferred slightly more resolution than there was.
February 6, 2017
I listened to this book on audible.com. Zoe Carides does an AMAZING job narrating! Her voices for everyone were the best. The story of the book is amazing as well! Higgins is a beautiful writer and the flow of the novel was perfect. She put so much thought and detail into everything. I'm actually in Bali right now and everything she has described in the book, is exactly spot on! So far my favourite of 2017
April 18, 2019
Great Read. Character development was excellent.
April 7, 2018
Authentic characters and setting make this a great read with a few laugh out loud moments
September 22, 2020
4.5 ... this was a very enjoyable quick read just what I needed on my holidays during Melbourne’s strict Covid lockdown
October 22, 2020
I loved Fiona Higgins' book "The Mothers' Group", so I had to read her other books too. I decided to read this because of the blurb, it sounded intriguing and I wanted a book that could keep me engaged.
This didn't hit the mark for me, and that is because I didn't connect with the characters in this book as much as I did with TMG. Being a mum myself, I saw little bits of myself in all the women in TMG, but I felt the six characters in this book to be a bit stereotypical. No one really stood out except for Lorenzo, the poor guy! And of course Cara. I was totally surprised to realise that she was from TMG! I loved reading her journey in this book, slowly getting over the tragic death of her daughter. I'm so glad she finally has some glimmer of hope and recovery.
Another thing that let the book down a bit was the waiting. The cover mentions "an unspeakable act" to happen, and it takes a while into the book before it happens. Luckily I was invested by then and needed to know what happened. Strangely I didn't expect to happen what did happen. I guess I was blind and thinking it would be an affair or murder, I didn't guess terrorism. I can't even begin to imagine how I would cope with what they went through. So awful to think that people have been through something like this in real life.
This didn't hit the mark for me, and that is because I didn't connect with the characters in this book as much as I did with TMG. Being a mum myself, I saw little bits of myself in all the women in TMG, but I felt the six characters in this book to be a bit stereotypical. No one really stood out except for Lorenzo, the poor guy! And of course Cara. I was totally surprised to realise that she was from TMG! I loved reading her journey in this book, slowly getting over the tragic death of her daughter. I'm so glad she finally has some glimmer of hope and recovery.
Another thing that let the book down a bit was the waiting. The cover mentions "an unspeakable act" to happen, and it takes a while into the book before it happens. Luckily I was invested by then and needed to know what happened. Strangely I didn't expect to happen what did happen. I guess I was blind and thinking it would be an affair or murder, I didn't guess terrorism. I can't even begin to imagine how I would cope with what they went through. So awful to think that people have been through something like this in real life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2023
This book was a quick and enjoyable read. I did find it a little frustrating because I kept waiting for the "tragic disaster" to happen, which ended up occurring about two thirds into the novel. Until then, there are different chapters about each character, which I found interesting enough to hear about their background story and why they were at the Fearless retreat. The characters were a motley crew and to me seemed true to life and even relatable in some instances. When the tragedy happens, you get to see the growth, or lack thereof, for each character, and the story ended neatly. Overall, a great read and would recommend it.
September 5, 2021
Well written, set in an exotic location with engaging characters, a horrible incident and a satisfying ending makes for an enjoyable read.
October 10, 2016
I won a copy of Fearless by Fiona Higgins in a Good Reads giveaway. It’s a book that’s outside my reading comfort zone, but I can say that after reading it I really did enjoy the story.
There are two distinct storylines that take place in this book - the backstories of the six characters we meet who attend the Fearless course, and then the disaster story which takes place in the last third of the book. The first story is a really interesting look at characters who come from all over the world and have experienced many different things that have left their mark on them. They’re all incredibly human, and that can at times make their stories heartwarming and heartbreaking. They’re all vulnerable, and learning to overcome their fears and there’s something compelling about reading those kinds of characters.
The disaster in this story shakes all of these characters and forces them - in ways their Fearless course can’t possibly achieve. Friendships and budding relationships are put to the test, people are pushed to the very limits of what they believe they can survive and the outcome is heartening.
Fiona Higgins has written a story that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and it was an emotional ride.
There are two distinct storylines that take place in this book - the backstories of the six characters we meet who attend the Fearless course, and then the disaster story which takes place in the last third of the book. The first story is a really interesting look at characters who come from all over the world and have experienced many different things that have left their mark on them. They’re all incredibly human, and that can at times make their stories heartwarming and heartbreaking. They’re all vulnerable, and learning to overcome their fears and there’s something compelling about reading those kinds of characters.
The disaster in this story shakes all of these characters and forces them - in ways their Fearless course can’t possibly achieve. Friendships and budding relationships are put to the test, people are pushed to the very limits of what they believe they can survive and the outcome is heartening.
Fiona Higgins has written a story that highlights the strengths and weaknesses of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances and it was an emotional ride.
March 12, 2017
Thanks to Allen and Unwin and Goodreads for my copy of Fearless.This book explored numerous themes through a cast of characters. They were interesting and diverse but this also made them detrimental to the pace of the plot. It took a long time to develop backstories for all the characters which therefore meant that the action really didn't begin to take place until over halfway through the novel. While individually all of the characters were interesting I felt the net result was that the plot suffered by being a bit obvious and streamlined and the ending was a little too neat. The author did raise some good issues about race, religion, poverty and 'third world' (developing country) tourism so overall I found this book a worthwhile read.
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