Floodtide is a character-driven, merciless rush of blood from the pen of Judy Nunn, one of Australia's master storytellers. It is a brilliant observation of turbulent times in the mighty 'Iron Ore State' - Western Australia. The novel traces the fortunes of four men and four families over four memorable decades: The prosperous post-war 1950s, when childhood is idyllic and carefree in the small, peaceful city of Perth; the turbulent '60s, when youth is caught up in the conflict of the Vietnam War and free love reigns; the avaricious '70s, when Western Australia's mineral boom sees the rise of a new young breed of aggressive entrepreneurs; and the corrupt '80s, and the birth of "WA Inc", when the alliance of greedy politicians and powerful businessmen brings the state to its knees, even threatening the downfall of the federal government.

Each of the four who travel this journey has a story to tell. An environmentalist fights to save the primitive and beautiful Pilbara coast from the careless ravaging of mining conglomerates; a Vietnam War veteran rises above crippling injuries to discover a talent that gains him an international reputation; and an ambitious geologist joins forces with a hard-core businessman to lead the way in the growth of Perth from a sleepy town to a glittering citadel. But, as the 90s ushers in a new age when innocence is lost, all four are caught up in the irreversible tides of change, and actions must be answered for.