An authentic portrayal of times gone by that I would never have the pleasure to read until now. Capturing sense of time and place flawlessly, this metAn authentic portrayal of times gone by that I would never have the pleasure to read until now. Capturing sense of time and place flawlessly, this meticulously researched story of the times of Cadbury, Bournville and Pascal was like drawing a breath of fresh air. The young women working tirelessly with their maturity and hard work in male dominated times made me feel proud for these characters, who were strong, fearless, and hearty. Dorothy an industrious worker from age 8 who is fascinated by machinery and equally capable of running and maintaining the fixtures she so loves, and the lovely Maisie, a trooper doing her best for her family. Her clever and feisty sister Lily was a spirited female character, rounding up a cast of characters of all ages. An insightful, sensitive, and entertaining glimpse into women workers of the time, a fictional exploration of a time in history none of us would otherwise been a party to. The friendships real, the narrative in equal measures educational, genuine, and clever. The author has authored a poignant story that is easy to read, thoughtful and credible.
My only issue is it dragged at times, though I am very aware of my penchant for faster genres, psychological thrillers etc, so this I am very aware, is a reader issue. I wasn’t able to fully grasp onto the characters; they were at more of a surface level for me.
The author’s note explains the deep dive into this part of Australia’s history she undertook, in which I learned a great deal. This is an especially important part of my love of reading.
With thanks to @betterreadingau for my uncorrected advanced reading copy to read and review....more
I couldn’t finish it. I very rarely do this. I thought the author definitely knows how to write, I was just not a fan of the zillion character names, I couldn’t finish it. I very rarely do this. I thought the author definitely knows how to write, I was just not a fan of the zillion character names, the constant talk of the ‘unreal’ ‘reality’ tv concept, and the fact they loved each other but both married others. I couldn’t sit on a book I didn’t want to open. My thanks to @betterreading for my copy, which I tried my best with.
29/01/24. Just found this on audio, it might be a fun way to finish this.. ...more
Full disclosure! I thought this was a true story until the last third. Oops. Never mind. I still loved it.
Trigger warning – suicide, suicidal ideatioFull disclosure! I thought this was a true story until the last third. Oops. Never mind. I still loved it.
Trigger warning – suicide, suicidal ideation, themes of death and dying, depression.
I really appreciated the presentation of short vignettes, meaning I could dip in and out. I love that. It was too easy to pick up and put down, and considering I was reading this on a beach weekend away, it was perfect. The heavy theme of depression and suicide did not put me off, which usually is the case. It was interesting in an odd kind of way. The prose was sharp and compulsive, but still meandered. This was unusual but certainly worked for me.
This was a translation, I feel the unusualness of it lent itself well to any bumps along the way, if there was anything clunky it fell in with the uniqueness of the story. The unnamed narrator grapples with her life after losing her twin to suicide.
I didn’t understand that what is comforting to one person can stifle another.
How to decide to live or die, what is life worth and the pressure of those who love to give support to one so conflicted. The book had definite notes of humour and warmth, but certainly is a quirky read. I found this to be a well written and hugely unique.
This brother and sister trio are extremely close in their relationship, we observe how they grapple with their relationship as it teeters from stifling to fractured and all shades in between.
I love reading about all things NY so I loved this referring to Trump in a radio interview hours after 2001. ..in which he said he now owned the tallest building in downtown Manhattan. Trump has tried to build the tallest tower in the world three times but each attempt has failed, though he’s never put it this way himself. If you say that you’re the best in the world often enough, people will eventually believe it, said Donald, who kept a book of Hitler’s speeches on his nightstand.
The unnamed narrator consistently searched for connection between her twin at all stages of their lives, and on looking back describes to the reader where they converged and digressed and quarrelled.
He was always a little more extreme than me.
I recommend this short and concise book to those who will not be averse to the very specific theme as mentioned above, and I thank Marina at Scribe Publications for my Advanced Reading Copy to read and review....more
This a remarkably outstanding book, which, unfortunately, I did not sit down to write a review as soon as I'd finished the book. Here are my initial tThis a remarkably outstanding book, which, unfortunately, I did not sit down to write a review as soon as I'd finished the book. Here are my initial thoughts which was helpful for myself to gather:
• This book is a keeper • For sufferers/trauma victims • Carers • Students • Health care professionals • First responders • Politicians • Teachers (of all cohorts, from 0-tertiary) • Those of us who are empaths • Social workers/criminologists/case workers/Police workers
The author freely states she has been through her own type of trauma in younger years, and clearly outlines how those working in health care professional roles and first responders are very vulnerable in suffering trauma from their very nature of employment.
It made me shudder when the author tells of her own story of therapists crossing boundaries in her own therapy and suggesting church attendance at the therapist’s church. Also disturbing is the amount of professionals who also abuse. The effects of abusive therapy create a whole new set of problems, as well as not addressing those originally intended. So messy and a continued cycle of trauma and mayhem.
This book is very comprehensive and scientific, but equally understandable for the layperson. The angle for this author is one of forensic psychology, so she captures those in a system that may not be able to get out; their wounds and actions too deep - but not always 'just because'. The majority of those who abuse have been abused (the author completely argues that nothing is condoned, but eloquently described as to many of the reasons why).
This skilled professional and writer has written a terrific account of what many may not have considered before. Why do individuals lay such horrific harm on others, and why try to 'reclaim'?
Relational trauma which occurs within relationships we hold with others and could be emotional, physical, or sexual and impacts sufferers for life. This concept to reclaim shines some rays of hope, light, and new beginnings to promote new growth over what can be life threatening and dreadful experiences. It implies recapturing; dredging solid ground from the slow sulk of swamp, drifting tendrils of green over landscape charred by fires and devastation.
An interesting concept is big T (life threatening) trauma, and little t (non life-threatening). As the author rightly points out, social media has made a mess of what is trauma when spoken of by non-professionals. I implore anyone with an interest in this topic to pick up this book; it may contain a serious tone but this is an extremely important read for any of the above listed.
With my sincere thanks to the team @scribepub, and Marina for providing me with an advanced reading copy. It is difficult to say I loved this book, given the content, but - I loved this book. I'd give anything for Dr Ahona Guha to counsel me.
This book is now going to my daughter, newly graduated (with distinction Bachelor Criminology – I digress and have a proud mumma moment!) who looks after children in care/mentoring and dealing with their families. She will learn a lot from this book....more
Clarke is a very soothing novel, which may not make sense given the themes - abuse, dv, violence - but this author, in her smooth, understated and flaClarke is a very soothing novel, which may not make sense given the themes - abuse, dv, violence - but this author, in her smooth, understated and flawless prose tells her story quietly and without fanfare.
Set in 1991, an era which is always interesting to hear about as it is my era, is full of neighbourly friendships, familial love and responsibility, and the occasional understated frisson of a community bound together by a past mystery.
This story is full of seemingly normal people missing certain elements of people in their life. Leonie is the carer of toddler Joe, who doesn't have his mother, their neighbour, unassuming Barney has lost his wife who is still breathing, but why are they not still together when the snippets of a past life show they are perfect together? And why must he look at his son, coming and going from his job at MacDonalds?
Leonie's best friend went missing, a lovely woman named Ginny. She was her neighbour and was a committed and loving mother. Her remains had never been found, but now, unluckily for Barney, she is being searched for in his backyard. They are exhuming the ground in search for this beloved community member. Everyone is sure her insidious husband is behind this, a man that moved on very quickly after meeting his new wife at a 'titty bar'. Leonie is furious her concerns were never taken seriously, and we as the reader feel this immensely when privy to the interview, she had all those years back when talking to a policeman - an officer of the law that appeared to be another violent man and had his own reasons for not following through the compelling evidence laid bare by Leonie.
The loving relationship between Leonie and young Joe is loving and bare of fanfare. ‘She’s not my mum’ ‘That’s true, isn’t it, honey… ‘I’m not your mum, I’m your LeeLee’. Another beautiful moment between these two lovely characters is when Joe asks her if she would still love him if he were a donkey. Her response? - You need to read it for yourself!
I am sorry I have not read this author before now. Holly Throsby is a songwriter, musician and a writer. This is evident in her lyrical writing that does not seek the limelight but is full of meaty writing and bits of gold scattered throughout. Humans loving other humans all in their own ways, with lots of cuppas and cakes shared. A great book which is to be savoured, and I thank Allen & Unwin for my physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review. Another winner....more
This is a serious contemplation of an interesting and complex woman’s life story. I have not read any of her books; I will remedy this when the opportThis is a serious contemplation of an interesting and complex woman’s life story. I have not read any of her books; I will remedy this when the opportunity arises. As I read this book, my mind was wandering into the territory of Eat Pray Love, and I really did not like that book so I had a little dip. Although I do not lead a spiritual life as the author does, I did enjoy hearing about her journey, and that of her family. Given my thoughts of a book I did not enjoy, I was aware that there were swings and roundabouts in this reading experience.
There was much tragedy that the author suffered, a lot of death and loss, but this woman shows us her capability and tenacity throughout. She is a doer, a strong woman that does not shy away from anything. She punched a man in the face, twice (for very good reason), on her travels, shocking her travelling companion into quickly realising she was not meek and mild as assumed.
She has many health problems, but this really did not get much air play. The author listed the many therapies she has tried and tells us how people have called her a drug addict. She needs drugs for chronic pain, and she has many ailments. But again, this is not complained about, only discussed. The author wants to be heard, not pitied, treated with respect, not offered advice from others who have not suffered sickness.
Recently I had faced some strange health situations. I did not handle myself with grace like Heather has, so I do take pause and have great respect for this attitude. She has a great rheumatologist (the same area I had problems), I am very pleased that she has a great doctor who has committed the condition Heather has to become one of her life projects and researching it for women sufferers.
I loved hearing about Tasmania, and her worldly travels. I have never considered hours upon hours of daily meditation or participated in sweat lodges – the author lists 53 therapies over 40 years. On the other hand, she tells us of her life’s work, travels, mothering, hiking, lobbying, running a successful business and being a writer all the while without the notion of any of these problems!
Her imagined tombstone would be I made the most of every moment. I think I would add to this the words with humour and grace.
I decided upon a four star rating as this woman has overcome much, has an amazing story, and is gifted in the telling. I over came my comparison to Eat Pray Love – this isn’t fair, and I take my hat off to Heather. Another little spark of goodness that came from this experience, and encouraged me to read this book was that my spirited 19 year old daughter was in Bruny the day I requested this book from the publisher. (A novel of that name is one of the aforementioned books I need to read).
May I say, as a definite extra bonus with this book, as I alternated between hard copy and audio - this was one instance where the autor excelled in narrating her own story, I don't think this should always be carried out, but Heather delivered remarkably here. I think narrator should be added to her already huge repertoire!
With my thanks and gratitude from Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy to read and review. I love the books on offer from this publishing house....more
Well written and of course the prose wonderful, and not a word wasted. This is the type of book I read but don't devour or resonate with. Literary ficWell written and of course the prose wonderful, and not a word wasted. This is the type of book I read but don't devour or resonate with. Literary fiction and I seem to share a complicit relationship, and on the other hand, I see why others love it. Love the genre, and love this book.
This book was full of wonderful writing, the words flowed and had many clever and intricate layers. Smart observations between women of different generations, with much to separate them in life experience, but then so much joining them in sameness as well.
Frances Egan, an academic, a delusioned one at that, experiences a one night affair with her 'Mongolian lover' whilst on a work trip abroad. This changes her life forever. I did not enjoy the constant internal meanderings on this. It was too much. She thought about it incessantly, and I'm not sure how the man thought. The book was not meant to show his side.
Hating her job, the partriarchy of a university she works hard for, we hear much of this disalusionment. It was depressing, she was depressed. It made me depressed. Her workplace was a former assylum; she got her hands on the diaries of a former inmate and thus began a relationship between these women. One in her 40's, the other in her 80's. They bond and have much in common about the meaning and tradjectorie of their unusually intertwined lives.
Frances' family loved her, they were good people but they did notice the change in her after the trip and affair.
It was a rambling story which I did not form an attachment to, one of those that I'm just not sure what the meaning was meant to be. Others will catch it, I did not.
With my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my advanced proof copy which provided the basis of this review....more
Unfortunately, this wasn't a hit for me. Dialogue heavy, being told as opposed to a natural unfolding, I was reading soley to see 'what everyone who lUnfortunately, this wasn't a hit for me. Dialogue heavy, being told as opposed to a natural unfolding, I was reading soley to see 'what everyone who liked this saw' and somehow thought this may be an interesting ending to a mystery. I wasn't impressed that dialogue between lead character and the token kelpie was used to impart information.
Lots of townsfolk, a touch of name soup, and a watery mystery at best, I heard more about the food the characters were eating than anything else to make this a little meatier. Constant telling of afternoon/morning tea doesn't make for interesting reading for this reader.
There was no substance, and I was left wanting.
I wasn't even sure if the romancey part was any good as this is not my genre, but when the push pull part finally came to fruition, there was not even a love scene. The two main characters were to cool things off because I don't even know why (!), so I'm afraid I didn't even benefit from the romance building.
It looks as though I may not be the target audience for this rural romance, but hopefully I'm fussy and others will embrace it.
With thanks to Better Reading Magazine for my physical copy to read and review. ...more
Covering the week where a sensitive young boy, Denny, goes missing in the hot dry South Australian outback in 1883. This book covered a lot of ground,Covering the week where a sensitive young boy, Denny, goes missing in the hot dry South Australian outback in 1883. This book covered a lot of ground, of those who looked for Denny, those who came across him, and his family. The trackers tasked to find him and the various towns folk who were a mixed menagerie of cultures, occupations, social standing, and ethnicity.
They ranged from landowners, to newlyweds, Afghan cameleers, Swedish artists, maids amongst the large cast.
A very well written book, it is clear this author would be a gifted teacher in creative writing, where she both studied and taught in Australia and America.
Literary fiction isn’t a favoured genre for me, and this book missed my emotional investment, but there is no question about the remarkable imagery as the sun and the mountains in this rough and unforgiving terrain that haunt all the individuals in this story.
I loved some characters – Denny’s sister was remarkable, and I disliked others – the newlywed wife. The scene with her and the cameleer made me sad.
A remarkable effort to produce an evocative and serious literary book, fans of this genre will appreciate its richness.
I would rate this as 4 stars for the writing, 2 for my enjoyment: therefore, I sit in the middle at 3 stars. Recommended for lovers of Australian literature, they will not be disappointed in this reading experience.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy for review....more
All the emotions I’ve come to expect from this talented Aussie author are here. Themes of the underdog, resilience, family, friendship, tolerance, greAll the emotions I’ve come to expect from this talented Aussie author are here. Themes of the underdog, resilience, family, friendship, tolerance, greed, gluttony, strength of human spirit, acceptance and simply being kind are part of what makes this another solid strong book, in times that are not always smooth sailing in the world today.
Provoked MANY thoughts in this reader today. In fact, I hit stop (I physically read and listened to the audio format at various times) and thought about it for SO long.
I was pretty much hounding my girlfriend Jo, who was reading at the same time, for her thoughts on the ending. It was good to be able to discuss.
I adore the overarching themes (there is no other way to say this) that encapsulates what it means to be good, kind, and spirited.. and of course, what it means to be the opposite. We also hear about the nature of community and hard work, sustainability, drought, and being oneself – kids and adults alike!
Annie is quirky, she isn’t like all the other kids at school and heartbreakingly friendless, she adopts the cheeky little dog the town has called Runt, others think he’s more than cheeky, the constable wants to detain him (sirens and all) but this dog only has eyes for Annie, and Annie adores her companion.
The lovely town name of Upson Downs – this book is perfect in the audio format as this just sounds so real – is the home of Annie and her family who are sheep farmers. What captured my heart with this one (what didn’t?!) were the audio sequences where Annie leads Runt through obstacles courses, that are paramount to the story.
The ‘GO GO GO GO! BACK! STAY!’ commands must be heard to be believed. They feel live to the listening ear. I felt I was in the stands waving my Akubra!
Narrator Genevieve Hegney commands a performance I honestly have never seen before (I listen to more than one audio a week). It was delightful, exciting, and believable. My son is ten and I would love to see this book read to the class.
Craig Silvey as always packs many themes into his story (there really are so many), and this one is presented like an exciting stage play, spoken in a simple manner befitting the time, place and audience level. This is not to say it is a novel for younger readers, this is for everyone.
Runt is a must-read novel where we face up to more than one villain, yes, that is you Fergus Fink! And the dastardly gluttonous Earl Robert-Barron (don’t you just love the name). Annie has the weight of the world on her shoulders, but it is through her that we see how to learn to be our best self, no matter how that may look.
With beautiful and original illustrations by Sara Acton that add to the understated grandness of this book, this package is combined for great things to come, and I convey my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my physical uncorrected proof copy.
Meeting the author at an event tonight added another layer of complexity for me. Learning about the writing process and the transformation of an idea come to fruition. Not just a job, or a pen to paper affair. So much in the pipeline for these characters, and many more from this author we have allowed into our hearts. I’m spent!...more
Pleasantly this book was a hit for me. With my reading the author has always been polarising, but I enjoyed it, and, as usual, learned lots.
This was Pleasantly this book was a hit for me. With my reading the author has always been polarising, but I enjoyed it, and, as usual, learned lots.
This was co written by two authors, covering a wide range of social topics, just as Jodi Picoult is well known for. The main topic in this is presented very sympathetically, sensitively and with fact. It is co written by someone that has walked a mile in the character’s shoes, which in this instance, is very important.
I also learned a great deal, and this is important to me.
Threaded together by the life of bees, the care of them, their gender code, their fluidity. Prior to reading this, I thought this topic may take over, or that this was the main theme, which it is not. It is what binds all the issues together. Lily’s mother works in the outdoors, she is a ranger with great knowledge, and her descriptions of the love and care for them is satisfying and never boring.
Asher and Lily are young and in love, but this is not to be. Lilly is found dead at the bottom of her stairs, and Asher is charged with her murder. What follows is the learning of everyone’s backgrounds, Asher’s fractured relationship with his father, a very unlikable doctor, and how his parent’s past is very dark and secret filled.
Lily’s relationship with her parents, and the secrets there. The real reasons for Lily’s constant moving with her mother, and the lies buried and truths hidden.
This book is well written, the co-writing is not an issue and the transition is smooth; all voices are as interesting and unique as they are meant to be. There is no jarring.
The mystery element makes for edge of your seat reading, and the court scenes and trial heart wrenching and believable. We realise that secrets and truths are hidden for myriad of reasons, but one must open their heart to understand the ‘who’, not the ‘what’.
The adolescent’s voices were all very mature, but this may be because Asher and Lilly were mature lead characters with an important story to tell.
Recommended for readers from young adult and above, this was a great reading experience. With my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review....more
There are a lot of memoirs out there, and of course, a lot of stories to be told. This may not suit every reader though, and I was not enthralled by tThere are a lot of memoirs out there, and of course, a lot of stories to be told. This may not suit every reader though, and I was not enthralled by this story, I was pleased it was not a large book.
Though well written, I may possibly have resonated more had I known more about the author’s father, artist with iconic status, Charles Blackman.
As with many troubled creatives, he was a chronic alcoholic, and his family suffered dreadfully. Forced to see things she shouldn’t have seen, including abuse and inappropriate things constantly, his daughter was witness to a lot of bad. Careless adults only activities seen by children, and the list goes on.
Adults not protecting the young, and adults in positions of power doing the wrong thing again and again. And some children she came across were deeply troubled as well, no supervision, $20 for the night and come back tomorrow.
Graphic small scenes detailing abuse, including a dog, this is a very sad story. Written well by an author who was eventually able to say goodbye to her father and find eventual peace.
With my thanks to Allen & Unwin for my physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review, I think readers with knowledge of this family may appreciate this more. ...more
I love the cover of this one. So many secrets, so many liars. I found this quite busy, and this is what stood in the way of this being a goo3.5 stars.
I love the cover of this one. So many secrets, so many liars. I found this quite busy, and this is what stood in the way of this being a good read, versus an excellent one, for me.
This is a story of a tight, coastal community, where many of the older generation don’t move away to the city, and past tensions and wrongs are always simmering, close to the surface, worsening and threatening to erupt. Corruption and greed are themes here, as is common in this genre.
Told in many voices via the many characters, each chapter labelled. I found this necessary as there were so many.
Meri is a local journalist, fighting to get quality articles out there. Her boss only wants to put happy articles in, reluctant to push for more meaty articles. He’s definitely a sneaky one and surely receiving kickbacks or benefits.
Toxic men are here as well, watching each other’s backs without a care in the world.
This book contains Indigenous themes, environmental issues, and LGTBQ issues amongst this small town, and a lot of intolerance.
A young crusader, following in mum’s footsteps, Meri’s daughter finds a skull in the area surrounding the caves, while avoiding the drinking and drugging that goes on there, just as it did in her parent’s times. She is determined to bring to light the wrong doings of the town, which date back to the early times of the founders. She is falling for Kyle, an indigenous boy related to the town’s elders, she is passionate for past wrongs to be bought to light.
The next generation are doing the same thing in the caves, which Meri does not realise. Drinking, drugging and generally boys behaving badly while taking advantage of young women.
I was left unsure about the ending, but I realise I am an outlier with this book. Most readers enjoyed this one more than I. I just read Six Minutes from this author, which I enjoyed more.
With many thank to Allen & Unwin for my physical uncorrected proof copy to read and review....more
Surprisingly, this was a win for me. A dystopian feminine western is my take on this, which I thought be a clever and well written book.
There's a gSurprisingly, this was a win for me. A dystopian feminine western is my take on this, which I thought be a clever and well written book.
There's a great wide world out there, Chelsea, and not all of us live trapped inside a prsion ..towns full of starved-to-death bodies because the people bought the lie..
The bare bones of the serious themes I felt were a vicious and violent control over a collective group led by fear, violence, ignorance, and greed. The fear of an unknown contagion, and rapidly declining food and water makes for a miserable and dusty town. Darkwater is a good name this insipidous place.
At the helm of this mayhem is Granger, he is feared and revered in equal measure; his town is ruled by him, but we so easily see he is weak, ignorant, and mean. He relies on rumour and misinformation to fester, and fester it does to the extreme.
His town is backward, stock and humans die often and we see this loss is a constant, also spurring on the negativity and despair.
Chelsea is the female interest of the ruler, she is barely a woman, taking a false refuge with this man as her father was pushed out of the locked gates after her mother died of the ‘sickness’ these townsfolk assumed was the contagion. This backward place has locked gates, everything is falling apart, the solar panels are supposedly broken and most unusable, as is any outside communication via the radio. Chelsea does not know what a radio is.
Granger’s men and young boys beat, punish, and kill those who do supposed wrong; these followers appear to not be able to think for themselves.
Chelsea needs board and lodging, she is homeless, and Granger seeks a woman to abuse, rape and control. She is his woman child as I see it.
The tavern serves as a central spot where men drink and continue to show their awful selves. A couple of women seem to have elements of good, the schoolteacher and old healing lady. It is very surprising for all when The Stranger rides into town on her horse, strong, determined, fearless and reckless – not a good mix for ignorant and weak men. The Stranger has the knack of winning emotionally, physically, and spiritually, all without using a gun. Unlike the barbaric men. This enigmatic woman delivered every movement of body and of speech with an understated aura. She was quite remarkable.
This strange woman begins to usurp their leaders’ secrets and the fear and lies embedded into the town over decades begin to see light.
Chelsea can have ‘her’ Suzze – my name! – she learns that retribution and revenge are not worth their perceived value and that strength and leadership qualities do not need to hail from a man. She is smart and knows this is her turn, and The Stranger is her gift, as she is to the whole damned town.
Recommended big time – and my sincere thanks to Allen & Unwin for my uncorrected proof copy which I enjoyed immeasurably and surprisingly which is even better! The books provided by this publisher make me plunge into unkown waters time and time again, and I really believe this is what it's all about....more
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