Sometimes I know how I come across the books I read, this time I’m not even sure. Possibly I saw it during Pride month. I do love (that may sound straSometimes I know how I come across the books I read, this time I’m not even sure. Possibly I saw it during Pride month. I do love (that may sound strange) stories about AIDS as I too, had a family member die in St Vincent’s Sydney 1980's, as this story does. And he had ‘the cancer’ just like Thomas’s dad did right here.
This story teaches us so much. I was trying to work out what I’d say about it. Two women, one theme. Love.
Dylin wrote this as part of their PhD. I’m kind of in awe. I don’t know how writers do what they do sometimes, and they’ve done it in this book. This is a dense piece, it is serious, it is deep, contemplative, and harsh. The other moments are love and light and water and warmth.
I’m a cisgender white woman. I don’t have to explain myself or be judged. I don’t have to feel all the feelings we hear from these two women in this smashing story. And smash through it does. It teaches the reader a lot through fiction, but the reader knows there is so much poured into this of the the nonfiction variety.
A Language of Limbs to me, tells the reader what it is like to push against what everybody else does not have to push against.
A woman falling to the ground, by the hands of a man who in his day job wears a uniform, for him to have his life, for her to be no longer. (I should have written the quote down but as I was doing the audio version of this I was quite transfixed).
For a father, husband, friend to be shunned at the pub because he had the virus.
For the young girl having found her first love and her first experience to be punched to the ground by her father.
For the young girl to love her Irish family so much to not tell them the truth about her true self. For her love of her life to not be able to say goodbye because of this.
I did feel the heft at times, I was tired this week and it did weigh on me. Ironically this weight is felt by the queer community so much.
..and as he finds his way inside me I exhale all the parts of me that imagined something else.
I implore curious readers to read this book, and Dylin, you made me think, learn, and understand. What a fabulous outcome.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library, the only minor audio observation I had was doing accents is tricky, I enjoy it when they are done well. Here there were only little twangs, and not all of the time. Apart from the accents, it was great.
I finally have read Matthew Reilly! I am on a short story kick. This is not my genre, but if it was, it would get a five.
This narration was amazing, I finally have read Matthew Reilly! I am on a short story kick. This is not my genre, but if it was, it would get a five.
This narration was amazing, completely suiting the action, the vibe and the super heroes fighting it out for their prospective countries.
Russia and America. The supreme fight between good and evil, each country having their superpower rulers. Each one had a family of supreme offspring, whether they were conceived naturally. Or not. Cobalt was my fave.
An action pack fight for good and evil, the evil was pure hatred. It was kind of slapstick, the younger audience will love it. Lots of death, though.
This was fun and wild, I am not target audience, but if I was, it would be a 5⭐...more
Another new to me author, I picked this up on my foray into novellas. The premise of a mother/daughters relationship interested me - I am both these tAnother new to me author, I picked this up on my foray into novellas. The premise of a mother/daughters relationship interested me - I am both these things.
This mother is ageing, the trip is Japan. I sense a deeper issue to this story. The women hail from Australia, the daughter more forthright. Tradition, subservience, the inability to speak out created a constriction within the mother which to me felt quite cumbersome.
A well written literary fiction piece, with much said beneath the surface. Important themes of family and relationship, I felt a disconnect between these women, though I am not sure this was the desired outcome. As they investigate museums, galleries and other areas of interest, the trip was a meandering one, certainly not filled with adventure. The trip is a simple premise, the resulting layers are not.
Those who enjoy literary fiction will enjoy the intricacy of this novella, it's not my fave genre but that's ok. I like delving outside my zone.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my public library.
I am on a little crusade to find small books. BorrowBox and my public library have been able to furnish a large choice. First published in 1984 by @teI am on a little crusade to find small books. BorrowBox and my public library have been able to furnish a large choice. First published in 1984 by @textpublishing, here we have stalwart Helen Garner tell a simple yet affecting story of Athena and Dexter more firmly bound by the care of their boys, one ‘severely disabled’. “There’s nobody in there” proclaims Athena.
This parenting of a disabled child is hard work, Garner does not shy away from this. I am stating nothing revelatory here when I say HG is amazing, her books are course material at universities. She takes us into the world of the 1980’s Melbourne, reading of times before tech, a phone free music gig, normal things. This is what she does, tells the reader the comings and goings of the ordinary, delivered in a way that is as far away as the ordinary one could imagine.
Athena’s imagination veers toward the deaths of family members, the delivery of this revelatory info just popped out there, nothing flash.
This married couple’s life is disrupted by the arrival of sisters Elizabeth and Vicki. The elder having been involved with Dexter in times gone by. The arrival of the sisters and the musician partner of the eldest, forms a collision of people in Melbourne suburbia.
..they held eyes the woman made the grimace and Elizabeth returned it. Corners of the mouth go down, head tilts to one side, shoulders come up in a shrug. ‘Are they worth it?’. It was a secret showing of badges, of scars. Had Poppy seen? It would contaminate her. But Poppy was finishing a chapter.
Garner lacks fanfare, I love this. She says a lot about a lot, using the bare minimum. I wonder what teachers would say about this, in real academic terms. I wish these were my texts in my HSC in 93’ it would have been perfect timing. I instead was delivered Chaucer. As if my little brain could understand that!...more
A delighted reader was I, flying along with this informed and quality work. It’s times like this a reader chides themselves with the age-old adage ‘whA delighted reader was I, flying along with this informed and quality work. It’s times like this a reader chides themselves with the age-old adage ‘why have I not read this author before now?!’ Devouring this believable, compelling, and propulsive thriller to the extent I had not experienced for a long while. An engrossing twisty thread chock full of meaty subjects, whilst heavy, carrying the reader through extreme emotions without faltering. Fully immersed in the female camaraderie, the desperation of escape, and the true caring of reliable protagonists who I felt close to and protected by; I felt I knew them. Absorbing the feeling of evil in which they were fleeing, while attempting to bring to justice made for a terrific read. I loved the right characters; I hated the others with vehemence. Alan Carter has hit the nail on the head with smart writing and faultlessly crafted characters which made it hard to put down. Wanting my lunch break to be longer (what is wrong with stealing some work time to read?!) Here we have an established author clearly shining and I loved it. My copy has a full dance card right now – a sure sign of success.
With thanks to @fremantlepress and @goodreadingmag for my copy to read and review as part of the Early Bird Read. ...more
This was a fantastic thriller, I sped through it in no time. I think the vicinity being so local, and the familiarity with the themes, parenting, sociThis was a fantastic thriller, I sped through it in no time. I think the vicinity being so local, and the familiarity with the themes, parenting, social media, children asserting their newfound freedoms, friendship, family finances. All this was relatable.
A married couple having difficulties, a wife facing cancer treatment and fighting to get back to work while holding her family together, Rachel is a strong, if not flawed woman. Her husband Rory is a great father, a hard worker who has just recently gone through bankruptcy after a failed business.
Rory loves his wife fiercely and is dealing with a current relationship problem authentically, I believe the way he dealt with his wife, and the children’s knowledge of this well. The author has approached this issue sensitivity.
Rachel and Rory's children are at an age where self confidence and self esteem are at a pivotal moment in time, these issues are interwoven into the narrative to build something solid, and as the story builds momentum we watch the characters grow, their family commitment growing in strength.
What I found in this well written novel was a relatable family committed to each other in finding their missing loved one, as we follow a good mystery with believable red herrings, told via well drawn characters, each of them providing an important part of the puzzle.
The setting was very close to home, the grounds of the SCG, even my son’s school was mentioned a few times, with these descriptions being apt and spot on. The location of the crime being a Coldplay concert really made me feel this was a contemporary and realistic setting.
The first book I’ve read by this author, I have some on my shelves and I will read more. Highly recommended.
I listened via the Libby platform and my public library. My book of the month....more
All of my book friends know historical fiction is not usually my first choice, but when I do foray into times gone by, I love it when it strikes a choAll of my book friends know historical fiction is not usually my first choice, but when I do foray into times gone by, I love it when it strikes a chord. My goodness this book did just that.
I’m grateful to have the publisher send me this physical copy to read and review, thank you @echopublishing. The book is already en route to its next reader, a sure sign of success - I love the cyclical nature of a physical book's trajectory. To the author, oh my. I hope you are so proud of this story! I’m always in awe of how seamlessly a story is absorbed, I am aware of the blood, sweat and tears that goes on before it reaches my hand.
.. I wondered why God would make it so easy for men to build such a straight, honest looking thing to harbour all that’s crooked and dark and evil.
I am a Sydneysider, as the first few pages mention Windsor, and further progressing, Parramatta, this added an extra layer. I love envisioning the locales, and into Sarah Evan’s world I was completely transported. This was made possible by the exemplary work (and passion) in researching the facts of this real-life woman, the research into the proceedings of Sarah’s trial and visiting the areas in London where Bernice Barry laid out her story. The portrayal of societal norms of the times and the clarity of this time and place in my mind made possible with remarkable writing skill.
It is important to know that while this story does contain fact, the author has skillfully woven fiction into the narrative. Can historical fiction be a read full of heightened suspense, anticipation, and anxiety? Indeed, it can. This book was all of this and much more. I truly stayed up late to finish Sarah’s quest.
The contrast of beautiful maternal love and female kinship, and the bonds that tie us together by circumstance, to the tragic evil and appalling actions of those in positions of power to continually flaunt their evil was breathtaking. The generations produced by these dark men were pointed, characters crafted so magnificently that I was so entrenched in feeling the worst of the worst, I felt the depravity.
Ultimately this story of bravery, resilience and spirit overcame the negative feelings and horror which stirred inside of me, Sarah’s journey is inspiring, remarkable, and moving, just as the quality of this wonderful book. The author is a teacher, those who learn the craft from her are lucky ones indeed!
Perhaps it’s a foolish notion, but I think we leave something of ourselves behind us when we come and go, our memories left like peelings dropped by the wayside, dead skins of a day that’s done with. ...more
What a sweet read this was, in keeping with what the author is known for. Female friendship, familial relationships with a little mystery thrown in.
LyWhat a sweet read this was, in keeping with what the author is known for. Female friendship, familial relationships with a little mystery thrown in.
Lyrebird Lake is a lovely place, Hannah is looking for a fresh start for her and her son. Deemed homeless after the death of her husband, a family keep sake leads her there.
Hopeful for work and accommodation, they've been sleeping rough. Their arrival to this town leads to lovely people with histories of their own.
This story blends two generations and timelines, shown from each woman's perspectives. Serious themes prevalent of the times were central to this story.
One character was most unlikable, unable to show love to her family, I was left wondering at the end what was to become of her.
This is an easy read highlighting the complexity of times gone by and rigid beliefs these times were synonymous for. Thanks to @henrymarlene for my gifted copy, what a joy it is to share books....more
The Moriarty girls always deliver a meaty read, I enjoy the familiar settings of Sydney, and the watching from afar of normal people going about t3.5⭐
The Moriarty girls always deliver a meaty read, I enjoy the familiar settings of Sydney, and the watching from afar of normal people going about their every day lives where ‘normal’ really does not exist.
Human failings stemming from troubled childhoods are usually the key, and Harriet is no exception. She is the woman that appears to have it all, hard hitting and beautiful, she makes her own rules. An open relationship with her husband, who appears to have no say in any of this, makes you really want to wring this man’s neck. She has control of a crowd, calling every shot in every facet of her selfish life.
Told from a handful of perspectives while Harriet lies dying in a pool of blood, a most intricate plot designed to make the reader work hard for the answer.
Malek her long-suffering husband who seems to be completely under her thumb. Her demands on Malek while organising her ‘surprise’4oth are appalling. I did not like a thing about her.
The school mum, Karen, angry and resentful, getting ready to go to this party when she really despises Harriet as well.
Lastly Victoria, a smart woman, under the spell of Harriett who should know better, who we witness growing in strength and gradually reconciling who her lover really is.
The author really does know how to build her crew of characters seamlessly. Each of these flawed individuals crafted for the reader as if they are known to us with insecurities and failings so prevalent with each (mis)step. The plot is remarkably clever, including relevant themes of social media, and the insidious results of untruths and living selfishly without regard for those you really should be treating so much better.
This was a slow build up, I’m not sure this was worth the resulting ending, but the voyeuristic look into the lives of this disparate group was entertaining and draw dropping in equal measure.
I listened to this via the BorrowBox app and my local library, the narration was excellent....more
This debut novel perplexed me a little. Written by a journalist who tells the story of an abducted journalist. To me seemed to be satirical, kind of hThis debut novel perplexed me a little. Written by a journalist who tells the story of an abducted journalist. To me seemed to be satirical, kind of humorous in a weird way, which created the confusion and disconnect. In the end left wondering if I was the only thinking this way? Which was the main take way, an issue that can’t be a good thing.
Taken and raped by an affronted and troubled young man, who took offence at a drunken remark made by the victim on a girl’s night out.
While being held captive, she looks back into the way she herself reported cases, how her case would be reported now. Her interactions with the abductor were off to me, I think I had the overarching feeling of the crime wasn’t real, there may be something that comes up to sort out the mystery in my head. There wasn’t any answer to this in the end.
The bumbling and slow way the detectives set about the case, the dialogue of the boyfriend who absolutely had nothing to do with her disappearance was almost slapstick. He and the best friend decided to go down to where her mobile phone was found in the Southern Highlands of NSW, their interactions, the way the best friend dropped her dog to a relative to look after, it was all insignificant, missing any kind of seriousness.
A very unusual book full of strange dialogue, I will say this book was in no way badly written, my feeling of confusion was consistent, leading to a disconnect which was disappointing. I am sure many others will enjoy this more, it was a small book which didn’t take me long on the audio format.
I listened to this on the Libby app via my public library. One definite observation was the audio narration by Sacha Horler was definitely presented in a comical way, it was very reactional, busy, and quite manic. I wonder if any listeners had a similar experience with this?...more
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