Bonnie
Picked this up randomly as a ‘blind date with a book'. Will not be going on a second date.
If I'd read one of the other books in the series I may have enjoyed this more. It was interesting enough but I found the split storylines somewhat jarring. There are plot holes and no obvious character development.
Historical fiction is my jam and this book is everything you want in a novel. Well researched, intriguing, plausible and relevant, it ticks all the boxes for me. Probably my favourite book of the year so far.
I really enjoyed it and didn't want it to end. I wish it was a little easier to remember all the characters and their connections, because there are many.
It is an interesting mix of story, ‘research' and modern-day storyline that has a twist people don't seem to appreciate.
I expected more analysis of the key issues (systematic sexism and violence, cover-ups and allied relations) but this was more implied through the stories than discussed. Overall, a very worthwhile read for anyone who loves history, particularly WWII history.
I can't wait to read more from Melanie.
A wonderful introduction to the Gabriel Allon character series. Looking forward to reading more of them! I enjoyed the detail and the characters. It felt a little too drawn out at times with not much depth, but overall an enjoyable read
There's a lot of heart and character here. The POV's grapple with God was striking. Pardon the pun. Definitely worth a read.
Not entirely sure how this book makes me feel. Disturbed, but intruiged by the tension and unspoken pain felt by all, is probably the best way I can describe it. I was unsettled to discover I could relate to more than one character, and I loved the way the female bond of friendship or sisterhood is the centre of this whole tome.
I love art so I enjoyed all the references to the painting process and the contentiousness of introducing new styles into the art world. Even though the story begins in 1930 Melbourne, there are virtually no references to that time period in Australia, other than the art. The language and mannerisms of the characters appear more like it could have been the 1970s. It is as though all the characters are in a bubble of both their own making and the author's. There is a lot conveyed without words or actions here. Masterful and brilliant.
A sweet story of survival and finding love on the Victorian Goldfields, set at the time of the Eureka Stockade tragedy. I really appreciate that the author tackled domestic violence, PTSD and corruption in this story.
I really wanted to love this series, especially as the lead is supposed to be a social worker, but it just hasn't gripped me at all.
This book had me LOLing within just a few minutes, on public transport. I loved the slightly rediculous but very relatable trouble that Frankie keeps getting into. And the literary references, be still my heart!! The comments on her blog were some of my favourite moments. If you love books and a bit of drama and romance, you'll love this one!
I'm a big fan of Jane's writing, and I'll keep reading her books for sure, but I can't say I really enjoyed this book. Honest review ahead.
I have been hiking many times and a tour company sending inexperienced people out with minimal supplies or guidance, is well known as a recipe for disaster, which is exactly what happens, no surprise. No EPIRB, no phones, no idea how they even got insurance for the trip!
The relationship between Alice and Lauren was quite interesting and the only convincing one.
The main sub plot didn't get discussed by anyone except the police, it felt like an excuse for them to be involved, nothing more, and financial division police wouldn't be on a missing person case, tramping the bush. Jane captures the isolation and eeriness of the bush well, I'll give her that. It can be a frightening place when things get tough.
I think this is a little gem. It left me feeling angry and sad that a life was taken so soon because contraception and childbirth were still taboo and hardly understood. I am glad people have written about Georgiana so that she gets the recognition she deserves for contributing to the study of botany in Australia.
I admire Heather's work to capture the lived experience of survivors. The relatively privileged role of the Tätowierer is one I have not read about before, outside of the extensive hype around this book. For me the best parts were Lale's interactions with a certain Dr, his guardian B, and characters like Nadya. The writing leaves a lot to be desired. I think it's worth reading, with an open mind.
It's a dramatic bio, with so many bizarre but certainly true events, bundled into a shallow dive into a person's character. I imagine the trauma prevented a deeper dive, which brings me to my next point.
Clunky random references to an oedipal complex and an obsession with women left a sour taste in my mouth. The author even thanks her 18yr daughter for letting 90 year old Lale flirt with her during the interview process. Weird.
I love how this book deals with life in the outback. Unflinchingly, and accurately. While the undercurrent is quite familiar to me, professionally and personally, it still leaves me speechless when it is written so well.
I feel like this could have been lovely, but I got so confused with all the sub plots and it dragged on and on, so it's a no from me. I like books that have a literary protagonist or theme and I was hoping this would focus more on that, but no...
I see a lot of reviews saying they hated the characters, especially the women. I actually even liked Anna by the end of it. The gaslighting, emotional abuse and control exhibited by all the male characters is typical domestic violence. They get the the victims to think they're crazy, or stupid, or vulnerable, say that it's them making things up, imagining stuff. This is not rare, provoked behaviour. I hope this book has sparked conversations about PTS, grief and addiction.
The story dragged, and I didn't enjoy it, but I felt compelled to finish, and some of the character growth was quite deep.
It will have you longing for Scotland, for books, and for fresh, organic food. I enjoyed this book, apart from feeling a little irritated at the main character's snarky, do-gooder attitude. I like the emphasis on community and living away from the rat race.
I really enjoyed it and I loved seeing homebirthing honoured alongside traditional and low intervention practices. A great little read
Difficult to read but a powerful and compelling story of survival. Bri doesn't shy away from sharing the impact of trauma, and how small victories can make all the difference.