Bonnie
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.
Hunger Games vs The Handmaids Tale, set in space. Glow probably has the least amount of detail I've ever read in scifi, which makes it all feel somewhat simplistic. I am invested in the story though and am looking forward to reading the next book.
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.
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
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.
Very well written and evenly paced. The various levels of subterfuge is cleverly done, leaving you frustrated and berwilded in turn. It's not 5 from me because I lost interest towards the end when the POV narrowed and became more procedural. It was such a different tone from the rest of the book.
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.
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 find the character of Don so endearing and I read this in almost one sitting, like the first book. I was quite frustrated with Rosie who made no attempt to sit down and have an actual conversation with Don at any time during the story. They were more like flatmates. I also love the men's group and how they try to help each other and end up in worse trouble but eventually it all works out.
This was a great read. The best parts were the parallel but slightly unfocused storylines of the trial and the survivors; and the way Pip unravells until she can't separate herself from her work at all. Definitely keen for the next book!
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.