I've just spent a weekend with these ladies and I think I've fallen a bit in love with each of them through each of their turmoils. The writing perfecI've just spent a weekend with these ladies and I think I've fallen a bit in love with each of them through each of their turmoils. The writing perfectly captures the shifting dynamics of long-time friendships between a trio of women in their early '70s, as they get together for a weekend at Christmas, to tidy out their beloved deceased friends holiday house at a Northern Sydney beach. These women have all done a lot of living and know some of each others secrets better than they know their own. A quick and deceptively easy reading experience. I admire the nuanced way Charlotte Wood carried this out. If I had any complaint it's that I really didn't want to leave these ladies after coming to care about what happens to them. Highly recommended....more
There's a lot in this novel firmly set in remote Tassie. I'll be updating soon with a completed review but just saying here, that I finished it with aThere's a lot in this novel firmly set in remote Tassie. I'll be updating soon with a completed review but just saying here, that I finished it with a smile on my face after having read an excellent book. Heather Rose really did deliver!...more
This is one of the most originally structured novels I've read this year. In fact, I've never read a novel with this form of structure. There are threThis is one of the most originally structured novels I've read this year. In fact, I've never read a novel with this form of structure. There are three forms of narration: The voice of August told in a direct narration. August is a modern, young Indigenous woman returning home to her grandfather's funeral after an extended absence in The UK. Still struggling with the lose of her sister as a child; The voice of her Grandfather, Poppy Albert, told in a dictionary of Aboriginal Wiradjuri language. Each entry sparks another revealing part of the story; and lastly, there is a serial letter by the founder of a Lutheran Aboriginal mission of German origins.
All three narrations, coming from different directions, piece together to form a powerful story. Similarities could be drawn from reality when people are forming a strong basis for land claims.
I've read many indigenous author's works and always had a strong interest in the Indigenous Australian experience, so much of the material covered in the novel is not new to me but I was still struck by it's power. The author handles some of the more brutal experiences with a light hand, making it easier on the conscious to read. Very deftly done.
This novel will be making a strong appearance on many an Australian Prize lists in 2019/2020. It's been called the fictional companion to Bruce Pascoe's Dark Emu and deservedly so.
Kate Forsyth is such a master story teller and she's done it again with this beautiful novel. Love the way she teases a story out of seemingly unrelatKate Forsyth is such a master story teller and she's done it again with this beautiful novel. Love the way she teases a story out of seemingly unrelated pieces of history. The French Revolution, a Welsh Gardener descended from French Huguenots, An aristocratic, legendary descended from The Lady in The Lake, from Merlin's tales and The tale of The Blue Rose from China and the journey of The Red rose from China to France. Brilliantly done. Looking forward to hearing her talk on this one....more
Lots of people have seem to write about their horrific Australian childhoods, from Albert Facey's "A Fortunate Life" to Rosie Waterland's "The Anti-CoLots of people have seem to write about their horrific Australian childhoods, from Albert Facey's "A Fortunate Life" to Rosie Waterland's "The Anti-Cool Girl". Corey White writes with particular clarity and with a dark humour about living with parents who were contradictory both loving and abusive. Living on the edge he and his sisters were then dragged up through the foster "care" system and all it's uncertainties. Once on the way to having a good life, he provides powerful insights about some of his self-sabotage along the way. I knew he'd had a harrowing time, I remembered seeing him tell a bit of his story on ABC TVs Australian Story TV series after some great success in Stand-up Comedy. I was a little hesitant about reading his story but found it compelling once I picked it up and he expertly guides us through his young life. Beautifully written. Empathetic but not in the least soppy about it. Phenomenally impressive. He's got a great mind, empathetic and intelligent, I hope he's around to share it for a long, long time.
This a sweet, sweet story. A warm hug. Sometimes providing a little sting to the heart-strings like you get from an extra strong Peppermint placed on This a sweet, sweet story. A warm hug. Sometimes providing a little sting to the heart-strings like you get from an extra strong Peppermint placed on the tip of your tongue. More of a review to come, or you can taste this delight for yourself :D...more
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