Really well researched, interesting read. I didn't realise the extent to which the Soviets had been conning the world. I can't believe that the debateReally well researched, interesting read. I didn't realise the extent to which the Soviets had been conning the world. I can't believe that the debate on this outdated industry rumbles on in to the 21st century. Go Sea Shepherd - keep up the good work and put it to bed once and for all....more
Great read - it got the hairs standing up on the back of my neck! Loved the atmosphere that was conjured up by the creepy setting and characters and tGreat read - it got the hairs standing up on the back of my neck! Loved the atmosphere that was conjured up by the creepy setting and characters and the story kept me guessing about what was going to happen right till the end. Inspired me to read Rebecca, which is also great....more
Really, really long - I had to persevere really hard in the middle as it was very slow going. I enjoyed the last third much better as the pace picked Really, really long - I had to persevere really hard in the middle as it was very slow going. I enjoyed the last third much better as the pace picked up during the main protagonists' journey to discover answers. I also felt a bit let down at the end as there were questions left unanswered and more than likely a set up for the sequel. After investing so much time in it i wanted it done and dusted in one book....more
My first Bryce Courtenay read and wow it was long - too long perhaps. I really enjoyed reading about life in Yankalille and Tommy and Mole's adventureMy first Bryce Courtenay read and wow it was long - too long perhaps. I really enjoyed reading about life in Yankalille and Tommy and Mole's adventures goin bush and fighting fires and the horrors of the POW camps in WWII, however the middle sections to do with Mike's fashion career and Sarah's entry to uni and even Bozo's boxing career just seemed to linger on a bit long for me. 50:50 as to whether I would read another BC....more
Didn't really grab me - DB rip-off with not as good story telling. Didn't finish it in the endDidn't really grab me - DB rip-off with not as good story telling. Didn't finish it in the end...more
This book uses a really interesting premise (The Slap at a suburban bbq) to explore the lives and loves of family and friends who bear witness to the This book uses a really interesting premise (The Slap at a suburban bbq) to explore the lives and loves of family and friends who bear witness to the incident. There are moments of good writing which provide real food for thought 鈥� I particularly liked the chapter about Manolis and his thoughts on ageing and death. However the overriding feeling about the book that you cannot escape from is how unlike able virtually all of the characters are and therefore it is so difficult to derive any empathy for them or care about any of the consequences of their decisions. Do we need to empathise with characters to enjoy a book or can we just look at it and accept the characters decisions for what they are and not judge? The answer to this question will tell you whether you are going to enjoy The Slap.
A far better example of story-telling from multiple character perspective is Sara Foster鈥檚 Come Back To Me. Here we find ourselves in the aftermath of a terrible tragedy which shapes the four main characters鈥� choices later in life as they aim to reconcile the past and move forward. Whilst the characters鈥� lives and feelings are very different from each other Foster鈥檚 expert storytelling allows us to understand motivations and decision making in a far more rewarding way than Tsiolkas in The Slap. ...more
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