Reunion bookcover (Courtesy: HarperCollins Australia) I wanted to love Andrea Goldsmith's Reunion. And I expected to, as I remember enjoying the last book of hers that I read. But, somehow, I found it a bit of chore to read, though it did pick up towards the end. I think I understand why it was not listed … Continue reading Andrea Goldsmith, Reunion
Review – Novels
Shaun Tan, Eric
When I bought Eric on a whim the other day (as you do!), I didn't realise that it had been excerpted from Shaun Tan's Tales from outer suburbia which I haven't yet read, but have given to others. That's okay though, because it means that I've finally read a little of Shaun Tan, something I've wanted to … Continue reading Shaun Tan, Eric
Alex Miller, Lovesong
Lovesong is my first Alex Miller novel, which is a bit embarrassing, really, given that he has won the Miles Franklin Award twice. John was the quiet type ... Except when he was telling me his story. Even then there was something quiet and private in the way he spoke about himself and Sabiha; as … Continue reading Alex Miller, Lovesong
Thea Astley, The multiple effects of rain shadow (Review)
There are two main reasons why I like - actually love - to read Thea Astley. One is her language, her wonderful way with words that may, at times, be over-the-top but that is never clichéd. The other is her passion for the underdog, and thus for social justice in a world where it is … Continue reading Thea Astley, The multiple effects of rain shadow (Review)
Jeanette Winterson, Oranges are not the only fruit
As I was reading Jeanette Winterson's novella Oranges are not the only fruit, the question, rightly or wrongly, that was uppermost in my mind was "What is it with the oranges?" Is there something about oranges that I don't know? Something specific that they symbolise? I racked (wracked) my brain for something in my literary … Continue reading Jeanette Winterson, Oranges are not the only fruit
David Malouf, Ransom
Words are powerful. They too can be the agents of what is new, of what is conceivable and can be thought and let loose on the world. (p. 61) Is risk-taking only the province of the young? Do desperate times call for desperate measures? Or, more to the point, can the impossible be made possible? … Continue reading David Malouf, Ransom
Helen Garner, The children’s Bach
I've said a few times now that I rarely reread books, and then go on to write about something I've re-read. I must look like a liar, but the fact is that if I've liked a book so much that I've reread it it's likely to find its way here. The funny thing is, though, … Continue reading Helen Garner, The children’s Bach
Sawako Ariyoshi, The doctor’s wife
The doctor's wife is the third Ariyoshi novel that I've read. The other two - The River Ki and The twilight years - I read well over a decade ago. According to Wikipedia The doctor's wife is considered her best novel. All, though, are fascinating reads providing an insight into a culture which is so different … Continue reading Sawako Ariyoshi, The doctor’s wife
Sarah Waters, The little stranger
I'm not quite sure I know where to start with this one - the ghost story that isn't. Or is it? The little stranger is my second Sarah Waters' novel. I found The night watch riveting, and I did see and enjoy (but not read) her very Dickensian Fingersmith. Like The night watch, The little stranger was … Continue reading Sarah Waters, The little stranger
Jorge Amado, Gabriela, clove and cinnamon
How could you resist reading a book with a title like this? I don't manage to read all the books scheduled for the various bookgroups I belong to, but when this one came up I decided it was a must - because it was by a non-Anglo writer and one I hadn't read before, and … Continue reading Jorge Amado, Gabriela, clove and cinnamon
Whispering Gums 