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In the Company of Strangers
by
Liz Byrski
Ruby and Cat's friendship was forged on an English dockside over sixty years ago when, both fearful, they boarded a ship bound for Australia. It was a friendship that was supposed to last a lifetime but when news of Cat's death reaches Ruby back in London, it comes after a painful estrangement.
Declan has also drifted away from Cat, but he is forced back to his aunt's laven...more
Declan has also drifted away from Cat, but he is forced back to his aunt's laven...more
Paperback, 432 pages
Published
September 1st 2012
by PanMacmillan Australia
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3.5 stars
Several years ago I read Liz Byrski’s early novels in quick succession: Gang of Four (2004), Food Sex and Money (2005) and Belly Dancing for Beginners (2006). Whilst they were enjoyable enough, by the time I got through the third one it seemed rather familiar and formulaic, so I decided to bypass her subsequent works. But last week I picked up In the Company of Strangers from the library’s new release shelf, and drawn to the cover, blurb and setting, I gave it a go.
In the Company of Str...more
Several years ago I read Liz Byrski’s early novels in quick succession: Gang of Four (2004), Food Sex and Money (2005) and Belly Dancing for Beginners (2006). Whilst they were enjoyable enough, by the time I got through the third one it seemed rather familiar and formulaic, so I decided to bypass her subsequent works. But last week I picked up In the Company of Strangers from the library’s new release shelf, and drawn to the cover, blurb and setting, I gave it a go.
In the Company of Str...more
I loved the sense of community that author Liz Byrski created at Benson’s Reach; what a perfect work environment it would be to work in. I have spent time in Margaret River in Western Australia and felt comfortable in the setting. IN THE COMPANY OF STRANGERS is a complex story where the plot is interwoven with back stories of family relationships, friendship, love, betrayal and loss. It follows a few different characters who have all come from various backgrounds and age groups and are mostly st...more
Written in the style of a family drama, though the characters are unrelated but their paths all cross at one central point- Benson’s Reach in the Margaret River, Western Australia. Benson’s Reach is a rundown property that produces lavender products and rent out cottages to tourists. Declan and Ruby have inherited co-partnership of the lavender farm and lodging at Benson’s Reach following the death of the owner, Catherine.
Ruby is about 70 years old and has a complex history and friendship with C...more
Ruby is about 70 years old and has a complex history and friendship with C...more
Liz Byrski's novels are always full of simple wisdom - that which comes from having lived on this earth for many years. Relationships are always important to her stories; often those between unrelated people who end up forming unlikely communities.
A major plot line is the forced removal of English children to Australia. Mostly set in southern Western Australia, the story allows insight into the complex feelings of the main characters who, through a bequest, get together at Benson's Reach. There...more
A major plot line is the forced removal of English children to Australia. Mostly set in southern Western Australia, the story allows insight into the complex feelings of the main characters who, through a bequest, get together at Benson's Reach. There...more
In this engaging character driven novel, author Liz Byrski draws together a group of very different people after the death of Catherine Benson, the proprietress of a lavender farm and holiday park, Benson's Reach. A complex web of old and new connections are examined to reveal an intricate tangle of friendship, love, betrayal and loss amongst strangers, friends and family.
Estranged from Catherine for years, Ruby is stunned to be left controlling interest in Benson's Reach and reluctantly return...more
Thoroughly enjoyed this, my first Liz Byrski novel. She tells a good story, peopled with believable characters and explores important issues with a light touch. I particularly enjoyed reading about a familiar setting, without the need to make up place names (see my review of The Light Between Oceans for that particular gripe).
An easy and enjoyable read - perfect for long hot summer days. I will certainly read her other titles.
An easy and enjoyable read - perfect for long hot summer days. I will certainly read her other titles.
Another very readable book from liz Byrski, who explores the problems and issues that can arrive in life as people reach mature age. This is well written with an intersting story line and characters that are very real. My only criticism is that the ending seemed a little contrived, and in the last chapter I felt the author was espousing her own(very laudble)views, perhaps at the expense of the story. For all that I enjoyed it very much.
Three and a half stars. While I enjoyed it, it didn't impact me the way some of her other books have done. Still it is a feel good read and I liked reading fiction of women a bit older who have had some experience of life and its ups and downs. Writing for the older age group is a Liz Byrski specialty.I liked the way the group of Ruby, Declan and Alice and Todd were brought together at Benson's Reach. The setting of Margaret River and the lavender farm which Catherine leaves to Declan and Ruby c...more
Getting to the end of this book I was sad because I didn't want it to end. This author develops characters that are easy to relate to, and that the reader cares about. Her writing style is warm and easy to read and she handles complex emotions well.
Sep 24, 2012
Patricia
added it
Absolutely loved this book, stayed up all night and could not put it down until I had finished it. If you are a fan of Liz's books then you will not be disappointed by her latest offerings :)
Liz Byrski at her best. I just love her books and characters and especially the Western Australian settings and themes that she magically weaves through her work.
Another brilliant read.I always feel like I am meeting new friends in her books.now I must read it again.
Loved it - Margaret River is one of my fave places.
Many stories, many paths all converging on Benson's Reach
http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Another great tale from Liz Byrski
loved this one
This book didn't fail to please. A gem. #Liz Byrski does it again. Reminded me of the Forgotten Garden in some ways.
It was a beautiful story. I just love reading Liz Byrski's books. Each one gets better.
Brilliant as are all of her books. When finished you feel stronger as a person. Makes you feel wiser
Biggest problem is you wished it wouldn't end
Oct 15, 2012
Fi
added it
Recommended :)
Liked the way strangers came together to form a kind of family and that some if the characters pasts were only gradually revealed. An easy read that I nearly gave four stars to.
Loved this book, what a great read!
My second by Liz Byrski and an enjoyable read. It is great to read about older characters.
Great, loved it.
May 20, 2013
Lisa Newlan
marked it as to-read
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Liz Byrski is a writer and broadcaster with more than 40 years experience in the British and Australian media. She is the author of eleven non-fiction books and five novels, and her work has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines.
In the nineties Liz was a broadcaster and executive producer with ABC Radio in Perth and later an advisor to a minister in the Western Aust...more
More about Liz Byrski...
In the nineties Liz was a broadcaster and executive producer with ABC Radio in Perth and later an advisor to a minister in the Western Aust...more
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Mar 21, 2013 10:08pm