This week in reading…
Robyn has returned with another brilliant novel of medieval historical fiction. Richly reimagined, this tale set in the latter decades of the 13th century is one of prejudice, hardship, enduring love, and emancipation within a deeply misogynistic and religiously divided society.
I love medieval historical fiction but so much of it is set within the fantasy genre, of which I’m not so much of a fan, so Robyn’s work is highly sought after by me. Her characters were flawed and realistic, and while I never really warmed to Eleanor, I still appreciated her story and character journey.
The writing within this story is divine, particularly the scenes of passion between Eleanor and Asher at the beginning of their love affair. Robyn has a way too of seamlessly weaving memories of the past with the present affairs for her characters, a literary skill that is not to be underestimated.
Highly recommended for historical fiction fans.
Published by HarperCollins Publishers Australia
Released May 2023
The Albatross by Nina Wan
This debut contemporary fiction is one that I won’t hesitate to recommend. It was utterly brilliant, I enjoyed it so much. Fiercely intelligent and heartbreakingly realistic, I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more.
Primrose stole my heart from the very beginning. This novel explores some heavy themes – mental illness, cancer, sexual assault, politics, toxic friendships, first love, parenting when you and your partner are not well, growing up as a migrant in Australia, race relations, issues of class – but it does so with a balanced hand, giving and taking so that the novel is never too heavy, never too much of anything, just perfectly right all the way through.
As to the golf, how unexpectedly delightful this aspect of the story turned out to be!
Five stars and a solid read this one immediately from me.
Published by Pan Macmillan Australia
Released April 2023
