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The Secrets of the Huon Wren
Senior journalist Allira is writing a story for Folk magazine when she meets Nora, a nursing home resident with dementia and a doll cradled lovingly in her arms. Bit by bit, Nora reveals details about her younger life as a spirited teenage girl living beneath the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania’s heartland, of stitching linings into coffins, of her illicit romance with a charming Polish-German migrant, and of a family torn apart by heartbreak.
As the two women form an unlikely friendship, Allira becomes helplessly drawn into the old woman’s story. When Allira opens up to Nora about her own recent tragedy, the secrets embedded in the story of a carved Huon pine wren become the key to a life-changing discovery from the past. It is a revelation that finally fills in the missing pieces of Nora’s history and has the power to set them both free.
Set among the picturesque mountain ranges of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, and moving between the 1950s and the present day, The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a lyrical and highly evocative story about two lives connected by a shared tragedy, and a universal love.
As the two women form an unlikely friendship, Allira becomes helplessly drawn into the old woman’s story. When Allira opens up to Nora about her own recent tragedy, the secrets embedded in the story of a carved Huon pine wren become the key to a life-changing discovery from the past. It is a revelation that finally fills in the missing pieces of Nora’s history and has the power to set them both free.
Set among the picturesque mountain ranges of Tasmania’s Central Highlands, and moving between the 1950s and the present day, The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a lyrical and highly evocative story about two lives connected by a shared tragedy, and a universal love.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
56 people are currently reading
904 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 23, 2023
My mum is an incredible author and has put soooooo much effort into this book I'm certain you will all love it!!!
October 27, 2023
Allira is writing a story for Folk magazine. When Allira enters Mercy Place Aged Care facility she meets Nora who has dementia and is cradling a doll gently in her arms. In time as Allira gets to know Nora more, Nora begins to reveal things about her teenage years. Nora recalls living beneath the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania’s heartland where she stitched the linings into coffins. This is where Nora’s romance began when she met a charming Polish-German migrant and a family torn apart by heartbreak.
Allira and Nora begin to form an unlikely friendship and as Allira becomes drawn into Nora’s story she is interested to know more about Nora’s life.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a beautifully breathtaking novel and I loved it from start to finish. Highly recommended.
Allira and Nora begin to form an unlikely friendship and as Allira becomes drawn into Nora’s story she is interested to know more about Nora’s life.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a beautifully breathtaking novel and I loved it from start to finish. Highly recommended.
January 5, 2025
2019: Allira is a journalist in Launceston, Tasmania and writes for Folk Magazine. She visits Mercy Place Aged Care and she’s looking for a human interest story and about people who have lived extraordinary lives. Allira meets Nora, a nursing home resident with dementia and a lady who never receives any visitors and she wonders why and where did she come from and the significance of the doll cradled in her arms?
1953: Nora is a gangling teenage girl, she lives in Caveside with her father who’s the town’s undertaker and beneath the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania’s heartland and in the shadow of her perfect brother who her mother has put on a pedestal. Nora's introduced to a young man who’s a Polish–German migrant and he moved to Australia after the war, other than her dad he's the only other person who “gets” Nora and how she looks at things.
Allira is fascinated by Nora, she tells her little snippets of information in-between taking care of her doll and is lucid and Allira senses what's Nora's saying isn't nonsense. Allira has experienced tragedy herself, something that she doesn’t like to talk about and she feels a kinship and bond to Nora and an unlikely friendships forms.
Allira has no idea the secrets of Nora’s life is linked to a carved wooden wren and once she puts all the pieces of what it represents, it will give them both freedom and peace from the past.
Claire van Ryn’s novel The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a dual timeline masterpiece and is set in 2019 and 1953 and told from the points of view of the two main characters Allira and Nora and their backed up by likable and secondary ones Hamish, Rae and Sally.
Allira let go of her inhibitions and Nora helped with this, the connection between the two women and the importance of touch to a person with dementia and how we all have scars both inside and out and they represent an event, time and place and are significant and not ugly and this is what I learnt from reading the narrative.
A beautifully written and constructed novel and thought provoking and it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, I shed a few happy tears and felt really emotional and five stars from me.
1953: Nora is a gangling teenage girl, she lives in Caveside with her father who’s the town’s undertaker and beneath the Great Western Tiers in Tasmania’s heartland and in the shadow of her perfect brother who her mother has put on a pedestal. Nora's introduced to a young man who’s a Polish–German migrant and he moved to Australia after the war, other than her dad he's the only other person who “gets” Nora and how she looks at things.
Allira is fascinated by Nora, she tells her little snippets of information in-between taking care of her doll and is lucid and Allira senses what's Nora's saying isn't nonsense. Allira has experienced tragedy herself, something that she doesn’t like to talk about and she feels a kinship and bond to Nora and an unlikely friendships forms.
Allira has no idea the secrets of Nora’s life is linked to a carved wooden wren and once she puts all the pieces of what it represents, it will give them both freedom and peace from the past.
Claire van Ryn’s novel The Secrets of the Huon Wren is a dual timeline masterpiece and is set in 2019 and 1953 and told from the points of view of the two main characters Allira and Nora and their backed up by likable and secondary ones Hamish, Rae and Sally.
Allira let go of her inhibitions and Nora helped with this, the connection between the two women and the importance of touch to a person with dementia and how we all have scars both inside and out and they represent an event, time and place and are significant and not ugly and this is what I learnt from reading the narrative.
A beautifully written and constructed novel and thought provoking and it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, I shed a few happy tears and felt really emotional and five stars from me.
July 12, 2023
A beautifully written story. I finished it with tears in my eyes but happy and felt it ended perfectly.
Edit:
I had to add to my review. It’s been about 3 days since I finished this book and I can’t stop thinking about it! The story is so captivating and well written that you’re instantly transported between the two moments in time.
It’s probably not a book I would usually decide to read (I like a quick read these days so I don’t lose interest with 3 kids running around) but I’m so glad I did! Once I started it, it was hard to stop.
It’s definitely one of my favourite books now and I’ve been telling everyone they need to read it.
Amazing work Claire ♥️
Edit:
I had to add to my review. It’s been about 3 days since I finished this book and I can’t stop thinking about it! The story is so captivating and well written that you’re instantly transported between the two moments in time.
It’s probably not a book I would usually decide to read (I like a quick read these days so I don’t lose interest with 3 kids running around) but I’m so glad I did! Once I started it, it was hard to stop.
It’s definitely one of my favourite books now and I’ve been telling everyone they need to read it.
Amazing work Claire ♥️
August 3, 2023
DNF
I did not warm to the characters and the main plot points were telegraphed in advance.
So many people have loved this book. I can see why, the writing is beautiful. However it was not for me.
I did not warm to the characters and the main plot points were telegraphed in advance.
So many people have loved this book. I can see why, the writing is beautiful. However it was not for me.
July 25, 2023
Thank you Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
The Secrets Of The Huon Wren is a memorable tale that will capture your heart and soul.
So surrender to the lyrical writing and storytelling by a new voice in contemporary dual timeline fiction.
Allira Ambrose arrives at the Mercy Place Aged Care facility to interview a gentleman for her job at a magazine.
Sadly the man has died but she is soon introduced and intrigued by another patient and her story.
Nora has dementia but talks about her wounded past, her family’s coffin business and a forbidden romance with a migrant.
Soon Allira reveals her own sadness and they two form a bond.
The missing pieces to both their stories begin to unravel…..
Be swept away to the past in the 1950’s as well as the present day for an unforgettable tale of two souls who share common ground and begin a friendship.
Engaging, thought provoking, sentimental and a heartfelt journey.
There’s many touching, tender moments in this read and it will have a lasting effect on you.
I look forward to see where Claire goes next and what gem she pens for her audience.
A debut will lots of appeal and one that’s worth exploring.
The Secrets Of The Huon Wren is a memorable tale that will capture your heart and soul.
So surrender to the lyrical writing and storytelling by a new voice in contemporary dual timeline fiction.
Allira Ambrose arrives at the Mercy Place Aged Care facility to interview a gentleman for her job at a magazine.
Sadly the man has died but she is soon introduced and intrigued by another patient and her story.
Nora has dementia but talks about her wounded past, her family’s coffin business and a forbidden romance with a migrant.
Soon Allira reveals her own sadness and they two form a bond.
The missing pieces to both their stories begin to unravel…..
Be swept away to the past in the 1950’s as well as the present day for an unforgettable tale of two souls who share common ground and begin a friendship.
Engaging, thought provoking, sentimental and a heartfelt journey.
There’s many touching, tender moments in this read and it will have a lasting effect on you.
I look forward to see where Claire goes next and what gem she pens for her audience.
A debut will lots of appeal and one that’s worth exploring.
July 9, 2023
There is something special about reading a book that is set where you live, the descriptions of the Tassie landscape are beautiful. But more then that this stunning story gave me goosebumps and had tears streaming down my face.
July 4, 2023
A deeply moving and beautiful story with heartfelt characters. The storyline was so compelling. The perfect companion for my short trip to Tassie.
November 22, 2023
In the summer of 1953, a vibrant red haired girl lived underneath the shadow of Tasmania's majestic Mother Cummings Peak. The only daughter of the local carpenter and undertaker, Evelyn Greyson was completely adored by her father and usually misunderstood by her mother. With an older brother living away from home and hardly any chums, Evelyn learnt to appreciate the simpler things in life, such as frolicking in apple orchards or laying outside underneath the stars.
Sixty six years later, she's a resident in an aged care facility, with no regular visitors. Now known as Nora Grey, the eighty one year old is in the final stages of dementia. Her only companionship and comfort comes in the form of a baby doll, who she treats as her own child. With the staff often too busy, nobody has had the time to sit down and get to know Nora, until a determened young journalist comes looking for a feature article.
Deciding to become that person who's willing to put in the time and effort, Allira begins to spend quality time with Nora. Soon, they've formed somewhat of a close bond, with Nora eventually sharing snippets about being a teenager, in a forbidden romance with a German/ Polish immigrant named Michel. Sadly, their love story ends in heartbreak with a family torn apart, as Allira soon discovers whilst placing all the missing pieces together. Luckily, the presence of a whittled wooden wren provides the key in unlocking an unexpected, yet poignant development that will benefit Allira as well in many ways.
For me, Nora's tale is the highlight of this mesmerising debut. In the space of just one year, Nora is forced to toss aside her childhood innocence (and ignorance), just to face the shame and stigma only a judging 1950's religious community can bring. It's understandable why her mother reacted the way she did, but the way that Thelma handled the situation was disgusting, reducing her daughter to no more than a frightened animal. At least her dad, Stanley, acted in a much more kindly and supportive manner, but even he had trouble trying to defuse his wife's relentless wrath.
Allira is portrayed as a strong, independent young woman who despite her brave front, is carrying hidden burdens of her own. The similarities between Allira and young/old Evelyn/Nora are easily recognisable and I think, because of this, provides the great foundation for their close friendship.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren was a superb read. The Tasmanian backdrop was a perfect choice for such lyrical and poetic storytelling. Watch out for Claire- she's a new voice in Australian contemporary fiction.
5🌟
Sixty six years later, she's a resident in an aged care facility, with no regular visitors. Now known as Nora Grey, the eighty one year old is in the final stages of dementia. Her only companionship and comfort comes in the form of a baby doll, who she treats as her own child. With the staff often too busy, nobody has had the time to sit down and get to know Nora, until a determened young journalist comes looking for a feature article.
Deciding to become that person who's willing to put in the time and effort, Allira begins to spend quality time with Nora. Soon, they've formed somewhat of a close bond, with Nora eventually sharing snippets about being a teenager, in a forbidden romance with a German/ Polish immigrant named Michel. Sadly, their love story ends in heartbreak with a family torn apart, as Allira soon discovers whilst placing all the missing pieces together. Luckily, the presence of a whittled wooden wren provides the key in unlocking an unexpected, yet poignant development that will benefit Allira as well in many ways.
For me, Nora's tale is the highlight of this mesmerising debut. In the space of just one year, Nora is forced to toss aside her childhood innocence (and ignorance), just to face the shame and stigma only a judging 1950's religious community can bring. It's understandable why her mother reacted the way she did, but the way that Thelma handled the situation was disgusting, reducing her daughter to no more than a frightened animal. At least her dad, Stanley, acted in a much more kindly and supportive manner, but even he had trouble trying to defuse his wife's relentless wrath.
Allira is portrayed as a strong, independent young woman who despite her brave front, is carrying hidden burdens of her own. The similarities between Allira and young/old Evelyn/Nora are easily recognisable and I think, because of this, provides the great foundation for their close friendship.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren was a superb read. The Tasmanian backdrop was a perfect choice for such lyrical and poetic storytelling. Watch out for Claire- she's a new voice in Australian contemporary fiction.
5🌟
July 13, 2023
I was looking forward to discovering the “secrets” promised in this book. The beautiful words, phrases and imagery used in this novel provided a lovely journey throughout both women’s journeys, and was quite satisfactory… but then a couple of the secrets emerged, and. I sat up a little straighter as I started the next chapter.
I found myself looking forward to returning to 1953 whenever I finished a 2019 chapter.
The unfolding of the secrets moved past satisfactory and into enticing, and then there was the pool game!
I really enjoyed the stories, the scenery yes, but the story even more so.
Thank you Claire!
I found myself looking forward to returning to 1953 whenever I finished a 2019 chapter.
The unfolding of the secrets moved past satisfactory and into enticing, and then there was the pool game!
I really enjoyed the stories, the scenery yes, but the story even more so.
Thank you Claire!
April 17, 2023
I was invited to read an ARC of this fine debut novel and felt proud to endorse it: “Two women. Two journeys. A tender, powerfully wrought telling of love and loss before the high mountains and rolling hills of Tasmania’s rural north-west.”
Claire Van Ryn has written a captivating story with strong characters that will especially touch female readers. 📗
Claire Van Ryn has written a captivating story with strong characters that will especially touch female readers. 📗
May 13, 2025
Beautifully intertwined stories of love and loss, through Allira in Launceston (2019) and Evelyn Nora in Caveside (1953).
Written with such tenderness and lyrical storytelling, this had me teary.
‘What was writing if not a kind of dance, a choreography with words brought to life by the creator, taking the audience on a journey?’
Written with such tenderness and lyrical storytelling, this had me teary.
‘What was writing if not a kind of dance, a choreography with words brought to life by the creator, taking the audience on a journey?’
July 8, 2023
Fabulous debut novel I thoroughly enjoyed
October 1, 2024
How could I not like this book? My review is completely biased, of course. A book written by my friend, in my Tasmanian backyard, about some of life’s most painful themes, interwoven with friendship, love and hope for the things we can’t immediately grasp. Bravo Claire!
June 20, 2023
This is a good story. It’s well written and well-paced. The depiction of dementia is pretty accurate, at the least the final leg of that journey.
There was a good smattering of different characters with varying degrees of faults, weaknesses and strengths. It had me engaged towards the end. I think my only criticism is that it ties everything up a bit too neatly in some respects. I would have liked to see some of the ends left a bit more open or ambiguous.
But that aside, it is a good story and a good read.
There was a good smattering of different characters with varying degrees of faults, weaknesses and strengths. It had me engaged towards the end. I think my only criticism is that it ties everything up a bit too neatly in some respects. I would have liked to see some of the ends left a bit more open or ambiguous.
But that aside, it is a good story and a good read.
July 11, 2023
Tasmania 1953: Evelyn Grayson, a 15 year old spirited redhead, assists her Dad who is a carpenter and the town undertaker. In the shadows of the Great Western Tears in the Tasmania heartland, Evelyn lives and dreams of a life beyond her literary named apple trees in the family orchard. Charming Polish-German migrant Michal comes into her life.
Tasmania 2019: Allira Ambrose, a journalist and sometime editor of the magazine Folk, who suffers her own tragedy, accidentally meets dementia patient Nora Gray. The patient of the nursing home she was to interview, had died during the night. And Allira is drawn to Nora who cradles a doll lovingly in her arms.
As Allira opens her life to Nora, the secret in the story of a carved Huon pine wren becomes the key to life-changing discoveries.
From the very first line of this book, I was captured. Here is a story from the heart direct to the heart. Dementia and grief are the main theme in this story and it is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have had the joy to read. That sounds strange, maybe, but you would have to read it.
Thank you Claire van Ryn, this is a story that is a 'must read' for readers of like mind to myself. I love this book and highly recommend it to other readers.
Tasmania 2019: Allira Ambrose, a journalist and sometime editor of the magazine Folk, who suffers her own tragedy, accidentally meets dementia patient Nora Gray. The patient of the nursing home she was to interview, had died during the night. And Allira is drawn to Nora who cradles a doll lovingly in her arms.
As Allira opens her life to Nora, the secret in the story of a carved Huon pine wren becomes the key to life-changing discoveries.
From the very first line of this book, I was captured. Here is a story from the heart direct to the heart. Dementia and grief are the main theme in this story and it is one of the most heartbreaking stories I have had the joy to read. That sounds strange, maybe, but you would have to read it.
Thank you Claire van Ryn, this is a story that is a 'must read' for readers of like mind to myself. I love this book and highly recommend it to other readers.
June 27, 2023
A well written story spanning almost 60 years … a story of tragedy ,loss but also of hope .
Set in beautiful Tasmania this is a story of two women thrown together by chance one young the other in her “twilight years “ .. a lovely blend of friendship and love .
As nursing home resident Nora relays her life history to journalist Allira we get a glimpse into a different era,and the hardship for her as a 15year old .Nora’s loss then search for Michal her German/Polish love is touching
Allira gets caught up in Nora’s story and thus a bond is made.
A captivating well written novel & thoroughly enjoyable read!
Loved and can picture the two Huon Wrens treasured by a young and old Nora
Set in beautiful Tasmania this is a story of two women thrown together by chance one young the other in her “twilight years “ .. a lovely blend of friendship and love .
As nursing home resident Nora relays her life history to journalist Allira we get a glimpse into a different era,and the hardship for her as a 15year old .Nora’s loss then search for Michal her German/Polish love is touching
Allira gets caught up in Nora’s story and thus a bond is made.
A captivating well written novel & thoroughly enjoyable read!
Loved and can picture the two Huon Wrens treasured by a young and old Nora
November 1, 2024
A beautiful book! It took me awhile to get into it but when I did I really loved the pace of the book. Beautifully written!
June 27, 2023
This is a seriously good book.
Claire has a gift for words and she writes with a strong sense of place. Her characters are beautifully described and she takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout her tale.
Hopefully there’ll be many more books to come.
Claire has a gift for words and she writes with a strong sense of place. Her characters are beautifully described and she takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions throughout her tale.
Hopefully there’ll be many more books to come.
December 28, 2023
recently joined a book club which focuses on stories set in Tasmania and have just finished our first chosen novel.It's a heart-warming, well-told tale which moves from present-day to the 1950's, telling the story about 2 women whose lives intersect. Allira, the modern day protagonist, meets Nora, an elderly woman living with dementia in a nursing home and decides to write Nora's story. Over time, Allira and Nora form a connection and friendship despite Nora's worsening dementia which is realistically described and heart-wrenching to read.
The author's descriptions of Tasmania's landscapes and wilderness throughout the book are just beautiful and do this part of the world justice... But perhaps my bias is showing...
The book covers a number of themes including pain and loss, friendship, family and bravery. It's a well-paced story that moves along well. I found it a very easy read and finished it quickly. The characters were engaging and likeable and I enjoyed the dual timelines throughout the book, which kept me eagerly turning the page to know what happened next. I did, however, find that everything came together a little too neatly and clearly in the end but acknowledge that for some readers, this might be a satisfying way to end such a story. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
The author's descriptions of Tasmania's landscapes and wilderness throughout the book are just beautiful and do this part of the world justice... But perhaps my bias is showing...
The book covers a number of themes including pain and loss, friendship, family and bravery. It's a well-paced story that moves along well. I found it a very easy read and finished it quickly. The characters were engaging and likeable and I enjoyed the dual timelines throughout the book, which kept me eagerly turning the page to know what happened next. I did, however, find that everything came together a little too neatly and clearly in the end but acknowledge that for some readers, this might be a satisfying way to end such a story. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
September 17, 2023
If you like Kate Morton, you will see how this is inspired. Just not half as good.
August 26, 2023
In July I attended a conversation with the author event for Secrets of the Huon Wren with debut author Claire Van Ryn and was inspired to read this story set in Tasmania.
Set in dual timelines the story follows Allira, a journalist based in Launceston, working for Folk magazine who after attending an aged care facility on assignment strikes up a friendship with Nora. Nora is suffering from dementia but is caring for a doll that she believes is a baby.
Evelyn Greyson is a 15 year old growing up in Caveside under the Great Western Tiers in 1953. Assisting her Dad who is a carpenter, furniture maker and undertaker Evelyn meets Michal, a Polish-German migrant and an illicit romance is formed that will result in family heart break and tragedy.
As Allira is drawn towards Nora and her reminiscing, a tale of suffering, trauma and pain is uncovered with many heart touching moments in-between.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren has one of the most beautifully illustrated covers I have ever seen on a fiction novel. If this alone isn’t enough to draw you towards the book the fact that it is set in Tasmania featuring Launceston, Caveside, Deloraine and The Great Western Tiers should absolutely draw you in. Claire Van Ryn has done an amazing job at capturing the beautiful landscape in these areas. Claire’s description of Launceston felt a bit more Melbourne to me but this is a minor detail and whether it was Launceston or Melbourne, the setting in these chapters worked with the plot of the story.
Claire Van Ryn has created a story that spans over 60 years. The characters are well developed, and you grow a real relationship with the characters. The theme of dementia is well researched, and Claire has displayed how distressing and confusing it can be for someone suffering from dementia. Through her beautiful words she has really driven home the message that our older generation are to be treasured and are to be not forgotten.
There was also lots of heartbreak and cruelty in this story and it is a reminder how in the past so much pain was inflicted on young unwed mothers just for the sake of the family’s reputation. Today, it is hard to believe that families treated their young girls in this manner and Claire has retold this history in a tender and captivating way.
So well done Claire Van Ryn on an outstanding debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and themes within this story and highly recommend it to others, especially if you like a story set in Tasmania.
Set in dual timelines the story follows Allira, a journalist based in Launceston, working for Folk magazine who after attending an aged care facility on assignment strikes up a friendship with Nora. Nora is suffering from dementia but is caring for a doll that she believes is a baby.
Evelyn Greyson is a 15 year old growing up in Caveside under the Great Western Tiers in 1953. Assisting her Dad who is a carpenter, furniture maker and undertaker Evelyn meets Michal, a Polish-German migrant and an illicit romance is formed that will result in family heart break and tragedy.
As Allira is drawn towards Nora and her reminiscing, a tale of suffering, trauma and pain is uncovered with many heart touching moments in-between.
The Secrets of the Huon Wren has one of the most beautifully illustrated covers I have ever seen on a fiction novel. If this alone isn’t enough to draw you towards the book the fact that it is set in Tasmania featuring Launceston, Caveside, Deloraine and The Great Western Tiers should absolutely draw you in. Claire Van Ryn has done an amazing job at capturing the beautiful landscape in these areas. Claire’s description of Launceston felt a bit more Melbourne to me but this is a minor detail and whether it was Launceston or Melbourne, the setting in these chapters worked with the plot of the story.
Claire Van Ryn has created a story that spans over 60 years. The characters are well developed, and you grow a real relationship with the characters. The theme of dementia is well researched, and Claire has displayed how distressing and confusing it can be for someone suffering from dementia. Through her beautiful words she has really driven home the message that our older generation are to be treasured and are to be not forgotten.
There was also lots of heartbreak and cruelty in this story and it is a reminder how in the past so much pain was inflicted on young unwed mothers just for the sake of the family’s reputation. Today, it is hard to believe that families treated their young girls in this manner and Claire has retold this history in a tender and captivating way.
So well done Claire Van Ryn on an outstanding debut novel. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot and themes within this story and highly recommend it to others, especially if you like a story set in Tasmania.
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March 29, 2024This is a lovingly written novel about aging, motherhood, dementia, loss, and lives deeply rooted in Northern Tasmania.
It has been a joy to see the success of this debut novel. I particularly appreciated how the author used some aspects of Christian symbolism to add layers to her writing, without ever making you feel like you are reading Christian Fiction (which is a completely different genre, with different conventions and reader expectations).
This book also reminded me that I am not emotionally tough enough to read Women’s Fiction regularly. 😅 The scenes about pregnancy were almost too much for me. Seriously, a thriller is nothing to this stuff!!
I’ve been thinking about how much I’d like to write a novel set in Tasmania one day, and Claire’s way of writing about our shared home is inspiring.
It has been a joy to see the success of this debut novel. I particularly appreciated how the author used some aspects of Christian symbolism to add layers to her writing, without ever making you feel like you are reading Christian Fiction (which is a completely different genre, with different conventions and reader expectations).
This book also reminded me that I am not emotionally tough enough to read Women’s Fiction regularly. 😅 The scenes about pregnancy were almost too much for me. Seriously, a thriller is nothing to this stuff!!
I’ve been thinking about how much I’d like to write a novel set in Tasmania one day, and Claire’s way of writing about our shared home is inspiring.
July 29, 2023
Satisfying like a good midday movie 🌞
August 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I was in two minds about borrowing it from the library but I'm so glad I did. The story is so lovely and it's so beautifully written. There was nothing I didn't like about this book - it's now on my (very short) list of favourite books ever!
July 9, 2023
Heart wrenching storyline, yet also tender and sweet. And an interesting insight into Dementia.
I only wished the author could have written more on the life of Nora after her teens.
Overall a beautiful read.
I only wished the author could have written more on the life of Nora after her teens.
Overall a beautiful read.
July 13, 2023
I am not giving this book 5 stars just because I know Claire. I am giving it 5 stars because its a masterpiece! I was sobbing by the end ! Such a beautiful story.
Highly recommended! Plus it's set in Tasmania which is the best place on earth!!
Highly recommended! Plus it's set in Tasmania which is the best place on earth!!
July 7, 2023
I loved this book! The writing is beautiful. The descriptions of the Tasmanian countryside, Caveside, Deloraine, Launceston etc took me back to my home state and my childhood. The evocative memories of the scent of Huon pine in my Dad’s workshop all made for just a beautiful read! Highly recommended.
February 24, 2024
I loved this book’s cover and title before I even read the blurb. The stories of then and now, gradually revealed despite the dementia of one of the characters was brilliantly written. Both settings were somewhat unusual, an undertaker/woodworker’s family and the editing and publishing of an alternate magazine. The tragedy of a shared experience between the two characters was a bond they experienced. The conclusion of the story was both realistic and very rewarding. A lovely story in spite of what happened.
December 23, 2023
A gorgeous Tasmanian read. Perfect holiday book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews