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What Members Thought
The writing of the book was compelling, btu I did not like the story or the characters and I especially did not like the swearing and brutality of the thoughts of the characters. It was very confrontational, and I dont like the drug scenes.
I have a love hate relationship with this book. I loved that the author totally immersed me in the story and how I actually physically reacted to some of the characters. I mean most of the characters are morally corrupt and banal and distasteful. The things they do, the way most of the men think was so confronting. But the thing about this book is that I think most of the characters are so angry and the writing really portrays how fed up they are with their values and their status amongst their
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Man hits someone else's kid at a BBQ. Kid is a ratbag, spoilt and fights with all the kids throughout the day, at one point breaking a new game console that he doesn't own. Threatens to hit one of his playmates with a cricket bat, and that kid's father steps in and slaps him. The parents of the spoilt kid take the man to court. Travels wide from this point, told through the view of 8 others present at the time.
Really liked this. The language was a bit vulgar at times, but I think it served a pur ...more
Really liked this. The language was a bit vulgar at times, but I think it served a pur ...more
Very complex characters and layering. I loved the multicultural aspect because it is clearly written by someone from that background.
An interesting look at suburban Melbourne that could be suburban anywhere. This book had me and my husband talking for days. Where do loyalties lie, friendship or family? Should you take sides? How much do your friendships influence your thinking?
1&1/2 stars. Not my cup of tea ;)
Nov 06, 2011
Anne_MB
rated it
it was amazing
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review of another edition
Shelves:
australian-fiction,
2011
Brilliant contemporary book with amazing characterization. I am glad I watched the equally superb TV adaptation first as I had the faces and voices of the TV characters in my head as I read. I am in awe of the skilful way the author portrayed each of the many diverse characters. Although ostensibly about a man slapping a child not his own at a backyard BBQ, this book is about much more. A thoroughly Australian novel.
A fascinating and brilliantly told story of Australian society. The same initial scene, retold through many perspectives.
Dec 23, 2009
Gino
marked it as to-read
Feb 02, 2010
Karen
marked it as to-read
Mar 28, 2010
Becky
marked it as to-read
Dec 29, 2011
Eloise
marked it as to-read
Aug 30, 2012
Rhi1981
marked it as to-read
Aug 09, 2014
Sally
marked it as to-read
