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3.5 stars for this one. And just a word of warning - it was good, but in no way was it an uplifting and inspirational read. So if you are already feeling a bit blue, this one is not for you. Likewise, if you have recently supported a loved one through a regime of cancer treatment (or perhaps even not so recently), or are going through treatment yourself, or if this is a rather raw subject for any reason, this is probably not the best book for you at this time.
It was rather brutal read, although ...more
It was rather brutal read, although ...more
I heard Helen speak in London and thought she was warm and funny and beautifully articulate, so I was very pleased to have her sign my copy of her first novel in sixteen years, The Spare Room. Published in 2008, the novel won a swathe of awards including the Barbara Jefferis Award. It reads more like a memoir, being told from the first person point of view of a writer named Helen living in Melbourne and being inspired by events that actually happened in Helen Garner’s life. However, no doubt man
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A really interesting book. I thought at first that it was a memoir but it isn't. The characters are all really believable and the story is touching.
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A quick, easy read from the wonderful Helen Garner. Helen’s friend Nicola is dying from cancer, and she comes down to stay with Helen in Melbourne and to undergo some alternative treatment which she believes will cure her cancer. Nicola is only supposed to stay for 3 weeks for the treatment through the Theodore Institute. She has Vitamin C infusions which leave her shuddering with the pain. She is relutant to take pain killers, but does not sleep well and has terrible night sweats, so Helen is c
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Fabulous audiobook. Love to hear Garner's work read to me.
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This book is more like an essay. A light but surprisingly emotional read about a very emotional topic. The people in the story a literate arty type who somehow have money they seem to have it all except one of them is dying and one is trying to play nurse. They were both annoying.
The saving grace I know the city is about the town I know the suburbs. This is the life I would have led if I was anyway able to work hard enough or had the talent.
A quick emotionally informative piece about dying and d ...more
The saving grace I know the city is about the town I know the suburbs. This is the life I would have led if I was anyway able to work hard enough or had the talent.
A quick emotionally informative piece about dying and d ...more
Not at all what I was expecting.
I have been ploughing through Garner's novels, and have seen them get better in regards to her writing style becoming less abstract, and this book for me shows her getting to the full ability to write a novel...albeit a short one.
This tale of a friend dying in front of your eyes, and not only having to accept that, but also their way of handling it, was so very poignant, with humour entwined in there too.
It wasn't told in the vain of 'sisters in unity' but in a ve ...more
I have been ploughing through Garner's novels, and have seen them get better in regards to her writing style becoming less abstract, and this book for me shows her getting to the full ability to write a novel...albeit a short one.
This tale of a friend dying in front of your eyes, and not only having to accept that, but also their way of handling it, was so very poignant, with humour entwined in there too.
It wasn't told in the vain of 'sisters in unity' but in a ve ...more
Mar 29, 2013
Joanne
rated it
liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
non-fiction,
darwin-book-club
May 05, 2014
Vicki Tyley
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
australian-author
