This is the third of Zoe Boccabella's books that I have read, and the one that I enjoyed the most. Her other two are non-fiction/memoir, whereas 'The This is the third of Zoe Boccabella's books that I have read, and the one that I enjoyed the most. Her other two are non-fiction/memoir, whereas 'The Proxy Bride' is WWII historical fiction, interwoven with a nostalgic trip back to 1984 with Sofie's story. It is a must-read tale about the harsh realities faced by pre-war Italian migrants, both men and women. While Boccabella's focus is on the experiences of women who put their faith in a letter and a photo, I would imagine that, for a man, making a life-long commitment to support a stranger would have been equally daunting. The novel is well-written and evocative of both eras. However, it is the WWII timeline that is of more interest to me. Gia's story shows the fear, violence, racism, and hardships that were endured by migrants at that time. Italian men in their thousands were arrested and interned, leaving the women to fend for themselves. The women in this story found ways to manage and survived, however secrecy and shame were their constant companions. In summary, 'The Proxy Bride' is a fascinating read which reveals much about Australia and Australians at war. It is also a novel that makes you think. What would happen if history were to repeat? Would we treat migrants from enemy countries any differently? What lessons have we learnt from the past?...more
This is one WWII historical novel that deserves attention. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and with a cast of interesting but flawed charaThis is one WWII historical novel that deserves attention. Thoroughly researched, beautifully written, and with a cast of interesting but flawed characters, Conte masters the 'feel' of a bitter conflict during the perishing winter of 1941. The compelling story is told from the perspective of Paul Bauer, a surgeon and an officer of the Wehrmacht, who is sent to serve at the ill-fated eastern front. When his 3rd Panzer Division stumbles across the estate of literary giant, Leo Tolstoy, they claim it for a hospital. 'Yasnaya Polyana' is something of a Russian national shrine, which provides them with some protection from Red Army artillery fire. But the comfortable accommodation comes with strings attached, in particular a firebrand custodian and, quite possibly, a ghost. Highly recommended....more
More than anything, I love the way that Hannah Kent writes. Her use of language is inventive, perceptive, lush, evocative. Somehow she worms her way iMore than anything, I love the way that Hannah Kent writes. Her use of language is inventive, perceptive, lush, evocative. Somehow she worms her way inside you, the reader, so that you are absorbed into the narrative, into the scene. Her descriptions are to die for. 'The sea was flat and it mirrored the sky's glory, bringing the lights down to the horizon so that it seemed the ship was suspended in stars' (p229). Yes, the pace dragged at times, in particular the wretchedly long and torturous voyage, and some scenes that relied on magical realism went just a bit too far. Overall, however, it was her writing that triumphed....more
An enjoyable novel about the role of women in WWII espionage. By the author's own admission, the characters are in the main invented and the story is An enjoyable novel about the role of women in WWII espionage. By the author's own admission, the characters are in the main invented and the story is loosely true, an artful combination that sits well with me. The central character, Evelyn, is unlike other girls. She is clever and not afraid of a challenge; marriage and family are not her primary concerns. The setting in wartime London is believable, albeit the weather is continuously cold and bleak. The writing is confident and well-paced as the narrative develops into something of a spy-thriller. My only gripe is that I often found myself lost in time, having to retrace to the chapter headings to get my bearings. For me, and possibly also for the author, the settings of the present (1948) and the past (1940), just eight years apart, are largely indistinguishable. As a fellow author of WWII historical fiction, I acknowledge the challenge of imagining an era based on second-hand experience (films, literature, archival records, stories of great-grandmothers) and writing it with authenticity. That aside, the novel is well worth a read....more
Despite the dark themes of alcohol addiction and domestic violence, this novel is a delight to read. In particular, the writing is tight, succinct, anDespite the dark themes of alcohol addiction and domestic violence, this novel is a delight to read. In particular, the writing is tight, succinct, and appropriate. The imagery is wonderful, as demonstrated in the following excerpt (p17). 'The town wharf, draped in frayed ropes and old pelicans, jutted into the small bay, whose water, when calm, reflected the reds and yellows of the shrimp boats.' A vibrant picture in one sentence. The characters have depth, although some suspension of disbelief is necessary in the case of young Kya, an girl of seven abandoned and surviving alone in harsh circumstances. My favourite characters are Jumpin' and his wife, Mabel, people of colour who show compassion when the white community shows nothing but contempt toward the 'Marsh Girl'. The mystery aspect of the plot is nicely paced and the unexpected twist at the very end is well worth the wait. All in all, an easy read that deserves the popularity it has won....more
Instead of wasting precious time reading a book about how to tidy up, clean, and rid yourself of unwanted/unused things, why not just get on with it? Instead of wasting precious time reading a book about how to tidy up, clean, and rid yourself of unwanted/unused things, why not just get on with it? I skim-read the first few chapters of this book, then realised that the central message was simply repeated again and again, as we painfully sorted through every single room of the house. The big learning for me was that I already practise tidiness and order, and have done for all of my adult life. Perhaps if you are struggling with those concepts, you might learn some tricks from this author. ...more
I fell in love, and then out of love, with this novel. The writing - which utilizes an expansive vocabulary that had me reaching for the dictionary - I fell in love, and then out of love, with this novel. The writing - which utilizes an expansive vocabulary that had me reaching for the dictionary - is a delight. The enticing settings - London and Florence - form a seamless but essential backdrop to the narrative. The use of magical realism, for example a talking parrot that is wiser than some of the human characters, and trees that listen and answer back, add a certain quirkiness. I also enjoyed the judicious repetition of 'Peg's tune'. 'Clack, clack, clack across the stones she went. Hips swaying, arms swinging.' That said, I found the book a chore to read, mainly due to the absence of quotation marks, which is not only irritating but also gets in the way of the narrative flow. Who is talking? Is anyone talking? Backtrack and work it out. My patience, at times, wore thin. For most of the book, I had no idea where the story was going, and not in a good way. At times I wondered if there was any point at all. In fact, I could imagine entire chapters adapted into a feel-good British film, with the usual cast of 'senior' actors - Maggie Smith, Judy Dench, Bill Nighy - bumbling about together in a foreign land, enjoying the food but largely ignoring the inhabitants. Finally, on page 373 (of the edition I read), came the critical question about Evelyn's role in WWII, which she answers with an abrupt 'Of course I was'. In the last chapter, aptly named 'All About Evelyn', she proceeds with the slow reveal. Yet it isn't what I expected at all. Her backstory shot off into a coming-of-age frolic that happened forty years before the war. Frustrated, I kept reading, hoping that Evelyn would find her way back to the crucial question and fill us in. She did not. And then the book ended. Overall, a work of literary fiction that will enthrall lovers of language. A good story, interesting characters, and settings to die for. Apart from my minor criticisms above, the novel is highly recommended....more
A diary of this nature is an absolute treasure for historians, researchers, and readers with an interest in WWII. Sensitively translated from the origA diary of this nature is an absolute treasure for historians, researchers, and readers with an interest in WWII. Sensitively translated from the original Japanese, it makes an important contribution to our understanding of war and internment. The diary of Mr Koike, an employee of the Yokohama Specie Bank in Java, spans the period immediately before the Pacific War; his capture and detention in the Dutch East Indies; his transportation by ship to Adelaide and internment at Loveday, South Australia; and his repatriation to Japan in 1946.
During the war, writing paper was scarce and internees were prohibited from keeping diaries. Most days, Mr Koike jotted his experiences on whatever scraps of paper came to hand. The numbered notes survived not only searches by guards but also gruelling sea voyages. Concealed inside empty macaroni boxes, they were smuggled back to Japan. For nearly thirty years they lay untouched, until the author reassembled them and published them as a diary.
The writing style is factual and concise. Each section is prefaced with a scene-setting piece that the author describes as a ‘memoir’. From the outset, Mr Koike stoically accepts his lot. His notes are informative and descriptive, perhaps written with loved ones in mind. Although the camp in Java is steamy and uncomfortable and the voyage to Australia is like hell on Earth, the tone remains light. In the early months at Loveday, he conscientiously continues his writing practice.
The turning point is 15 August 1942, the day Mr Koike’s hopes of returning to Japan in a prisoner exchange are dashed. He must come to terms with the reality that, for the rest of the war, he will remain in the distant barbed-wire camp. The frequency of his note-making drops; the entries become one-liners about the weather or the main activity of the day. Sentiments of boredom and despair creep between the lines. Men die. A minute’s silence is observed to honour their spirits. Baseball games and the shimmering stars are welcome distractions.
In translation, the diary is easy to read. The choice of words retains hints of the original language. Where necessary, explanatory footnotes enlighten the reader. The translator and editors deserve high praise for transforming this important piece of WWII history into a fine English-language publication. Diagrams, cartoons, photographs of comrades and scenes within the Loveday camp add visual elements to the text.
‘Four Years in a Red Coat’ is a rare first-hand chronicle of internment that sheds new light on Australia’s wartime history. Mr Koike’s diary, which survived despite all odds, is beautifully translated and edited....more
Try as I did to love this beautifully-written tome, based on the life of Nobel-Prize-winning German novelist, Thomas Mann, I found it heavy going. ColTry as I did to love this beautifully-written tome, based on the life of Nobel-Prize-winning German novelist, Thomas Mann, I found it heavy going. Colm Toibin is undoubtedly an outstanding researcher and writer. The drafting of the central character feels so authentic that you have to stop from time to time and remind yourself that the book is a biographical novel, and not written by the Mann himself (pun intended). The narrative covers the novelist's life from boyhood to old age and follows him from Germany, through Switzerland, France and Britain, to the US during WII. Covered are Mann's relationship with his strong-willed rebellious offspring, the family tragedies, the vicissitudes of fame, the struggle with his own sexuality. Add to that, there's a mountain of historical and political material to absorb and a truck-load of characters. Yes, everything is there, but you need time and patience to appreciate it....more
I started off loving this novel-cum-memoir, but ended up feeling let down and confused. Ondaatje's writing is superb; he has a masterful turn of phrasI started off loving this novel-cum-memoir, but ended up feeling let down and confused. Ondaatje's writing is superb; he has a masterful turn of phrase and a strong sense of character. The chapters about Michael as a boy (whose name is not coincidental, I suspect), and his partners-in-mischief are delightful. The anecdotes are gently told and perceptive. This was one that made me smile. 'It was almost midnight, and the three of us were smoking twigs broken off from a cane chair that we lit and sucked at. Because of his asthma Ramadhin was not enthusiastic about this, but Cassius was eager that we should try to smoke the whole chair before the end of our journey.' That said, I found many of the pieces about Michael's adult life unconvincing and frankly a bit dull. In an odd interlude, adult Michael receives an 18-page epistle from fellow cat's-table diner, Miss Lasqueti, the content of which sits uncomfortably with the rest. All in all, beautiful writing that is somewhat lacking in narrative interest. ...more
A gripping tale of hope and despair on the high seas. Set in 1879-80, a group of migrants from the struggling north of Italy chases the promise of ParA gripping tale of hope and despair on the high seas. Set in 1879-80, a group of migrants from the struggling north of Italy chases the promise of Paradise in the South Pacific. Alas, the dream is far from reality. Instead of the thriving settlement they'd expected, there is nothing but jungle. They must battle the harsh climate, dysentery, the threat of starvation, fear, regret. Eventually the survivors make it to Australia. Later they found a township called Little Italy, situated midway between Ballina and Grafton in NSW. The ill-fated adventure is based on a true story of triumph despite the odds. A well-written migrant story that had me on the edge of my seat....more
Easy-to-read memoir, written by the other half of the Li ballet phenomenon. A story of success despite the odds, perseverance in the face of adversityEasy-to-read memoir, written by the other half of the Li ballet phenomenon. A story of success despite the odds, perseverance in the face of adversity, and a whole lot of hard work....more
Loved this novel, loved the structure, loved the story, loved the troubled characters who survived in such desperate circumstances. I felt the author,Loved this novel, loved the structure, loved the story, loved the troubled characters who survived in such desperate circumstances. I felt the author, who has worked in the field, gave a genuine insight to the plight of refugees from war-torn Syria. The bees and Nuri's memories of tending the hives gave a gentle relief to the horrors of war....more
A door-stopper of a tome. At the 150 page mark I was wondering whether to persevere with the confusing, disjointed saga that seemed to be going nowherA door-stopper of a tome. At the 150 page mark I was wondering whether to persevere with the confusing, disjointed saga that seemed to be going nowhere. I decided to proceed, mainly because I enjoyed 'All the Light We Cannot See' by the same author and trusted that it would improve. Finally, the jigsaw pieces began to slot into place and Doerr's magnificent writing style kicked in, a few bright sparks amongst ashes. I found the entire reading experience unsatisfying and felt that the narratives of the various characters just fizzled out at the end. Hoping for something less experimental and literary-award-oriented next time....more
A tightly-packed crime thriller set in a fictitious outback town in the middle of a drought. If you are looking for action, look no further. This noveA tightly-packed crime thriller set in a fictitious outback town in the middle of a drought. If you are looking for action, look no further. This novel has it all. It starts with fallen newspaper reporter being sent to cover the first anniversary of the slaying of churchgoers by a wayward priest. What happens over the next ten days will make your hair curl. For a sleepy one-horse town (whose only pub is closed), there are an extraordinary number of evil people with deadly secrets. Easy to read and certainly a page-turner. But, for me, it was all too convoluted and far-fetched by the end....more
An intriguing premise: 3 adult children are required to hand-deliver 12 letters from beyond from the grave in order to inherit a sizeable estate. ThisAn intriguing premise: 3 adult children are required to hand-deliver 12 letters from beyond from the grave in order to inherit a sizeable estate. This condition of the will contrives to bring the family together and 'clean the slate' of the father (the deceased). Conveniently, all the recipients show their letter - some of which reveal shocking truths - to the person who delivers it (and the reader). However, what begins with so much promise, turns into a series of predictable interactions with a long list of minor characters. Nevertheless, the novel is an enjoyable read and Moriarty's writing is superb....more
A gently-written novel about heartache and healing. Question: What does a mother do when her only son is in prison with a life sentence? Answer: She bA gently-written novel about heartache and healing. Question: What does a mother do when her only son is in prison with a life sentence? Answer: She buys a crumbling shack by the sea and builds a labyrinth in the backyard. To proceed, she must become part of the little seaside community. Her neighbours are, quite frankly, a strange lot. But who is she to judge, given her curious childhood as the daughter of the chief medical officer of an asylum? One by one, she attracts various odd-bods to the project: the shy teenager, Lexie; the illegal immigrant, Jurko; the aloof neighbour, Ray. The activity of making something draws them together and gives everyone a sense of purpose and hope. This is a spiritual project as much as it is a physical one. Somewhere amongst the chaos, she also rediscovers herself. ...more
When Krissy Kneen was a speaker at my authors' group a few months ago, I was intrigued by her latest book. I've read some of Krissy's work before. WhiWhen Krissy Kneen was a speaker at my authors' group a few months ago, I was intrigued by her latest book. I've read some of Krissy's work before. While I love the way she writes, I confess that I find explicit erotica confronting. So, when she said this was a quest of discovery to find her roots in a faraway land, accompanied by bucketful of family secrecy and a good slather of quirkiness, I was hooked. The memoir does not disappoint. In fact, I couldn't put it down. Krissy's storytelling is sublime. Her research tour of Slovenia and Egypt is thorough and personally risky. Gaps are filled with possibilities, family lies and fairy tales. Her metaphors are spot on; one I loved was the dream of Lotty Kneen, reincarnated as a snake. 'She is coiled up in a dark place ... she is coiled in the belly of her granddaughter. Big belly, big enough to hold the long snaking form she has become. The grit of rock, the crackle of grass, the heat of the sun.' This wonderful, uplifting story about personal discovery, grieving, and the pursuit of truth is highly recommended....more
A quirky novel that explores the nature of love and loyalty. Set slightly in the future, the narrator is a humanoid robot who is naive and wise, calcuA quirky novel that explores the nature of love and loyalty. Set slightly in the future, the narrator is a humanoid robot who is naive and wise, calculating and considerate, and tuned in to human emotions. Over time, she learns to imitate the mannerisms of her teenage companion almost to perfection. However, she struggles with matters of the heart. In many ways Klara, the machine, shows more compassion and inner strength than the humans she serves. Beautifully crafted, artfully paced, low-key narration, as you'd expect of this author. ...more
A spy thriller written by a spy, what more could you want? I found this novel a little difficult to warm to at the start. Too many characters and aliaA spy thriller written by a spy, what more could you want? I found this novel a little difficult to warm to at the start. Too many characters and aliases and acronyms that I couldn't keep in my mind. When at last, I realised that it wasn't necessary to know what DGSE, DGSI, DR analysts, OT numbers, etc, etc were or stood for, the narrative took over and swept me away. Most interesting to me was the mindset of French spy, de Payns, his constant checking and rechecking for 'followers', for booby-traps, for alternate escape routes. Even an innocent social visit to his son's friend's apartment turns into a surveillance exercise. Unable to sit still, he excuses himself and goes to the bathroom, where he methodically checks all the cupboards, and even the toilet cistern, for listening devices and bombs. Like all good thrillers, everything happens at the end. The tension builds and builds. It is impossible to put the book down until all the puzzles are resolved....more
For a WWII war-crime thriller, the writing is dense and there are a plethora of characters. It is set mostly in Nazi-occupied Smolensk after the Red AFor a WWII war-crime thriller, the writing is dense and there are a plethora of characters. It is set mostly in Nazi-occupied Smolensk after the Red Army massacre of thousands of Polish troops at Katyn Wood. Yes, it is gruesome and the protagonist, Bernie Gunther, is no angel. But it is also perceptive and quirky and funny at times. When Kerr drops one of his bombshell similes, he really nails it. You are right there with him in the woods, with the mud and the flies and the sickening stench of death. A longish book and not a quick read, but well worth the effort....more
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