Even now, barely three years from the start of the pandemic, I find myself forgetting what life was truly like under lockdown - the fear, the strangenEven now, barely three years from the start of the pandemic, I find myself forgetting what life was truly like under lockdown - the fear, the strangeness, the awful simplicity. This novel was a brilliant reminder. I'm so glad Elizabeth Strout reflected this experience through the sensitive eyes of Lucy Barton. Loved it...more
Sandie Docker fans (like me!) are in for a treat with this one! Family secrets and past traumas give rise to a powerful story of two women - Sarah andSandie Docker fans (like me!) are in for a treat with this one! Family secrets and past traumas give rise to a powerful story of two women - Sarah and Rosalie, grandaughter and grandmother - coming to grips with the trauma of their pasts. So many fabulous themes are explored - the healing properties of music, the nature of memory, the toxicity of longheld secrets and the way WWII changed the lives of everyone in this country - those who served and those who kept the home fires burning. This is a heartfelt and intelligent novel with characters you will grow to love. Brilliant!...more
Lisa Ireland has the magic art of writing about characters who aren't perfect, but are entirely lovable just the same. In Dolly Jamieson, she has creaLisa Ireland has the magic art of writing about characters who aren't perfect, but are entirely lovable just the same. In Dolly Jamieson, she has created a feisty but slightly flawed heroine for whom we cheer from almost the first page. I love how Ireland shines a light on the experiences of older Australian women who have histories and life stories that deserve centre stage. In this novel, there are also some lovely themes around the importance of forgiving ourselves, and accepting others without judgement....more
A tough book to read but an incredibly important message to share. Lee is unflinching in outlining the scale of the sexual violence epidemic and the lA tough book to read but an incredibly important message to share. Lee is unflinching in outlining the scale of the sexual violence epidemic and the legal system's failings in dealing with this societal scourge. I listened to this on audio and Lee's narration is faultless. This memoir is as honest, angry and revealing as any I've ever read. Like I said, not easy to hear but very, very worthwhile....more
A beautifully written novel about generational trauma, belonging and the wrench of growing apart from the ones you love. This was such a wise and illuA beautifully written novel about generational trauma, belonging and the wrench of growing apart from the ones you love. This was such a wise and illuminating story about a suburb that's not really so far from where I live, but a world a way in terms of its migrant history. I was also a child during the heroin epidemic and had only the most basic understanding. I'm so appreciative that Tracey Lien has written a nuanced and complex depiction of the issues involved. I haven't even mentioned the wonderful characters of this book and the strength of each voice but that was another highlight for me.. can't wait for Lien's next book....more
This book have me such a buzz! Petraitis has given us a heroine for the ages - Antigone Pollard is the wise, kick-arse woman we need right now. Some fThis book have me such a buzz! Petraitis has given us a heroine for the ages - Antigone Pollard is the wise, kick-arse woman we need right now. Some fabulous twists and a completely satisfying ending. Can't wait for more Antigone.....more
Enough twists and turns to keep the pages turning, some that I did see coming and others that took me by surprise. I listened to this book on audio anEnough twists and turns to keep the pages turning, some that I did see coming and others that took me by surprise. I listened to this book on audio and the narrator generally did a great job, especially given the frequent accent changes....more
This book was a total delight from first page to last. I loved the tropes- enemies to lovers and fake relationships are always winners for me - but thThis book was a total delight from first page to last. I loved the tropes- enemies to lovers and fake relationships are always winners for me - but the characters and subject matter made it feel fresh and 'now'. And did I mention the humour? Kenwood's dialogue, contrasted with Brooke's inner monologue had me chortling away. Yes, the protagonists might be 18 but this 46 year old reader found plenty to relate to - after all, self-actualisation is a lifelong process.....more
I swept through this book at a rate of knots. It's so tightly written with a little cliff-hanger (boom-tish) at the end of every chapter. It is a veriI swept through this book at a rate of knots. It's so tightly written with a little cliff-hanger (boom-tish) at the end of every chapter. It is a veritable onion of layers that get peeled away to reveal a very twisty truth. Highly enjoyable and engrossing....more
Penelope Janu's books are badged as rural romance - and they certainly are that, with feisty, complex heroines and rugged, handsome heros - but they aPenelope Janu's books are badged as rural romance - and they certainly are that, with feisty, complex heroines and rugged, handsome heros - but they are also much more, and Shelter from the Storm is a perfect example of Janu's fresh approach. This book is suspenseful (the final pages are incredibly tense and gripping) and offers important themes around the environment. A fabulous read. ...more
Something about this book made me feel nostalgic.. Bailey is a likable hero - very male, very Aussie - a bit of a 'work in progress', if you will. TheSomething about this book made me feel nostalgic.. Bailey is a likable hero - very male, very Aussie - a bit of a 'work in progress', if you will. The plot ripped along at a mile a minute and the support characters were interesting, and deftly. Will I be back for my Bailey? Too right I will!...more
This is my first Colleen Hoover and it won't be my last. I listened to this on audio book and found myself making excuses to go for more walks to listThis is my first Colleen Hoover and it won't be my last. I listened to this on audio book and found myself making excuses to go for more walks to listen to it. What a 'page-turner' this is! I knew there was a twist coming but this was not the one I expected. Hugely entertaining.....more
Reid's writing is undeniably beautiful, her handle of prose is exceptional and her insight into human psychology and the nuances of emotion is incrediReid's writing is undeniably beautiful, her handle of prose is exceptional and her insight into human psychology and the nuances of emotion is incredible detailed. I'm older than the target market for this book but I love reading Reid's writing because I think it does give me insight into a different generation, and for that I'm grateful. Obviously, not all young twenty-somethings are like Eleanor or Charlie or Helen but it is helpful to step deep inside the mind of a character in that age group, if not least to be reminded of how difficult it is to be young. You could not pay me to be 25 again - all the uncertainty and wondering over how things might turn out is exhausting and mind-bending. Reid captures this so well... I'm not saying it's easier to be older, it's just a different kind of 'hard.'...more
**spoiler alert** A fabulous concept, really well executed and with an important message about valuing the life you have over the life you'd like to h**spoiler alert** A fabulous concept, really well executed and with an important message about valuing the life you have over the life you'd like to have....more
This book is so many things! On the face, it's the story of a champion horse but it's so much more than that - a love story, an art story, a tale of iThis book is so many things! On the face, it's the story of a champion horse but it's so much more than that - a love story, an art story, a tale of intense connection between man and horse and a story that engages with contemporary and historical race issues. A pleasurable and educational reading experience.....more
Beguiling, believable, brilliant... Elizabeth Strout draws you in so carefully with Lucy's distinctive gentleness, calm and insight. I listened to thiBeguiling, believable, brilliant... Elizabeth Strout draws you in so carefully with Lucy's distinctive gentleness, calm and insight. I listened to this on audio and the narration was outstanding. ...more
A fantastic read! This book offers highly nuanced depiction of complicated relationships and a fabulous through-line to keep you turning the pages. A A fantastic read! This book offers highly nuanced depiction of complicated relationships and a fabulous through-line to keep you turning the pages. A really clever structure to keep you guessing and some lovely imagery and use of language. ...more
My first Michael Robotham and it definitely won't be my last. Fantastic pace, some great twists and two compelling protagonists in the ever-rational aMy first Michael Robotham and it definitely won't be my last. Fantastic pace, some great twists and two compelling protagonists in the ever-rational and fundamentally decent Cyrus, who compliments and contrasts so well with his wild young charge, Evie....more
Oh, Elizabeth, you patriarchy-fighting, chemistry-obsessed, dog-lover - I loved getting to know you and spending time in your world. Bonnie Garmus musOh, Elizabeth, you patriarchy-fighting, chemistry-obsessed, dog-lover - I loved getting to know you and spending time in your world. Bonnie Garmus must be some kind of genius to have brought you into being. So clever, so fresh, so thought-provoking. Thank you for a wonderful reading experience!...more
Petronella McGovern has taken her plotting to whole new levels in this one. The pace is excellent with some wonderful twists and turns that I did not Petronella McGovern has taken her plotting to whole new levels in this one. The pace is excellent with some wonderful twists and turns that I did not see coming. On top of all of this, there are some pertinent messages here around toxic masculinity, female friendship and the urgent need for all Australians to understand this country's history from the perspective of its first inhabitants. A gripping, intelligent, compelling read....more
This book is an unflinching, uncomfortable examination of the soul-crushing expectations placed on young medicos in a severely under-resourced medicalThis book is an unflinching, uncomfortable examination of the soul-crushing expectations placed on young medicos in a severely under-resourced medical system. But it's not polemic, it's a personal story of a young woman in an impossible situation and it radiates with authenticity. Let's hope this book sparks some conversation and change....more
I listened to the audio version of this book and the narration by Meg Dunn was superb. She nails all the voices in this story of a flailing 26 year olI listened to the audio version of this book and the narration by Meg Dunn was superb. She nails all the voices in this story of a flailing 26 year old learning some hard lessons about 'doing life.' To me, this book is like an updated Bridget Jones. I really appreciated the energetic writing and the insight into the gen z mind. Lots of fun....more
There was something fresh about this thriller - maybe it was the first person, present tense narration, or the deep insight into our corrections systeThere was something fresh about this thriller - maybe it was the first person, present tense narration, or the deep insight into our corrections system? I'm not sure but it kept me hooked to the end with its twists and turns. Mercier's first-hand experience of the prison system really makes a difference here - it felt authentic, in a heightened, fictional way....more
I'm a scaredy cat at the best of times but this was enjoyably, tolerably creepy and macabre. Excellent depiction of 1960s Australia with two extremelyI'm a scaredy cat at the best of times but this was enjoyably, tolerably creepy and macabre. Excellent depiction of 1960s Australia with two extremely redeeming protagonists in Hal and Mick Goodenough. I look forward to hearing more of the Mick story in future novels....more
**spoiler alert** Love love loved this! The best banter, the meatiest metaphors and the most sensual sex scenes. Emily Henry's writing makes my heart **spoiler alert** Love love loved this! The best banter, the meatiest metaphors and the most sensual sex scenes. Emily Henry's writing makes my heart race and crack and bloom just like Nora's. What a talent!...more
Stone Town has without doubt cemented my status as a huge Margaret Hickey fan. Gripping plot, wonderful characters, evocative setting and some fabulouStone Town has without doubt cemented my status as a huge Margaret Hickey fan. Gripping plot, wonderful characters, evocative setting and some fabulous twists and turns. And did I mention Hickey's wonderful sense of humour?-the dry witticisms sprinkled through this book are like gold dust. Loved it!...more
I absolutely flew through the final quarter of this book as Caro explored the rights and wrongs of Miriam's actions. In a way, it's surprising that moI absolutely flew through the final quarter of this book as Caro explored the rights and wrongs of Miriam's actions. In a way, it's surprising that more women don't take matters into their own hands.. the law seems totally ill equipped to protect women and children from the men who claim to love them the most. Caro beautiful conveyed the terror and powerlessness of being subjected to a controlling person's manipulations. I never thought I could condone murder but honestly, it feels like Miriam saved the world from a monster.....more
I spent most of the pandemic wishing I lived in the country and Maya's latest book has only accentuated my desire! I thoroughly enjoyed Diana and Ned'I spent most of the pandemic wishing I lived in the country and Maya's latest book has only accentuated my desire! I thoroughly enjoyed Diana and Ned's 'love-in-your-forties' story with its complications of kids, elderly parents and busy careers. What Maya serves up is a brilliant slice of country life that's just as delicious and dinky-di as a lamington or an iced vo-vo....more
A chance to peak inside Graeme Simsion's writing process? Yes, please! A fabulous book for the beginning writer or those looking for new ways to tacklA chance to peak inside Graeme Simsion's writing process? Yes, please! A fabulous book for the beginning writer or those looking for new ways to tackle a project. Love how Graeme gives examples from his own work. Well worth a read!...more
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