August 2023 Group Reads

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

For our next month of 2023 group reads - August - we have chosen two books each with the theme - Named after Augustus Caesar - Historical Fiction - therefore members will have four to choose from when you vote in the poll. (Once again, all Aussie authors)

Our choices are:

The Orphans by Fiona McIntosh

Orphan Fleur Appleby is adopted by a loving undertaker and his wife and she quickly develops a special gift for helping bereaved families. Her ambition to be the first female mortician in the country is fuelled by her plan to bring more women into the male dominated funeral industry.

The Magpie's Sister by Kerri Turner

1911: Sydney, Australia. From the moment the tumours appeared on her face, Maggie Bright knew she would never live a normal life. Abandoned by her mother and then given away by her father, she spent her childhood learning to become the 'Lagoon Creature': part acrobat, part clown, part circus hand. It's not a bad life -Rafferty Braun, the ringmaster, provides her with an ongoing education, and now, as a young woman, she has the kind of freedom her condition could have easily taken away from her. As much as she tries not to, however, Maggie can't help wishing for more.

The War Nurses by Anthea Hodgson

In 1942, country girls Minnie Hodgson and Margot McNee set sail from Perth, Australia for Singapore in search of adventure, full of excitement and keen to do their part working as nurses to the fallen soldiers in a time of war. What they encounter is an army of new friends and the terrors of a city under siege.
When the Japanese attack and Singapore falls, they are forced to flee aboard the Vyner Brooke.

The Paris Maid by Ella Carey

Paris, 1944. “Traitor!” yells the crowd as they push me down onto a stool. “Nazi collaborator.” Tears blur my vision as the razor grazes my scalp, waves of blonde hair falling to the ground. As men paint a swastika across my face, I hold onto one small glimmer of hope. They have no idea who I am.

To vote for your choice of the above four reads, click on this link and have your say!

https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/2...

MODERATOR CHOICE: Lest We Forgive by Phillipa Nefri Clark