The Aunts’ House is a delightful coming of age story set in 1942 Sydney. Author Elizabeth Stead has conjured an ensemble of quirky, lovable characters that would make Charles Dickens envious. Angel Martin is an orphaned child foisted upon long-suffering boarding house mistress, Missus Potts. Enraged upon discovering Angel hasn’t brought the inheritance she’d counted on […]
australian fiction
Review: In the Blink of an Eye, by Jesse Blackadder
Toddlers can be as fast as lightning for such small packages. Taking your eyes off them for even a second can have catastrophic consequences. In The Blink of an Eye, by Jesse Blackadder, is a powerful and heart-shattering story about a family living with exactly those consequences. Teenaged Jarrah loves his little brother, Toby, to […]
Review: Stranger Country, by Monica Tan
Stranger Country is Monica Tan’s story of quitting her job and driving 30,000 kilometres – alone – through the Outback in a quest to learn more about Australia’s ancient heritage. I found this book absolutely fascinating, honest and confronting. Tan is a curious person and natural storyteller, which together made this book a real joy […]
Review: The Killing of Louisa, by Janet Lee
To lose one husband may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like murder. It’s 1888 and, in New South Wales, Louisa Collins has been sentenced to hang for the murder of her husband. Two previous juries could not convict her, but the (all male) authorities kept trying until they found a jury […]
Review: Lenny’s Book of Everything, by Karen Foxlee
Lenny’s Book of Everything, by Karen Foxlee, is one of those books you press into your friends’ hands and quietly insist, “Read this.” It’s incredible, uplifting, warmly funny and devastating in equal parts. I loved every character (except the lecherous Mr King). Lenny’s little brother, Davey, is growing too quickly. By the age of six […]
Book review: How To Be Perfect, by Holly Wainwright
Holly Wainwright is a natural storyteller and she’s back with another rollicking good read, How To Be Perfect. Just like her first novel, The Mummy Bloggers, it’s packed with perceptive insights into parenting, hilarious observations on modern life and more than a few heart-in-mouth moments. It’s the perfect book to read when you want something light, familiar […]