Allen & Unwin Archives - Page 11 of 12

Book review: Sapphire Falls by Fleur McDonald

October 25, 20162 min read

Dare I admit that I think this is my first Fleur McDonald book? (And on that note can we have a round of applause for my recent spate of courage – in terms of reading outside my genre. Or at least thinking I’m about to.)

I’ve mentioned many times that I avoid romance novels… particularly rural romance the like and I suspect the cover of other books by McDonald might have led me to believe I was about to swagger bow-legged down that path. But perhaps I never read the blurbs, as her latest most certainly sounds like my reading bread and butter.

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Book review: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

October 8, 20163 min read

In mid 2001 I was heading to a health retreat for three decadent weeks of pampering, healthy eating, exercise and seclusion; and was in need of some reading fodder. I stumbled across a deal involving three books by an author I’d not heard of. They all sounded good so I snapped them up. And my love of Jodi Picoult was born.

I should mention I’ve now skipped a couple of books and haven’t adored them all equally, but her early ones – in particular – I loved, so I awaited her latest with great excitement.

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Book review: Goodwood by Holly Throsby

October 1, 20162 min read

Goodwood is Australian author Holly Throsby’s first novel; but she’s also a songwriter and musician who’s released solo albums and a children’s album. The publisher’s blurb talks about Holly’s distinctive and lyrical voice – something that’s certainly true. I’m not familiar with any of her music but I get a sense of who she is and what her music would be like through this book, its narrative and its characters.

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Book review: Maggie’s Kitchen by Caroline Beecham

July 29, 20163 min read

I struggled to get to Maggie’s Kitchen by Caroline Beecham – through no fault of its own. It arrived when my reading and reviewing pile was pretty insurmountable AND at a time I going into hospital. Surprisingly I was not in the mood to read during my stay or the week or so after, so poor Maggie and her wartime story had to wait.

But when I finally read it, I eased through it in a night.

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Book review: The House between Tides by Sarah Maine

July 9, 20162 min read

I’ve already admitted I don’t read a lot of historical fiction. In fact I tend to avoid it like the plague. Once I see reference to anything pre 1950s, my eyes glaze over and I lose all interest.

There are – however – a few exceptions. One of those is anything written by Kate Morton. Her books usually alternate between the then and now, and are somehow more palatable. And The House between Tides by Sarah Maine reminded me very much of Morton’s work.

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Book review: Blame by Nicole Trope

July 2, 20163 min read

Nicole Trope’s 2015 novel Hush Little Bird was the first I’d read by the Australian author. It was incredibly timely – the subject matter reflecting some popular cases of child sexual abuse involving celebrities and vulnerable children.

Trope’s latest novel is quite different, but still focuses on families, friends and relationships. And it again highlights the vulnerable.

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Book review: The Teacher’s Secret by Suzanne Leal

June 6, 20163 min read

Australian author Suzanne Leal is a lawyer experienced in child protection and refugee law, which are just two of the themes reflected in her latest novel, The Teacher’s Secret.

Leal’s first-hand experience of both means she’s not afraid to tackle the tough subjects, and she does so with pragmatic realism and sensitivity.

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Book review: The Beekeeper’s Secret by Josephine Moon

April 6, 20163 min read

I’m a newcomer to the work of Josephine Moon. I googled her after reading her latest book, The Beekeeper’s Secret and found her website. And I loved (LOVED) that her site byline is ‘Living the dream’.

I was smitten with that positivity and her acknowledgement she’s doing what she loves. (As I am far from that kind of person and envy those who are!)

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