No Small Shame tells the story of Mary O’Donnell, a Scottish immigrant to Australia around the time of the Great War. Mary has always been infatuated with Liam, a man she has known since childhood. As they grow older, Liam suffers the loss of his mother and becomes disaffected and irresponsible. Neither wish to follow … More Review: No Small Shame
Gulliver’s Wife takes place in early 18th century London, telling the story of a mother and daughter, Mary Burton Gulliver and Bess Gulliver. The hard-wrought balance that Mary has achieved on her own as a successful midwife is thrown into disarray by the return of her husband, Lemuel, who has far-fetched claims about his time … More Review: Gulliver’s Wife
The Stars in the Night, by Clare Rhoden, is an accomplished novel, telling the story of two brothers, Harry and Eddie. Their destinies are changed forever when they decide to sign up for battle, first in Gallipoli then France. The brothers’ bond is fierce and Harry does everything in his power to keep Eddie safe—their … More Review: The Stars in the Night
The delicate power balance between maids and their employers in Singapore is just one aspect of this layered, moving novel. Bitter Leaves is a celebration of the strength of human spirit and the bonds that can form between people regardless of their differences. At the same time it condemns the inequality existing in a society … More Review: Bitter Leaves
This delightful collection of short stories encompasses a span of human emotions, frailties and flaws as well as a wider perspective on what it means to be human. Sebnem Sanders examines loss, love, despair, joy as well as the philosophical picture of our place in the world and our relationship with nature. In ‘Selma of … More Review: Ripples on the Pond
In this debut novel by Judy Crozier, set in Victorian London, a woman finds her life opening up with possibilities after her husband falls seriously ill and drifts towards death. Adelaide has always done what was expected of her. After a brief time as a debutante she is abruptly married off to George, a friend … More Review: What Empty Things Are These
Stone Girl moved me and made me think about marginalised youth in a more personal way. It tells the story of Sophie, made a ward of the state after a traumatic incident. She is suffering from low self-worth and grief at the same time as trying to navigate a world where no one appears to … More Review: Stone Girl
The Sisters’ Song is a wonderful read, one of the most absorbing books I’ve read in a while. I liked the simplicity of the linear narrative which drew me quickly into the story, combined with great emotional subtlety. The story explores sibling rivalry, the role of women and the limitations placed on them, and what … More Review: The Sisters’ Song
The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge is set in 1930’s coastal Dongarra, but the themes of public versus private identity, what it takes to hold a family together, and the heavy burden of secrets resonate just as much in present day. Lily and her family are forced to start again in Dongarra after their wheat farm … More Review: The Secrets at Ocean’s Edge
I enjoyed The Tides Between, by Elizabeth Jane Corbett, for many reasons. Warm, layered characters that you care about, lyrical and beautiful prose, and a wonderful depth of humanity. This coming of age story whose protagonist, Bridie Stewart, spends her journey to Port Phillip trying to understand her place in her family and the wider world. In … More Review: The Tides Between