Take a photo of a barcode or cover
astridandlouise's Reviews (665)
Japanese literature always makes me think differently or see basic concepts (such as memory) from a different viewpoint. Highly enjoyable read.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Catapult via NetGalley.
We follow a surgeon and his clinic located in a rural village of India, when one evening a family that have been violently murdered presents to the clinic and explains their opportunity at a second chance of life if the surgeon can mend their wounds before the sun rises. Throughout the book we discover how he came to work in the village as well as how this second chance was presented to the murdered family.
I found the backstory of the surgeon to be incredibly interesting which helped with an understanding toward his nature, but I wanted more backstory from the murdered family. It didn't feel in depth enough, whilst what we did receive was very husband-centric and I found myself wanting more dialogue and perspective from the wife. I found the ending slightly abrupt. It felt a little convenient and marginally rushed.
A book with an intriguing premise, atmospheric prose and well written (especially the surgical scenes).
We follow a surgeon and his clinic located in a rural village of India, when one evening a family that have been violently murdered presents to the clinic and explains their opportunity at a second chance of life if the surgeon can mend their wounds before the sun rises. Throughout the book we discover how he came to work in the village as well as how this second chance was presented to the murdered family.
I found the backstory of the surgeon to be incredibly interesting which helped with an understanding toward his nature, but I wanted more backstory from the murdered family. It didn't feel in depth enough, whilst what we did receive was very husband-centric and I found myself wanting more dialogue and perspective from the wife. I found the ending slightly abrupt. It felt a little convenient and marginally rushed.
A book with an intriguing premise, atmospheric prose and well written (especially the surgical scenes).
.jpg)
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Hachette Australia via NetGalley.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Its premise is great, and the important issues it addresses (racial profiling, consent, paedophilia and environmental protection) are important for us to discuss as a society. I found the beginning of the book to be slow which I didn’t find discouraging as the writing flowed nicely and it certainly has a nice eloquence. Yet it took a while for the story to take direction and shape. It wasn’t until the final quarter of the book that the narrative really took off, which meant that the ending felt very much rushed and underwhelming.
I didn’t get the closure from certain characters I was hoping for (mainly Brad and Julia). The fallout and the lasting impact of their actions, whilst explained, seem quickly glazed over and aren’t discussed in depth to offer a satisfactory conclusion and closure as a reader. The depth of a handful of characters, specifically Valerie, Julia and Brad is strong, however one of the core characters of the story, Juniper was neglected throughout several sections of the narrative and in others the depth of her characterisation was exceptional. It was confusing and in those overlooked sections incredibly irritating. I wasn’t surprised by the ending and had guessed the outcome roughly halfway through reading.
There are quite a few facets packed into this narrative and if we were given a book comprising of 500+ pages it may have been slightly more successful in addressing each facet in its entirety, as well as providing us with a conclusion that didn’t feel hurried. However, at 350 pages it seems a few of the storylines lost their trajectory, whilst others seemed completely discarded as Fowler rushed to tie them all together, giving me an ending that felt incomplete and slightly open-ended.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Its premise is great, and the important issues it addresses (racial profiling, consent, paedophilia and environmental protection) are important for us to discuss as a society. I found the beginning of the book to be slow which I didn’t find discouraging as the writing flowed nicely and it certainly has a nice eloquence. Yet it took a while for the story to take direction and shape. It wasn’t until the final quarter of the book that the narrative really took off, which meant that the ending felt very much rushed and underwhelming.
I didn’t get the closure from certain characters I was hoping for (mainly Brad and Julia). The fallout and the lasting impact of their actions, whilst explained, seem quickly glazed over and aren’t discussed in depth to offer a satisfactory conclusion and closure as a reader. The depth of a handful of characters, specifically Valerie, Julia and Brad is strong, however one of the core characters of the story, Juniper was neglected throughout several sections of the narrative and in others the depth of her characterisation was exceptional. It was confusing and in those overlooked sections incredibly irritating. I wasn’t surprised by the ending and had guessed the outcome roughly halfway through reading.
There are quite a few facets packed into this narrative and if we were given a book comprising of 500+ pages it may have been slightly more successful in addressing each facet in its entirety, as well as providing us with a conclusion that didn’t feel hurried. However, at 350 pages it seems a few of the storylines lost their trajectory, whilst others seemed completely discarded as Fowler rushed to tie them all together, giving me an ending that felt incomplete and slightly open-ended.
I received an ARC of this book with thanks to Transworld Publishers, Doubleday Ireland via NetGalley.
Throughout this story we follow the intertwined love triangle of Ruth, Robin and Joseph. The infatuations of some, the unattainable nature of others and how they navigate living day-to-day with the errors of the past and the frustrations of the present. How through lack of communication and affection a relationship can crumble but the slightest attempt of reach has the power to help heal. How the obsession of loved ones in our minds and placing them on an unattainable pedestal has the strength to break not only your heart, but yours and their spirit. And how the unspoken eats away at us more than we possibly understand until upon realisation, at which point we're too far apart to repair the distance we've created between one another.
I wouldn't classify this an uplifting book, but I really enjoyed this story. It's about the everyday, ordinary kind of love. It's a love story that isn't romanticised; it just feels real. Whilst reading this I felt transported to an icy, windy Irish beach. I felt cold, but comforted at the same time which is a true talent for a writer to possess.
Throughout this story we follow the intertwined love triangle of Ruth, Robin and Joseph. The infatuations of some, the unattainable nature of others and how they navigate living day-to-day with the errors of the past and the frustrations of the present. How through lack of communication and affection a relationship can crumble but the slightest attempt of reach has the power to help heal. How the obsession of loved ones in our minds and placing them on an unattainable pedestal has the strength to break not only your heart, but yours and their spirit. And how the unspoken eats away at us more than we possibly understand until upon realisation, at which point we're too far apart to repair the distance we've created between one another.
I wouldn't classify this an uplifting book, but I really enjoyed this story. It's about the everyday, ordinary kind of love. It's a love story that isn't romanticised; it just feels real. Whilst reading this I felt transported to an icy, windy Irish beach. I felt cold, but comforted at the same time which is a true talent for a writer to possess.
So tender yet so impassioned. Effortless yet arduous. It engulfed me and I loved every moment of it.
A really enjoyable and heartwarming book. I really adored reading this. It has definitely inspired me to explore King's back catalogue.
I love a grand family drama which is definitely what this was. And as absurd as it sounds, it is a family that I easily pictured myself being a part of. It demonstrated wholeheartedly that life begins and ends with family. That regardless of the circumstances in which any of us are raised we're all as damaged as the next person, but if you have love and forgiveness then you're likely to have contentment within yourself. If anything, this is what I take away from this beautiful book: we all choose our outlook and we all choose how we conduct our relationships with those closest to us, so choose your words wisely and always act with empathy.
I found this book such a pleasure to read. For such a hefty book reading it didn't feel like a chore, instead it flowed so smoothly and easily for me. Unsure whether it is because I drew certain comparisons with my own family, but this tale made me feel safe and warm (regardless of the many terrible, but relatable events that occurred.)
I found this book such a pleasure to read. For such a hefty book reading it didn't feel like a chore, instead it flowed so smoothly and easily for me. Unsure whether it is because I drew certain comparisons with my own family, but this tale made me feel safe and warm (regardless of the many terrible, but relatable events that occurred.)
Adelaide Inner South Book Club - February Selection
I am such a big fan of Tsiolkas. I have read his entire back catalogue and in my opinion, he is one of Australia's greatest writers. Which is why it pains me to say how much I struggled with this book. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy or relate to the subject matter; raised Roman Catholic, have heavily studied Theology and similar to Tsiolkas I have grappled for much of my life with my own religious journey and beliefs. Yet I found myself so confused at what it was he was trying to achieve or convey through this piece of work.
I went in blind: I didn't read any reviews, listen to any podcasts, seek thoughts from others; I didn't want spoilers nor did I want my mind influenced before I could form my own thoughts and opinions. Reading it felt disjointed and I struggled to bring the stories together. I'd experience peaks (Lydia 57AD, Timothy 87 AD) and then troughs. Upon completion I wanted to understand Tsiolkas' drive in writing this novel and what he was hoping to accomplish. I then sought out all the podcasts I could find that could offer me some insight (I've listed them at the bottom of this review).
These podcasts changed the entire book for me. If I had known what I know now before I began the book, this review would've been different. Upon reflection, I think the subject matter overwhelmed and consumed me, reading from a perspective of religion when I should have been reading with the perspective of humanity. This book offers a much more realistic view of slavery, class and racism during the Christian era than what we have been shown through film reenactment etc. And it is eye-opening to notice that in 2020 we're still having the same battles with race, class and displaced persons that humanity were having in 66-73CE.
Were I to reread this now, having educated myself about Tsiolkas' relationship with both Paul and religion in general, I think my view and understanding toward the text would be quite different, as would this review. However at this point in time, I'm going to absorb the book as well as the podcasts conducted with Tsiolkas' and revisit Damascus somewhere in the future.
Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading (Christos Tsiolkas):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas/id1225214412?i=1000459820820
Conversations (How Christos found radical compassion): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-christos-found-radical-compassion/id94688506?i=1000457862628
Soul Search (Christos Tsiolkas: Doubt on the road to Damascus):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas-doubt-on-the-road-to-damascus/id75423045?i=1000459354008
The Garret: Writers on Writing (Christos Tsiolkas: on Damascus):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas-on-damascus/id1168220938?i=1000457374442
I am such a big fan of Tsiolkas. I have read his entire back catalogue and in my opinion, he is one of Australia's greatest writers. Which is why it pains me to say how much I struggled with this book. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy or relate to the subject matter; raised Roman Catholic, have heavily studied Theology and similar to Tsiolkas I have grappled for much of my life with my own religious journey and beliefs. Yet I found myself so confused at what it was he was trying to achieve or convey through this piece of work.
I went in blind: I didn't read any reviews, listen to any podcasts, seek thoughts from others; I didn't want spoilers nor did I want my mind influenced before I could form my own thoughts and opinions. Reading it felt disjointed and I struggled to bring the stories together. I'd experience peaks (Lydia 57AD, Timothy 87 AD) and then troughs. Upon completion I wanted to understand Tsiolkas' drive in writing this novel and what he was hoping to accomplish. I then sought out all the podcasts I could find that could offer me some insight (I've listed them at the bottom of this review).
These podcasts changed the entire book for me. If I had known what I know now before I began the book, this review would've been different. Upon reflection, I think the subject matter overwhelmed and consumed me, reading from a perspective of religion when I should have been reading with the perspective of humanity. This book offers a much more realistic view of slavery, class and racism during the Christian era than what we have been shown through film reenactment etc. And it is eye-opening to notice that in 2020 we're still having the same battles with race, class and displaced persons that humanity were having in 66-73CE.
Were I to reread this now, having educated myself about Tsiolkas' relationship with both Paul and religion in general, I think my view and understanding toward the text would be quite different, as would this review. However at this point in time, I'm going to absorb the book as well as the podcasts conducted with Tsiolkas' and revisit Damascus somewhere in the future.
Stories Behind the Story with Better Reading (Christos Tsiolkas):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas/id1225214412?i=1000459820820
Conversations (How Christos found radical compassion): https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-christos-found-radical-compassion/id94688506?i=1000457862628
Soul Search (Christos Tsiolkas: Doubt on the road to Damascus):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas-doubt-on-the-road-to-damascus/id75423045?i=1000459354008
The Garret: Writers on Writing (Christos Tsiolkas: on Damascus):
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/christos-tsiolkas-on-damascus/id1168220938?i=1000457374442