Australian Women Writers Challenge discussion
Archived Participants 2016
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Josie - Franklin (10) for 2016
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#1 of 10 FRANKLIN"Salt Rain" by Sarah Armstrong
ABOUT THE BOOK:
When fourteen-year-old Allie's mother, Mae, mysteriously disappears in the dark waters of the Sydney harbor, Allie must face the secrets buried in the mud-rich landscape of Mae's childhood. Set within Australia's lush rain forest at the height of the rainy season, Salt Rain is an absorbing debut about sifting through the complicated stories that shape us, and ultimately reclaiming them as our own.
MY REVIEW
My first for the 2016 Australian Women Writers Reading Challenge and it was an ok one.
This is the story of a young girl searching for answers about herself and her mother.
It wasn't that I didn't enjoy it, but it didn't keep me engaged all the way through to be honest. The main character was a little overly dramatic and somewhat annoying in places.
I read this one basically because I was to read the author's 2nd novel "His Other House", so we'll have to wait and see if that is any more established.
#2 of 10 FRANKLIN"Cargo" by Jessica Au
ABOUT THE BOOK
Gillian is fifteen, crippled by a tragic accident but dreams of swimming across oceans.Jacob is fourteen and yearns for his brother's life.Frankie is fifteen and in love with the new deckhand on her father's boat.
This is a story of these three desires intertwine over the course of one lazy summer in a small coastal town.
MY REVIEW
The backdrop of a Victorian seaside town sets the stage for a collection of teenagers who are embarking on their final years of high school in 1992 at the ages where they are bursting with 'not yet legal age' hormones, desperate to cross their own lines of innocence.
Although the author has chosen what I believe to be a fictional beach - really? There aren't enough real ones to choose from - I could pick no other fault in this debut novel.
For such a short book (less than 250 pages) this really packs an emotional punch for any reader. There really is so much to take in in this story, and the way its coming of age undercurrent is delicately handled is a real credit to the writer's skill.
I'm impressed, and look forward to seeking out more from this author.
#3 of 10 FRANKLIN"Claiming Noah" by Amanda Ortlepp
ABOUT THE BOOK
Catriona and James are desperate for children, and embark on an IVF program. After a gruelling round of treatments, Catriona finally falls pregnant, and they donate their remaining embryo anonymously. Diana and Liam are on a waiting list to receive an embryo. Sooner than expected, they are thrilled to discover one is available. After a difficult pregnancy, Catriona gives birth to Sebastian. But severe postnatal depression affects her badly, and quickly turns into deadly psychosis. For her protection and her baby's, she's admitted into psychiatric care. When she comes home, she again struggles to bond with her baby, but gradually life finds its own rhythm. Meanwhile, Diana has given birth to a beautiful little boy, Noah. But when he is two months old Noah is abducted...and Diana and Liam's nightmare begins.
MY REVIEW
I learned of this book via Twitter of all places a little while ago and the description and buzz around the author pre-publication had me pretty keen to read this. Then I acquired the eBook and it sat unread for a little while.
My lack of contribution to the Australian Women Writers challenge this year pushed me into getting it read and with that brought the great joy of knowing you have found a new great author to follow.
There were moments where you guessed what was coming, but quite frankly it was that horrendous you self doubt yourself to the point that you talk yourself out of the inevitable happening!
A really great read that drew me right in and spat me out again several times!
#4 of 10 FRANKLIN"Running Against the Tide" by Amanda Ortlepp
ABOUT THE BOOK
The past will always find you.
Erin Travers is running away from her life and taking her two sons with her to a small town on the ruggedly beautiful Eyre Peninsula. The close-knit township is full of happy childhood memories for Erin, but she’s bringing a whole lot of baggage with her.
When the peaceful community is disrupted by theft and arson, rumours fly about who is responsible. In a small town where lives are tangled too closely together, old grudges flare, fingers are pointed and secrets are unmasked.
MY REVIEW
I read this back to back with the author's debut novel, and I have to say this wasn't as good. Fair enough the subject matter of the first novel packed one hell of an original punch, but this follow up was just never going to cut the mustard and that was a shame.
Although I could appreciate the writing skill and the storyline was good, it just wasn't as unique and "Claiming Noah" so I guess it suffered somewhat from a case of sibling overshadow!
This one did make me cry though, so extra points there!
Would defiantly look to read more from this author in the future, but I would definitely space them out a bit more!
I have also set up a thread on BookCrossing
http://www.bookcrossing.com/forum/6/5...