Posts tagged “The Secret River”

The Secret River by Kate Grenville My rating: 5 of 5 stars Warning: This is a bit of a ramble through the Australian literary bush, and suitable more for people who’ve already read the book, who may wish to compare notes. These are my reflections after finishing The Secret River, and they are not intended for readers trying to decide whether or not to read it. If that’s your only reason for looking at my review, then my advice is yes, read it, but don’t read my review any further. Warning Two: Here there be plot spoilers. This book is subtly and skilfully executed, and Grenville has a beautiful way with description. Let me say that again: Grenville has a beautiful…

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My Spring-Summer Reading List for the AWW Challenge 2013

td Whittle

Posted on September 27, 2013

Now that the year is three-quarters done, I have only just learnt about the Australian Women Writers website and its AWW 2013 Challenge, which involves selecting a quantity of books written by Australian women, to read and (optionally) review by year’s end. If, like me, you are arriving late to this solo party, there is still time to mix yourself a drink and curl up on the couch with a good book. Also, you needn’t be Australian — or a woman — to participate. I have signed up for the “Miles” level, named after Miles Franklin, one of Australia’s most highly-acclaimed women writers. Aside: If you’ve never read My Brilliant Career, you can download it free on Project Gutenberg: link. In 1979, Gillian…

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