Just loved this book. So thought provoking, so shocking, so well written, and so surprisingly funny, (at times) that it carries you through what is a Just loved this book. So thought provoking, so shocking, so well written, and so surprisingly funny, (at times) that it carries you through what is a confronting story. I just hope the publishers do everything they can to get this book into the hands of the general public, as this is a story that needs further sustained attention. For way too long it's been sadly neglected and overlooked. Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy....more
Seriously clever and a writer to watch! Somewhat challenging but consistently engaging and entertaining and really, really a book I hope garners both sSeriously clever and a writer to watch! Somewhat challenging but consistently engaging and entertaining and really, really a book I hope garners both sales but equally critical acclaim, because it deserves the recognition. Thanks to Ultimo, the publisher, for the advance reading copy....more
Just wonderful. Australia is a wash with outback noir crime fiction and this author is right up there with the best! Ignore this author at your peril.Just wonderful. Australia is a wash with outback noir crime fiction and this author is right up there with the best! Ignore this author at your peril. Very readable and very accessible. Thanks to the publisher for the advance reading copy....more
Yet another wonderful romp of a read! Nary a wasted word. With a typical taunt, suspenseful finish there is so much to like about this book, from a crYet another wonderful romp of a read! Nary a wasted word. With a typical taunt, suspenseful finish there is so much to like about this book, from a criminally neglected Australian writer. The author is as good, if not better than many writers of this new wave "outback noir" flood of books, and he's been doing for quiet some time. To neglect this writer is a crime in itself!...more
For a first novel this is really very good. Probably more a 3.5 than 3 but compared to this author’s more recent work I felt this was a tad overwritteFor a first novel this is really very good. Probably more a 3.5 than 3 but compared to this author’s more recent work I felt this was a tad overwritten. But for the most part a cracking read....more
Although I’ve not read every book this author has written but what I have read, this is his best. The storyline propels the book forward at a rattling Although I’ve not read every book this author has written but what I have read, this is his best. The storyline propels the book forward at a rattling pace. You’re quickly engulfed in the tale, and what a tale it is! Great Australian storytelling....more
This was the most challenging book by this author, I’ve read. But I’m glad I did because it’s special, on so many levels. The wit is still there, and This was the most challenging book by this author, I’ve read. But I’m glad I did because it’s special, on so many levels. The wit is still there, and as wonderful and uniquely Australian as ever. But the story is where the power is. Every Australian should read this book. To understand our past we have to understand our mistakes, and for too long these mistakes have been hidden. This is a powerful, essential read and I hope it gets the recognition it deserves. It’s special. ...more
This is the first book I've read of this author. I found it very multilayered, and at times, I thought it was unnecessary. So it could have been tightThis is the first book I've read of this author. I found it very multilayered, and at times, I thought it was unnecessary. So it could have been tighter, but what would I know... But it was still a compelling narrative and it does get you in. And as yet another edition to the burgeoning "outback noir" novels, it is a very good addition. No wonder its sold so well and minor criticisms aside I will be reading more of this author....more
It's taken me a while to getting around to reading this authors second book. After all the deserved hype of her first book, The Dry, I somehow missed It's taken me a while to getting around to reading this authors second book. After all the deserved hype of her first book, The Dry, I somehow missed this book and read the subsequent books that followed; The Lost Man and Survivors. To be truthful, I only ended up reading this book because the movie is shortly to be released. A film release historically hasn't been an incentive for me to read a book, but I did like the film of The Dry, it was a good adaptation. So I read Force of Nature. I didn't love it, but it was still compelling enough for me to finish it. If nothing else, it may well make a very good film, but it certainly was a more than credible book....more
I've not read the author, till this book, and on reading this, I'm wondering why! You don't win three Miles Franklin's simply because you get publisheI've not read the author, till this book, and on reading this, I'm wondering why! You don't win three Miles Franklin's simply because you get published! You have to be able to write, and Astley can certainly do that, and some! The book is apparently based upon fact, but the author raises the bar and makes the reader think about what happened by presenting different viewpoints, from those there. It makes you assess what brought this on. For me, it's a damning indictment on the systems that prevailed, and those legacies still sadly prevail. So beautifully written, and surprisingly witty, at times. This is a special Australian novel that is all too sadly neglected. I was one of them, (who left this on the shelf for too long) but this won't be my last Astley,as the author is clearly one of our best!...more
The Miles Franklin award is a significant Australian literary award, arguably THE literary award in Australia! And this is indeed a classic of AustralThe Miles Franklin award is a significant Australian literary award, arguably THE literary award in Australia! And this is indeed a classic of Australian literature, originally published way back in 1964! The book is a poorly disguised autobiography of the author, but also a subtle review of those cosy assumptions of our country between the wars. However, it is a seminal Australian novel. The writing is delightfully understated but equally beautifully evocative, of a time past. The storytelling is effortless, and an easy and enjoyable read. I'm embarassed it's taken me so long. Don't do the same thing - if you can get a copy read a real classic of Australian literature, it's a lovely book, and very much a book of it's time. ...more
So much to like about this book. However I was hoping for more, but benched against the author's previous book, that's hardly surprising, as it was a So much to like about this book. However I was hoping for more, but benched against the author's previous book, that's hardly surprising, as it was a cracker! But a lovely, evocative time capsule, all the same and I loved Maude!!...more
The storyline wobbles about, initially, but it does find its way. And it does all come together and I did enjoy it. However, I couldn’t help but benchThe storyline wobbles about, initially, but it does find its way. And it does all come together and I did enjoy it. However, I couldn’t help but bench this against this author’s subsequent books, which I thought were better and more nuanced. But lots to like and I will try and find more books from this series....more
So much to love about this book. Easy, accessible and beautifully informative about the subtleties of everything cricket, and especially the bat, madeSo much to love about this book. Easy, accessible and beautifully informative about the subtleties of everything cricket, and especially the bat, made into a wonderful story. I did love all the love of the willow tree. Just a little too predictable, and in some ways I was wanting more from it, which didn’t eventuate. But I can’t be too critical as it was a real joy. Just love how this author continues to evolve and tackle varied storyline’s, and for that she deserves huge praise....more
Mmmm, I felt like this was another bush noir that didn’t really reach real heights! Sure, there’s lots to like but the hype was better than the book. Mmmm, I felt like this was another bush noir that didn’t really reach real heights! Sure, there’s lots to like but the hype was better than the book. Solid without being spectacular, which I guess I was expecting....more
Was a little surprised by the somewhat hasty finish to an otherwise cracking read. But those minor concerns aside this is yet another fine book from tWas a little surprised by the somewhat hasty finish to an otherwise cracking read. But those minor concerns aside this is yet another fine book from this author!...more
A wonderfully assured debut. The writing is tight, concise and at times quirky and witty. But there isn't a wasted word. The author is unquestionably aA wonderfully assured debut. The writing is tight, concise and at times quirky and witty. But there isn't a wasted word. The author is unquestionably a great new talent, and I'll certainly be watching out for further titles. Thanks again to Ultimo Press for the advance reading copy - you are the best....more
Why isn’t this writer the best thing since sliced bread, and just as popular?! His stories around white settlement are powerful, evocative, tales that Why isn’t this writer the best thing since sliced bread, and just as popular?! His stories around white settlement are powerful, evocative, tales that seem so real and compelling that you don’t want them to stop, even though it isn’t always happy stories. This is one of his best!! Painfully sad, and in many ways a damning indictment on white settlement, but if you’re interested in a depiction of what really happened when the British colonised Australia you’d be hard pressed to find a better writer to tell you all about it!!...more
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