People of the Book

I've very much enjoyed People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. It is the story of a 600 year old Jewish book which conservator, Hanna Heath, is asked to assess. Within it she finds things that might give clues to its history, but these stories are revealed only to the reader. We learn how the book was created and the stories of many of those who possessed it. In doing so, we also learn something about the history of the Jews in Europe and how they were welcomed then driven out of some countries, including Spain. This book is well-written with wonderful individual stories about periods in the life of the book. 5/5

Burning Bright

I found Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier a rather dull read. The story is based around William Blake and the time he was living in Lambeth, London towards the end of the 18th century. He is seen through the eyes of two families - the Kellaways, newly arrived from the country; and the Butterfields, a London family. As revolutionary events unfold across the Channel in France, Blake's radical views are seen as being disloyal to the monarchy. The children of the families become close and they are introduced to Blake's art and writings. 2/5

White Cargo

This history book White Cargo by Don Jordan and Michael Walsh was certainly an eye-opener. Sub-titled The Forgotten History of Britain's White Slaves in America, it tells how Britain colonised the Americas with its unwanted people, including criminals, former soldiers, rebels, and street kids. Some went voluntarily but gave away their freedom in return for promises that were mostly never kept, or they died before they could receive their "reward". Ruthless entrepreneurs made fortunes out of human misery. Children were "rounded up" and confined before being shipped out and if found by their parents, they could not retrieve them. This began in the early 17th century, long before the African slave trade. Later, when the Africans began to be traded, white and black slaves worked and lived side by side. This little known and shocking history shows how America was really established. 4/5

Red Leaves

Red Leaves by Paullina Simons was a good murder story about the mysterious death of a young college student, Kristina Kim. Her three friends come under suspicion as Detective Spencer O'Malley investigates. They did not report her missing after not seeing her for 9 days and they are the beneficiaries of her will. O'Malley uncovers the secrets of Kristina's past and the motive for the murder is revealed as the story reaches its startling conclusion. This is a good story with many twists before it reaches the shocking end. 4/5

The Trout Opera

I've enjoyed the epic tale of The Trout Opera by Matthew Condon. The story spans the 20th century in Australia as a "man from Snowy River", Wilfred Lampe, born in 1900 is commandeered to participate in the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympics. Wilfred's great love is trout fishing. The book moves back and forth with different time periods so we learn about Wilfred's life. The book also moves between characters such as Wilfred's great niece, Aurora; Aurora's former boyfriend Wynter and Featherstone, a late night radio broadcaster. These characters are interwoven and connected and flesh out the story. Well written and hard to put down. 4 1/2/5

Lunch with a Soldier

I've enjoyed Lunch with a Soldier by Derek Hansen, the last in the "lunch" series when Neil tells his story about growing up in the NSW outback with his brother Billy. There are three threads - childhood, Billy's Vietnam experience, and Billy's romance with a woman escaping a violent husband - as well as the present with Neil meeting his friends each Thursday to tell his story. The story is well told and keeps you guessing till the end. 4/5