Life In His Hands

This true story Life In His Hands by Susan Wyndham recounts the relationship between Sydney neurosurgeon, Charlie Teo, and his pianist patient, Aaron McMillan. Teo removed a large brain tumour for McMillan in 2001 and the successful operation featured on "Australian Story". The book tells about their lives and goes on to tell about their continued association over the next six years. McMillan is a gifted musician who inspires all those who come into contact with him. Teo is a gifted surgeon who at times courts controversy. It is an inspiring story which encourages the reader to value each day we are given. 4/5

On Beauty

On Beauty by Zadie Smith was a good read about a dysfunctional mixed-race middle class family, the Belseys, living in a college community near Boston. Professor Howard Belsey, white, brought up in England, determined to educate himself out of his background, married to a black woman and has three teenage children. Professor Belsey's special subject is "Rembrandt" and he has had an academic feud with another art historian, Kipps, who moves in to the college. There are various "interactions" between the two families. The book addresses "race relations", poverty, education and its exclusivity, hypocrisy and "family" themes. 4/5

The Surgeon

I can't say I enjoyed The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen. The serial killer murders depicted are particularly gruesome and no detail is spared. He targets the most vulnerable - rape victims. Set in Boston, Detectives Moore and Rizzoli investigate and find a connection with a female doctor at a local hospital. There is a romantic involvement which is distracting and unnecessary. As the killer stalks his next victim, the tension builds. Will he be stopped in time? 2 1/2/5

Time Out for Living

This edition, published 2009, of Time Out for Living by Estelle Pinney tells the story of women living and working in Brisbane during World War II. The novel's main character, Lulla Riddel lives life to the full and works in a grenade making factory. It is likely the author had personal experiences of much that is in the story. It is well-told, light hearted novel, with some poignant moments, and being set in Brisbane portraying familiar landmarks made it easy to relate to. The Americans had a major influence on Brisbane life during the War and this is shown with interaction between those characters. An "easy" read and quite enjoyable. 3/5

Look Again

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline is a good story that poses questions about maternal instincts and truth. Reporter, Ellen Gleeson, suspects the child she adopted two years ago may be a child that was kidnapped earlier than that. Should she follow this through or keep quiet to keep her son? What will be the consequences if her suspicions are correct? An interesting scenario. 4/5

A Beautiful Place to Die

A Beautiful Place to Die by Malla Nunn is a debut novel for this author. It is well written and provides an insight into the racial tensions of 1950s South Africa. Detective Emmanuel Cooper is sent to a small town to investigate the murder of its Police Captain, Willem Pretorius. Cooper uncovers the hypocrisies that inhabit the town where skin colour determines the hierarchy. A disturbing story as justice may also depend on skin colour. A thrilling story. 4/5

Desert Queen - The Many Lives and Loves of Daisy Bates

This biography Desert Queen by Susanna de Vries is another of her many interesting stories of women who have made their mark in Australia's history. Daisy Bates had a remarkable life and is most noted for her anthropological work with the aborigines. The author's research uncovered the truth behind some of the myths that Daisy herself used to cover up her humble beginnings. Her grace and education brought her into contact with many dignatories whom she used to fund her work. Some of Daisy's more sensational stories (e.g. cannibalism) were sold to newspapers and publishers to ensure an income. Such stories damaged her credibility and offended aboriginal groups. However, most of her work was undertaken with reverence and its value in preserving many of the oral histories and dreamtime stories which would otherwise have been lost cannot be overestimated. Excellent. 4/5

The White Tiger

The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga won the Man Booker Prize for 2008. Set in modern India, this novel tells the story of an entrepreneur and how he became one. The story is told through letters written by Balram, the "White Tiger" to the Chinese Premier explaining how "democracy" and the system works in India. Balram comes from a large family and gets a job as a driver for a powerful and wealthy family. This helps with his "education" as he learns how Indian society operates. Brilliant story and well written. However, it is also a bleak story of corruption, and if the incidents depicted are true representations of life in India, then it is very concerning. 4/5

Silver Wattle

Reading Silver Wattle by Belinda Alexandra was a chore and heavy going. It started well. Set in Prague just after the First World War, sisters Adela and Klara, are forced to flee to their Uncle in Australia after a family tragedy. From there the story descends into "soap opera" and cliches as the girls "discover" the wonders of their new country. The storyline regarding a possum was particularly nauseating. There were some interesting references to Australia's early film industry. Overall, this was really awful and only that I am a "compulsive finisher" that I was able to stick it out to the inevitable and predictable conclusion. 2/5