Pearl in a Cage

This dark tale, Pearl in a Cage by Joy Dettman, is set in rural Australia in the 1930s. A baby, Jennifer, is born in tragic circumstances and the story is mainly about her life in a dysfunctional family in a dysfunctional small town. There are many characters to love and hate and we see how Jennifer's life is affected by them all. Will she triumph over the obstacles in her life's path? A riveting read. 41/2/5

Maralinga

I enjoyed this fictional story Maralinga by Judy Nunn set against the background of the British atomic tests in South Australia. Some of the true story of the tests came out in the 1980s but as the writer says the whole truth may never by known. In this story, a young British lieutenant is sent to Maralinga, leaving behind his new journalist fiancee. Their story is one of their time and we might wonder "how did they get away with that!" but it was the time of the Cold War and the soldiers were kept in ignorance of the ramifications of their participation. There is also the indigenous angle in this story, how they were forced to leave their traditional lands - but did they all go? It is a good story with the background well-researched, which makes it all the more interesting. 4/5

Of Bees and Mist

This enchanting tale Of Bees and Mist by Erick Setiawan is unusual. It is a tale of good versus evil and the depths of love and hate. It is a kind of fairy story set in a "fantasy" land. 16 year old Meridia falls in love with Daniel and they get married, but nothing is what it at first seems. Meridia discovers the truth about her mother-in-law, Eva, as she adjusts to married life. There are interesting twists and turns in this "magical" place where spells are cast and mists show the way, as well as some "over the top" characters, but still enjoyable. 31/2/5

The Art Thief

I read The Art Thief by Noah Charney fairly quickly as it's due back at the Library. There are three main settings - Italy, France and England for these intriguing art thefts and they are all connected. Valuable paintings are stolen and recovered, but are they the real thing? It was interesting to learn a bit about the world of art theft and some of the artists whose works are highly prized by the thieves. There is intrigue and double-crossing in this story. You can learn more about art crime here. 31/2/5

A Cure for All Diseases

I very much enjoyed A Cure for All Diseases by Reginald Hill, probably the best of the Dalziel & Pascoe novels I've recently read. Dalziel is convalescing at a private clinic after his recent brush with death. The clinic is by the seaside and the town is dominated by a very strong woman, Lady Denham, who has a number of enemies. There are some murders in this "tranquil" town and Pascoe sets about finding the killer or killers and trying to have as little input from Dalziel as he can. There are a number of interesting characters, including a precocious 9 year old who does make an interesting contribution to the investigation. 41/2/5

April Book Club

We had a lovely time at Book Club last night at Ulla's place. She always does some delicious baking which we all enjoy. Our group was a little smaller as Bev was only just back from a trip to see her Mum in Zimbabwe, so too exhausted to come. Vee was very unwell and Penny had something else on. Ulla is off to Europe and England for an exciting trip for a few weeks, but she'll be back in time for next book club. I'll look forward to seeing everyone again then.