Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781760857721. (Age:Adult)
Chloe Wilson's stories explore a side of human nature that most of us don't like to consider too much - not abuse as such, more an exposure of those unpleasant narcissistic men that dominate our lives, and the women that live around them, silently suppressing their anger and hiding their inner rebellion.
Many of the stories touch on the secret moment between maintaining self-control and the tempting urge to do something forbidden, something violent, like leaving a baby in a pram in the middle of the road, or pinching its nose tight.
All sorts of bodily functions are exposed, the passing of kidney stones, faecal transplants, vomit; Wilson's pen shines a light in all the dark places, the kinds of things we like to keep hidden. It is a highly original collection of stories, from the brief imagining of the leopard in the next door apartment, to longer perusals of the kind of character it would require to be the one to push the button for the bomb.
Well crafted, each of these stories taps into a vein of curiosity and secret fascination.
To be evacuated during wartime would have been very difficult for children. Jimmy and his younger brother, Ronnie, are sent to a Welsh mining village in September 1939 and must adjust to many changes. For Jimmy, the responsibility for his brother, the unwanted change and the insecurity he feels makes for an unpleasant beginning in his new 'home'. His resentment is palpable. And his hosts Alun and Gwen seem to have a secret that has made their lives very difficult in the small Welsh town. Ronnie soon settles into his new home, but it isn't until Jimmy discovers a skeleton, finds a new friend and fends off a local bully that he too feels that being in Wales is a good place to be.
This is a beautifully written historical story essentially about the love of brothers and how love and friendship can be found even when you are not looking for it. Because of its war-time evacuation setting, this will be unfamiliar to most young Australian readers, but the story will resonate as it evokes an era of pain and suffering that even children had to endure. With an underlying pathos and an element of fear and uncertainty because of their hosts' secret struggles, the mystery of this story is intriguing. I will be actively recommending this debut novel to readers aged 10-14.
Themes World War II, Evacuation, Wales, Brothers, Secrets.
Ash Bowman is your regular, every day guy, linebacker on his high school football team. Then something changes, when the tackles and hits on the field start causing universe shifts. Ash questions himself and the world he thought he knew as the shifts bring about changes he could never have imagined.
I've never read anything written by Neal Shusterman before, and I found his writing style descriptive and realistic. Readers will be quickly emerged in the story, following Ash through each universe changing shift, learning more about his own privilege and the issues that his friends face. As a science fiction book, it's not too heavy on the sci-fi, just enough to explain the workings of the 'jumps' and the impacts experienced by Ash (and those in his life). Shusterman has written relatable and real characters, who also experience changes throughout the jumps. Ash is surrounded by a variety of characters - including ones you hate, ones you wish would be better and ones that prove they are true friends. The book looks at how the world would be now if certain historical events (revolving around activism, segregation/integration and justice) had not occurred. Shusterman takes readers all over hard hitting issues: race and racism; gender and sexism; LGBTQIA+ acceptance; privilege and consequences of actions based on said privilege (or lack thereof). While Shusterman has created a sci-fi that looks at the issues that are relevant today - society's expectations of gender, restrictions and prejudices placed on minorities, and the battle for acceptance and equality, sadly the book doesn't delve deeply enough into the issues to enact profound change for the reader - this is something the reader will need to take upon themselves.
This is a novel that will grab readers who enjoy a murder mystery with ghoulish references.
Everything about Violet Veil revolves around death and the graveyard. Her family are undertakers and Violet herself was born in the cemetery. She is fascinated by the family business, but as a girl in Victorian England, she knows that the apprenticeship will be passed onto her younger brother. Violet is constrained by the values of her time, and she rebels against them. It will be her courage and determination that eventually saves her family.
There have been some strange, unexplained deaths that have passed through the funeral parlour and perhaps the most bizarre is Oliver, the young man who seemingly rises from his coffin to wander the graveyard. He had recovered from a violent blow to the head and as he can't remember anything from his past, he stays to help work in the family business.
Violet befriends Oliver and they team up to try to solve the mysteries of the unexplained deaths, Oliver's past and the secretive veiled woman who seems to be a part of the unfolding story. The biggest blow for the family is when Violet's father is arrested for murder and jailed. This is when Violet's bravery and excellent problem solving skills come into force and with Oliver's help she sets out to find the real murderer.
Gothic imagery runs throughout this novel. The family funeral business, their graveyard home, Violet's black clothing and the grimy, frightening Victorian streets create a strong visual image. Violet has a skinny greyhound aptly named Bones and Violet herself has the skill to listen to the dead as she can hear their thoughts and sense an echo of their past lives. She is not constricted by adult views or demands and has a strong sense of right and wrong which drives her on to unravel the mysteries of her father’s imprisonment and the unsolved murders.
Sophie Cleverly is well known for her previous detective series, Scarlet and Ivy, and fans of hers will certainly enjoy this new novel. I look forward to other books in this series and I feel this story will have wide appeal amongst readers 9 years and older.
Themes Undertakers, Apprentices, Mystery and suspense.
Jane Moore
Maralinga : The struggle for return of the lands by Garry Hiskey
Most will know of Maralinga as the site of the British atomic bomb tests in the 1950's. The Anangu people who were living there were relocated south to Yalata. In 1962, Premier Sir Thomas Playford announced the intention to gazette Maralinga as an Aboriginal Reserve once it was safe for the people to return to their land.
Hiskey's book is the meticulous documentation of the long process of negotiations it took before that promise was finally fulfilled in 1984 with the passing of the Maralinga Tjarutja Act, over twenty years later. Hiskey was the lawyer engaged to act on the behalf of the Yalata community. It was a role involving many challenges, not least of which was language, not only the language of the Anangu, but the language of legalese - the difficulty of trying to explain complex legal ideas to a group with a completely different world view.
The role involved dedication, persistence, a high level of integrity, and a growing sense of respect and friendship for the Aboriginal elders he represented. At one point in his book, at one of the meetings held on the land with the bird noises overhead, he writes that it could almost be regarded as the theatre of the absurd - trying to reconcile the vastly different interests of a tribal Aboriginal group with the interests of a modern 20th century community.
There were of course all the political machinations of the different interest groups to also be navigated, as well as changing governments. It was a complex and prolonged process.
What stands out for me in this account is how much Hiskey came to appreciate the seriousness of the Anangu's responsibilities for their sacred sites. He says it made a lasting impression on him. There is a moment where he was alone on the lands, sitting on his swag and waiting to be picked up from 'jilly jilly corner', which must have been such a profoundly lonely yet significant moment that led to his commitment to secure whatever protection of culture the law could afford. Fortunately, in the end, the Maralinga lands were returned to the traditional owners. Hiskey's book is an important historical record of a momentous achievement.
Themes Maralinga, Aboriginal land rights.
Helen Eddy
A wizard's guide to defensive baking by T. Kingfisher
An Andre Norton Nebula Award Nominee for Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction is always worth pursuing, and this unusual, whimsical story will gain many fans. Mona is a fourteen-year-old baker wizard. Her skills lie in producing excellent sourdough bread, due to her strange sourdough starter named Bob, who lives in the cellar under the bakery. She can make gingerbread men dance for the bakery's customers and has a gingerbread man who perches on her shoulder and obeys her commands. When she finds the body of a young woman on the floor, she is swept into an adventure full of danger. Can she use her magic to find the assassin who is killing off all the wizards in her city and help to save her people from an evil man who wants to take power?
Kingfisher comes up with the most original plots and this book will delight adult readers who wish to read about a character with unique abilities, while middle school readers will enjoy a heroine who doubts that her skills are adequate to the task of defending her city from a siege but is still determined to do her best. Readers will be amazed at what she comes up with – giant golems who provide a barrier to invading mercenaries, sneaky gingerbread men who harass the soldiers and their horses and sourdough missiles that burn their adversaries.
Kingfisher's characters are very engaging. Mona, although she has doubts about being a hero and wishes that the adults in charge had been braver and taken on the task, overcomes her fears and works on her talents. Her off-sider Spindle is street wise and clever, and Knackering Molly and her skeleton horse will bring a tear to the eye. And some of Mona's dough creations are stand out characters in their own right - who could go past a grumpy sourdough maker called Bob and a tiny gingerbread general who could control his group of soldiers?
Fans of Robin McKinley are sure to enjoy the smart dialogue and intelligent heroine and readers who enjoyed this could go on to read Minor Mage by T. Kingfisher.
Themes Fantasy, Baking, Courage, Heroism.
Pat Pledger
Australia remembers : Book 2 by Allison Paterson
Big Sky Publishing, 2021. ISBN: 9781922265227. (Age:6-12) Highly recommended.
Australia Remembers: Customs and Traditions of the Australian Defence Force is the second book in the Australia Remembers series. The first book presented information on Anzac Day, Remembrance Day and War Memorials. This new release looks at the history behind customs and traditions of these significant events and the ADF. It also looks at the symbolism, significance and how these events are preserved. The contents page clearly lists each topic covered and includes headings such as: Missions, Mottoes and Codes, Ceremonial Parades, Drills & Salutes, Animals & Mascots and Understanding our Past. At the end of the book there is a glossary, detailed index, acknowledgements and information about the author. Each double-page spread is visually appealing with colourful text boxes showing segmented blocks of information. Also included are Fast Facts and Did You Know boxes as well as distinct images and photographs to support and further enhance the text. The information presented is written in simple text which will be easily read and comprehended by younger readers. Older reluctant readers who are fascinated by war will find this an engaging and informative read.
With Anzac Day 2021 on the horizon, this book would be a valuable resource to share with students or family members. The activities in Chapter 13 are a thoughtful starting point for discussions about family or school custom and traditions. A worthwhile resource for a school or public library.
Themes Customs, Traditions, Australian Defence Force (ADF), Australia, Wars, Symbolism.
Nala, a Jamaican-American teen, is dragged along to an Inspire Harlem event with her cousin-sister-friend. Inspire Harlem is a group for teen activists with high ideals, but Nala does not fit. For a start she buys bottled water and she loves bacon! She falls head-over-heels for Tye, a young activist within the group, but hides her true opinions in order to stay the focus of his affection. Pretending she is someone she is not and lying to hide her true self creates complications for their developing friendship and romance.
This is a story about a teen coming to grips with her own identity, her own appearance, and her own view of life and love. The romance is gentle and Tye almost seems too good to be true. Nala uses music and song lyrics and a journal to help her work through her insecurities, and the old folks home where her Grandmother lives provides the opportunity to seek wisdom.
This is a gentle coming-to-wisdom and self-affirming story with a larger than life central character approaching her senior year at High School. Written with journal entries, and the poetry of song lyrics scattered throughout the summer holidays narrative, this is also an insight into a culture and family within a New York borough. Black lives matter, and stories that have strong black females as lead characters are important. This book will be enjoyed by readers who enjoy romance stories.
Penguin Bloom, the true story of an unlikely hero by Chris Kunz is adapted from the movie Penguin Bloom and is the young readers' edition of Penguin Bloom, the odd little bird who saved a family by Cameron Bloom and Bradley Greive.
Chris Kunz is a writer who works across the TV, film and publishing industries. Work along similar lines that she has written include the children's series with the Irwin family and Australia Zoo and the RSPCA for Random House Australia. Writing a book that is a film adaptation is a different craft. In this young readers' edition, Kunz writes from the point of view of Noah, the oldest boy of the family. Written in first person, it offers a slightly different perspective to the original version which was written by Noah's father.
Penguin Bloom, the true story of an unlikely hero, describes a family coping with the aftermath of a shocking accident through the eyes of a son. Sam, the mother, suffers a freak accident while the family are on holidays in Thailand when a balcony collapses. As a result of the fall she becomes a paraplegic. The story follows her depression and the family's attempts to rally around her and adjust to having a once active mother becoming totally dependent on others for her every need.
Into the story comes Penguin, an injured, orphaned magpie who has been abandoned after falling from her nest. She is unable to fly. The plight of the bird mirrors that of Sam. Penguin becomes a much loved member of the Bloom family. Her attachment to the family, her uncanny understanding and her funny antics are just what the family needs in order to heal.
As in all stories where an animal is involved, there is heartbreak but what a beautiful story of hope, courage and survival this book is. It is frightening for us all when we read about something that could happen to any of us. The raw truth, the pain and the love remind us of our frailty, our shared humanity and the mystery and wonder of other creatures.
From the first glimpse of three wide-eyed monkeys set against a vivid red background on the front cover, children will be intrigued and want to find out what happens in the story. Opening up the book, the deep purple and blue of the endpapers with animals hiding amongst the foliage further add to the mystery and those three little monkeys beckon the reader and listener on, waiting to see what happens. Mother Monkey goes off after warning the three little monkeys not to go to the mango tree because there are tigers down there. Of course, mangoes are a huge attraction and just maybe . . . the monkeys could look at them.
The delightful narrative just begs to be read aloud, with rhymes and repetition for a young listener to call out and questions to answer. The cheeky little monkeys can't resist the sweetness of the mangoes and readers will have lots of fun finding the tigers that are hiding behind the trees as they clamber down to the ground and are sure to want to scream out to warn them of danger. And they will be laughing at the final pages when they know that the monkeys will not be able to resist bananas.
The print is set in white against tones of bright red, pink, yellow, orange and purple background with the little monkeys in navy blue and other tones of blue, eyes outlined in white making them stand out beautifully. There is a double page spread with just the word TIGERS and three tigers, white teeth gleaming at the cowering monkeys holding mangoes, that is truly memorable, but the reader will be confident that those monkeys are agile enough to get away.
Sure to become a favourite with both children and adults Maybe . . . joins others by Haughton like Goodnight everyone and will grab children's attention with its wit and great illustrations.
A beautifully presented book, this volume explores the hitherto under-researched and under-appreciated subject of folk art in Australia, and presents an impressive tribute to the authentic art of the Australian people. It includes a recognition of the place of Aboriginal art in the folk art tradition of this country, with Ioannou making a convincing argument for its inclusion. Subsequent chapters explore pioneer folk arts, Germanic folk arts, working men's traditions, textiles, landscapes, paintings, the 'making-do tradition', the art of rebels and outsiders, and new age folk art.
It is truly a treasure trove of the varied forms of folk art from stone engravings to wood carving to needlework, pottery, bush furniture, mosaics, chain-saw sculpture, portraits and paintings; a rich tradition that has been meticulously documented and photographed. There is so much to contemplate and so many interesting stories to read, that readers will enjoy returning to this book again and again.
Those unfamiliar with this art field will delight in discovering the representations of folk hero Ned Kelly, iconic Australian 'Big Things' such as the Big Lobster or the Big Merino, the Lobethal Christmas lights, and many other creations that we've enjoyed but not considered within the context of an artistic tradition. Ioannou provides insight into the long tradition of Australian folk creativity. He has called it 'a folklife history of Australia: art, diversity, storytelling'.
Themes Australian art, Folk art, Aboriginal art, Australian history.
Helen Eddy
The plastic throne by Amani Uduman. Illus. by Kera Bruton
When Denver flushes his hated broccoli down the toilet, he has a good idea. Why not flush every unwanted item down the toilet. So he sets about tossing out the things he wants to discard; a soft toothbrush, the cat, pink jumper, his sister's bicycle, old shoes, unfinished homework, a Texta missing its lid. Maisy, his sister is appalled, and reminds him that things put down the toilet end up being flushed into the ocean. Denver does not care. But that night the ocean takes its revenge and swells up, forcing the children to paddle for their lives. When Denver sees the mayhem he has caused, he asks his sister to help him set things right and they scour the water to retrieve the things thrown into it. By the time the sea has relaxed back into its former self, the throne of plastic cast-offs sit on the shore, higher than the highest buildings. Denver is at a loss as to what to do with this waste and looks up into space for a solution. A book designed to get children thinking and talking about waste and where it goes, about recycling and the need for less waste, particularly plastic, this book parallels some of the initiatives taken around the world to reduce, reuse and recycle.
Themes Recycling, Waste, Plastic.
Fran Knight
When the world was ours by Liz Kessler
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781471198298. (Age:14+) Highly recommended.
Three young friends - Leo, Elsa and Max - spend a perfect day together, unaware that around them Europe is descending into a growing darkness, and that events soon mean that they will be cruelly ripped apart from each other. With their lives taking them across Europe - to Germany, England, Prague and Poland - will they ever find their way back to each other? Will they want to? Three friends. Two sides. One Memory. Inspired by true events, this story will captivate readers right until the very end. The book follows multiple narratives, one of each of the children, and depicts three very different experiences of World War II. Leo and Elsa are Jewish and the experiences they both face as young children are utterly heartbreaking. Max is German and whilst his story can be frustrating, in the end the poor boy just wanted to be loved and appreciated, to fit in. The style of writing is very easy to follow, the chapters are short but informative. It flows throughout the years of the War without skipping any important details. The content however is quite hard to read, as with any Holocaust story. Reading about the horrors of the war through the eyes of children will leave you reaching for the tissues. You can see their innocence vanishing as the book goes on and your heart will ache for them.
Highly recommended for anyone who is interested in the Holocaust and seeing it from different perspectives. Please note, there are graphic depictions of crematoriums, gas chambers, gun violence and antisemitism. Take care when reading.
Themes Children in War, Concentration Camps, Death, Different Points of View, Holocaust, Jewish, 1939-1945, Hitler, Adolf, World War, 1939-1945.
This biography of June Bronhill's life and work is a detailed and chronological journey from her humble beginnings (as June Gough) in Broken Hill to operatic stages around the world and to the end of her career and life in Sydney. There is great detail of her working engagements and the performances that led her to be a star in the world of opera and musical entertainment. Her personality and vivacity are also revealed as a reason for the success she achieved and she earned respect from co-stars and audiences around the world. Along the way, it is also evident that being a successful performer has its challenges in terms of financial security. June though was a performer who gave her best even when personal difficulties challenged her.
June Bronhill was an interesting Australian from the world of opera, but only those well versed in the musical world (and particularly the world of opera) would have an interest in all the detail of the musical performance pieces that were June's life and work. Because of the chronological nature of this work, it is less 'editorial' commentary, but rather it is an intriguing insight into a public life lived hitting high notes on the world stage. Unfortunately, this biography lacks some of the verve that June herself must have had.
Themes Opera, June Bronhill, Biography.
Carolyn Hull
The Paris Affair by Pip Drysdale
Simon & Schuster, 2021. ISBN: 9781760854324. (Age:Adult) Recommended.
Harper Brown has a super power: she can break up with a guy in less than three minutes and make him think that it was his idea. The demonstration of this super power is how we meet our heroine, art and culture reporter Harper.
Harper is new to Paris, immune to emotional attachment and ready to rock the world of journalism. Harper doesn't like people (except for her best and only friend Camilla) and doesn't believe in love but she does love to write and she's good at it too.
Harper knows that she is just one big scoop away from leaving the world of gallery openings and opera reviews and becoming a serious investigative journalist. She seems to be getting her life back together after the end of a long-term relationship with her self-obsessed musician ex (random one night stands and 7am scotch withstanding). That is, until Harper meets up and coming artist Noah X. Sent to review his new art exhibition, Harper finds herself becoming attached, something that she has sworn not to let happen. Add in jealous ex-wives and meddlesome muses and Harper and Noah seem doomed from the start.
Something much more serious is happening though. Someone is murdering young women in Paris and unless Harper can figure out who it is, and soon, she thinks she may be next.
The Paris Affair is the third offering from Australian author Pip Drysdale. It is an easy and intriguing thriller that does not take itself too seriously. Drysdale’s writing is peppered with pop culture and social media references that make this book an undemanding read, particularly for millennial and Gen Z audiences.
The romance between Noah and Harper takes a backstage to Harper's investigation of the missing women. While dealing with serious subject matter, The Paris Affair is witty and entertaining, perfect for a holiday read or for those looking for lighter fare. Paris is an interesting and vivid backdrop and may be particularly appealing to those missing the world outside Australia in a post-pandemic society.
Themes Romance, Paris, Journalism, Art and Culture, Murder, Friendship.
