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bourriquet's review
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
augureader's review
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is an incredibly slow-paced story set in 1932 about a family who abandon their failed wheat farm and relocate to the coastal town of Dongara in Western Australia. For me, none of the characters were particularly likeable or endearing, least of all Mum and Dad, Lily and Ernie. The glacial meandering pace took me a LONG TIME to get into (I picked this book up a few times over the last year and, upon re/reading the first 15 pages, didn't pique enough interest to continue). It got better when I had a good chunk of time to spend on it, rather than simply trying to read a couple of pages here and there. The descriptions were quite engaging, and I did get a feel for the town and the life of the time, but that was about the only thing keeping me going. Personally, I felt the "revelations" took a bit too long to get to with not enough hook, and weren't seen through well enough. I also had a few questions after the end, which I didn't enjoy. I think this could have used a bit of editing (and <i>condensing</i>) in the first 300-350 pages and a bit more padding out in the last 50 - 100 pages, as things just came out of nowhere and fizzed out way too quickly.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take a historical walk through small towns in Australia and enjoys small town dynamics/gossip.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants to take a historical walk through small towns in Australia and enjoys small town dynamics/gossip.
hayley_loves_books's review
2.0
I had high expectation of this novel as people had compared it to The Light Between Oceans. It was nothing like that which was my favourite novel from a couple of years ago. Although there was nothing wrong with this book I just couldn’t get into it. I found it extremely slow moving with everything happening in the last few chapters. Would it recommend it, probably not.
ookie's review
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. Many themes which come together as a little family strives to be whole in the difficult years of the Great Depression. It is set in Western Australia, near Geraldton, in 1932. It looks at the effects of PTSD on returned soldiers from WW1 (called shell shock in those days.) it helped me understand my grandfather, and how he must have been suffering. After he returned from the western front, he barely spoke for the rest of his life. The book also explores social mores in relationships between men and women, and the shameful way our Indigenous folk were treated.
Kali Napier writes beautifully with subtlety and firm control of mood. Recommended.
Kali Napier writes beautifully with subtlety and firm control of mood. Recommended.
thebookmuse's review
5.0
Reviews to come
On my blog.
Link to my review: https://ashleighmeikle.com.au/2018/01/30/the-secrets-at-oceans-edge-by-kali-napier-debut-novel/
On my blog.
Link to my review: https://ashleighmeikle.com.au/2018/01/30/the-secrets-at-oceans-edge-by-kali-napier-debut-novel/
louiseallan's review
5.0
This book is set in 1932 when, after a series of financial misfortunes, Ernie and Lily Hass and their daughter Girlie escape their farm and the tiny West Australian town of Perenjori for a new start running a guest house in coastal Dongarra.
But starting again isn't easy, and Lily's attempts to climb the social ladder are thwarted by Ernie's ineptitude in business.
Holding them back, too, are their secrets, which they try to keep hidden not only from the townsfolk of Dongarra, but from each other as well. One by one, though, their secrets are revealed and it looks as if they'll lose everything again.
Added to the mix are Lily's forlorn and shell-shocked brother, Tommy, and the question of who are Girlie's real parents.
Napier's prose is delightful, and has about it a lyrical simplicity:
'It's pretty out here at night. The stars. You know, I sometimes wonder if they're not all the souls of people we've lost, set up there to watch over us, let us know we're going to be all right.'
The book covers many themes, including the devastating aftermath of war, the importance of family, and racism in early twentieth century Australia. The characters are flawed but likeable, and beg the question: How much can people really change?
The historical period in which the novel is set feels authentic and the research involved is obvious. Napier also knows when to keep a secret and when to reveal it, giving away just enough to keep the reader turning the page.
This is a beautiful book—a literary page-turner!
But starting again isn't easy, and Lily's attempts to climb the social ladder are thwarted by Ernie's ineptitude in business.
Holding them back, too, are their secrets, which they try to keep hidden not only from the townsfolk of Dongarra, but from each other as well. One by one, though, their secrets are revealed and it looks as if they'll lose everything again.
Added to the mix are Lily's forlorn and shell-shocked brother, Tommy, and the question of who are Girlie's real parents.
Napier's prose is delightful, and has about it a lyrical simplicity:
'It's pretty out here at night. The stars. You know, I sometimes wonder if they're not all the souls of people we've lost, set up there to watch over us, let us know we're going to be all right.'
The book covers many themes, including the devastating aftermath of war, the importance of family, and racism in early twentieth century Australia. The characters are flawed but likeable, and beg the question: How much can people really change?
The historical period in which the novel is set feels authentic and the research involved is obvious. Napier also knows when to keep a secret and when to reveal it, giving away just enough to keep the reader turning the page.
This is a beautiful book—a literary page-turner!
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