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readingresa's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
It's a hard book to rate. I really enjoyed the Australian imagery, which is what initally grabbed me when I picked up the book from a Little Free Library. I was a little confused by the second story, but I liked how it tied back into the first story at the end. I don't think I'd run out to recommend this book to anyone, but it's a good enough read.
hannahmayreads's review
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This is a very Sydney book. I've been to these pubs, eaten the baba ganoush from Abdul's, swum in the Victoria Park pool, and sat under the figs at Blackwattle Bay. This may be off-putting to those who find it unfamiliar but to those who've walked the same streets, it is ripe with nostalgia. Darkness haunts the memories though. This novel paints a vivid picture, building to pivotal points in each character's life. As the reader, we wait for it to unspool.
salsibee's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
nice_to_read_ya's review
3.0
Book Notes
Book: The Sirens Sing
Author: Kristel Thornell
Pages: 294
Platform: 100% Read
Rating: 3/5
I received a copy of The Sirens Sing as part of the HarperCollins Australia First In Best Read program. This is the second of three books I have received.
This book is written in two parts set against the backdrop of New South Wales, Australia.
The first part is set in the mid 1990's. David and Heather bond over their love of languages and their shared struggles as only children to struggling single mothers. Both intimately understand the struggle to make ends meet and were raised in Housing Commission flats before moving to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.
When Heather finishes her final high school exam, David and Heather join artist Robbie at their Italian tutor's house for a celebration. It's here that their lives change forever.
The second part is set in Sydney in the mid 1970's. Jan is the first in her family to make it this far. Daughter to working class parents, Jan is the first in her family to attend university. It is here in her story that she connects Alicia. One the night of Gough Whitlam's dismissal, Alicia and Jan's relationship takes an unexpected turn down by Blackwattle Bay.
What I liked:
* It was definitely well written and I could feel myself connecting with the Aussie aspect. It's nice to familiar with things like phrases / sayings and even products.
What I didn't like:
* I would have liked a little bit more closure.
Overall Thoughts
My rating is not because I disliked the book so please do not take my opinion as the deciding factor when considering the book. It is more to do with the fact that it just wasn't one for me personally. I just didn't really connect with the book or have a desire to keep picking it back up. This could just be me or my mood and it may be for you!
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of The Sirens Sing and I look forward to seeing what the next book is!
Book: The Sirens Sing
Author: Kristel Thornell
Pages: 294
Platform: 100% Read
Rating: 3/5
I received a copy of The Sirens Sing as part of the HarperCollins Australia First In Best Read program. This is the second of three books I have received.
This book is written in two parts set against the backdrop of New South Wales, Australia.
The first part is set in the mid 1990's. David and Heather bond over their love of languages and their shared struggles as only children to struggling single mothers. Both intimately understand the struggle to make ends meet and were raised in Housing Commission flats before moving to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.
When Heather finishes her final high school exam, David and Heather join artist Robbie at their Italian tutor's house for a celebration. It's here that their lives change forever.
The second part is set in Sydney in the mid 1970's. Jan is the first in her family to make it this far. Daughter to working class parents, Jan is the first in her family to attend university. It is here in her story that she connects Alicia. One the night of Gough Whitlam's dismissal, Alicia and Jan's relationship takes an unexpected turn down by Blackwattle Bay.
What I liked:
* It was definitely well written and I could feel myself connecting with the Aussie aspect. It's nice to familiar with things like phrases / sayings and even products.
What I didn't like:
* I would have liked a little bit more closure.
Overall Thoughts
My rating is not because I disliked the book so please do not take my opinion as the deciding factor when considering the book. It is more to do with the fact that it just wasn't one for me personally. I just didn't really connect with the book or have a desire to keep picking it back up. This could just be me or my mood and it may be for you!
Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of The Sirens Sing and I look forward to seeing what the next book is!
shedoesreadbooks's review
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
readwithchar's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.0
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