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tazzle_dazzle's review
3.0
I loved this book for the characters, but it's not a plot driven book so i think that lost me a little bit. More than anything, it's a study of character and environment, and how the one drives the other. I don't think it would warrant a second read but i'm glad i picked it up.
danjk's review against another edition
4.0
It grew slowly on me like barnacles on a boat, but I was in no hurry to scrap them off once they were there. 3 and a half stars.
desterman's review
4.0
Set in the 1940s in Sydney's Surry Hills, 'The Harp in the South' gives us a snapshot of a time and place in Australian history. The novel really provides a series of vignettes of the lives of the working class, Irish Catholic Darcy family as they navigate through the difficulties of day to day life, as well as celebrate in their unconditional love for one another. Surprisingly, this isn't for the faint hearted with some incredibly dark moments that seemed to overwhelm some of the more comedic elements. Definitely a classic of Australian literature though.
youngserfs's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
brigittedupe's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
mummacath's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book 45 years ago at school and enjoyed it then. Having just re read it and with 45 years extra life experience I have loved it even more. It captures the hardships and also simple pleasures of the Darcy family and I loved them all.
cupkate147's review against another edition
5.0
New favourite, in my top 5 of all time. Possibly even right up the top.
tahnoogey's review against another edition
5.0
About poverty, love, and Irish migrants in 1950s Sydney - an immersive read!!