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3.95 AVERAGE
3.95 AVERAGE
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I was given this book by a used bookseller in Hobart because I knew where Cobourg, Ontario is (long story). It is the first Bryce Courtenay book I ever read and it had me hooked. It was a little difficult to read because of the violence and poverty which were so vividly written I almost felt I was there seeing it all myself. I don't remember the entire plot because it was 10 years ago that I read it but I do remember thinking it was a work of genius and having read all of Mr. Courtenay's books since.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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:
Complicated
I love this book and I can’t wait to start the next one!
The characters were difficult to like in the beginning but by the end I loved them and what they bought to the story. (I dislike Hannah but without her the story wouldn’t be what it is)
I think all Aussies should ready this story of Australia’s beginnings!
The characters were difficult to like in the beginning but by the end I loved them and what they bought to the story. (I dislike Hannah but without her the story wouldn’t be what it is)
I think all Aussies should ready this story of Australia’s beginnings!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book has the quality of a folk legend re-imagined. The characters loom larger than life and protagonists endure years of the worst kinds of suffering before triumphing over their oppressors. The first half of this novel, set in nineteenth century London, is slowly-paced, but packed with eccentric, Dickensian characters, complete with dialect. The very eventful second half takes place mostly in Australia during its penal colony days, as the feud that boils for over 700 pages comes to a head. The ambitious scope of the story is realized with solidly-crafted prose and compelling characters. Though some of these characters come uncomfortably close to stereotypes, the feeling that the story was being shared with me by an eccentric uncle made this feel okay somehow.
I read it... It was boring. The history you can glean from it on London and starting Australia is interesting enough. If you approach it as a way to get a glimpse of history through a story, it's not so bad. Just be sure that care more for the history, and slice of life, than the story.
That's not to say there is not a story. There is, told in multiple facets, and joined in feasible, and reliable ways. I just never could get to the point that I cared about any of the characters.
That's not to say there is not a story. There is, told in multiple facets, and joined in feasible, and reliable ways. I just never could get to the point that I cared about any of the characters.
The title is a little misleading, but it is an engaging, full of details book about a petty thief and his life in 19 century London. It is a little graphic at times.
Ahhh! What an ending! Can’t wait to start the 2nd in the series.
Mary - what an incredible character. Such depth snd pain and strength. Potentially one of the most thought out characters I’ve gotten to spend time with!
So many twists and turns and adventures. Yeehaw this was great!
Mary - what an incredible character. Such depth snd pain and strength. Potentially one of the most thought out characters I’ve gotten to spend time with!
So many twists and turns and adventures. Yeehaw this was great!
If youre going to read a book about convict Australia this is it. Im generally not a fan of Australian history cause i find other stuff 10 times more interesting but this book drew me in; the characters i came to loved and it goes down with jessica as my favourite Australian book :)