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6_hollowell's review against another edition
3.5
There was a lot I liked about this, the flashbacks going in reverse order (and maybe what you would consider reverse foreshadowing?), the symbolism, the atmosphere. I would've liked a bit "more" to have happened I guess. But it's a book I'd like to reread and an author I'd like to read more of
karinmckercher's review against another edition
3.0
3.5. Wyld lets out the story like a deep, slow exhale that compels you to keep reading. A really well-told story that leaves you with more questions than answers. Would make for a great conversation.
mhlanghoff's review against another edition
5.0
This book has a very odd structure, and I'm not sure if it works or not--I actually went out and bought a copy after reading the library's, because I feel like I need to read it again, very slowly, to figure out if it's successful. But I was definitely grabbed by it.
abibrumpton's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
tayoreads's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
proclaimer23's review against another edition
4.0
A bit slow to start, but one of the more interesting structures of any novel I’ve read. The first chapter starts in what you might call the middle of the plot, and each successive chapter alternates between going forward in time and backward in time. So you slowly learn the mysterious, lonely protagonist’s future and past as you read. While I wasn’t gripped by the story right away, about halfway through it caught my attention and finished quickly. While I found the ending a bit unsatisfying, I enjoyed reading this unique book.
bluetwigg's review against another edition
3.0
This book is about an Australian girl with a hard past who has made a life owning a sheep station. It may have been that it was hard to follow because I listened to it, rather than reading it, but I found the jumping around in time difficult. I think I got the overall story, but I found the end rather unsatisfying all in all.
readingorangejane's review against another edition
5.0
Outstanding. I couldn't put it down - finished in one marathon day. Emotional and haunting revelation of a young woman's guilt, loneliness, and survival. It has been a long time since I've read something that is so lyrical; the text is overfull with sounds and smells that are close to suffocating at times. It's amazing how powerfully evocative these two senses can be.
whatkayleereads's review against another edition
4.0
I was so surprised by this book. I bought it on a whim, and picked it out of my huge TBR stack on a whim. It is now one of the most unique books I've ever read.
This book goes in two different directions, and the chapters alternative between these. One plot line is Jake's present going into the future (standard); the other starts in her past, and goes deeper and deeper into the past, all the way to her childhood.
Because of this, at the beginning, you kind of feel thrown in and confused. "WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?" I kept asking myself. Once you get it and get into the flow of the pacing, you can really appreciate how beautifully written and unique the story is. I actually kept putting the book down for a couple days, then picking it back up because at first I found it to be a little confusing (especially with all the Aussie-speak, British-speak, and sheep-farmer-speak). At one point though I became so engrossed that I read ~100 pages in one night until 1am just so I could finish the book. Definitely a page turner.
Like mostly everyone has said, the ending is a bit jarring. I liked it though -- very open-ended and leaves for reader interpretation. I also liked the past story line more than the present one, but I still loved the "thriller" aspect of the present.
This book goes in two different directions, and the chapters alternative between these. One plot line is Jake's present going into the future (standard); the other starts in her past, and goes deeper and deeper into the past, all the way to her childhood.
Because of this, at the beginning, you kind of feel thrown in and confused. "WHO ARE THESE PEOPLE!?" I kept asking myself. Once you get it and get into the flow of the pacing, you can really appreciate how beautifully written and unique the story is. I actually kept putting the book down for a couple days, then picking it back up because at first I found it to be a little confusing (especially with all the Aussie-speak, British-speak, and sheep-farmer-speak). At one point though I became so engrossed that I read ~100 pages in one night until 1am just so I could finish the book. Definitely a page turner.
Like mostly everyone has said, the ending is a bit jarring. I liked it though -- very open-ended and leaves for reader interpretation. I also liked the past story line more than the present one, but I still loved the "thriller" aspect of the present.