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savannahreadsbooks's review against another edition
3.0
'The Dreaming' by Barbara Wood offers a unique view into the Aboriginals and colonized life during 1800's Australia, however lacks clear plot and direction. Winding her way from India to Melbourne, to a ranch called Merinda, then into the Australian interior, the main character Joanna searches tirelessly to understand her families history and what became of her grandparents who traveled to Australia many years ago. However, it was at times a tiresome search to read, as any developments in finding anything at all didn't happen well into the second half of the book. Joanna's life in Australia feels completely disconnected from the actual reason she came there until near the end of the book, where she finally makes headway into the past, only for the story to end rushed and rather abruptly. The reason I picked up this book was because it centered around a culture and time I'm unfamiliar with yet curious about, and which is rarly seen in most popular fiction or media in my culture. I did enjoy peeking into some of the Aboriginal beliefs and lifestyles, as well as sheep farming. I'm not sure how much research was done in order to portray Aboriginal culture accurately (the story centers primarily on wealthy white colonizers' lives) - or if it is even possible to understand their lives from a Western culture. However, I appreciated the unique subject matter, landscape, and background. Overall interesting cultural and time-period focus, but unrefined plot and editing. 3/5 stars.
rainelle_barrett's review against another edition
5.0
I cried. I have never cried reading a book, but yet when the friends and family where all around Hugh, that part had me appreciating the love of family. This book had everything in it except for the kitchen sink. The ending had me searching for more. Let me just say, Pauline, what a great turnabout.
This book was full of information on history from India, England to Australia. There is so much to learn while reading this book. This was a well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s now my favorite book of all the books that I have read thus far.
This book was full of information on history from India, England to Australia. There is so much to learn while reading this book. This was a well written book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s now my favorite book of all the books that I have read thus far.
becci's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
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