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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
This is a book recommended to me by a bookstore owner in Margaret River, WA as an Australian Classic and it's quite an unusual book. Having just spent in time in Perth and Margaret River for the first time, I thought it would be cool to read an Australian book. Though quite an odd book, I did really enjoy it and finding out what happens to the Pickles and Lamb families. It took a while to get into it, but I am glad I read it.
Took me at least 50 pgs to get "into it" but I did find myself compelled to keep reading. This is a story of two families whose lives become intertwined. I am sure a lot of history was lost on me since this book takes place in 1940s Australia and that is not my culture, but there were a few deep points to be made about human nature. Was a book club pick.
I must say the author is gifted. There is no dull or blase writing in this book. Have never read a book written in this style but honestly, the writing is excellent as far as descriptions and uniqueness.
I must say the author is gifted. There is no dull or blase writing in this book. Have never read a book written in this style but honestly, the writing is excellent as far as descriptions and uniqueness.
I originally picked up Cloudstreet because Tim Winton is a renowned author. I knew nothing about it and didn't even read the blurb before opening it. A short way in, I put it down and decided to read something else. I just wasn't convinced I was going to enjoy it. But for some reason I decided to give it another go. I'm glad I did.
So many things that happen to the characters and the way they treat each other is just awful! But the thing that kept me reading was it's honesty and the hope things would get better. Often they did, right before another tragedy. Isn't this like what our own lives can be like? Hard situations come our way and, just like the characters in Cloudstreet, sometimes we deal with them in healthy ways, other times we don't and still other times it 20 years before we realise how's it has affected us and we're able to find healing.
So many things that happen to the characters and the way they treat each other is just awful! But the thing that kept me reading was it's honesty and the hope things would get better. Often they did, right before another tragedy. Isn't this like what our own lives can be like? Hard situations come our way and, just like the characters in Cloudstreet, sometimes we deal with them in healthy ways, other times we don't and still other times it 20 years before we realise how's it has affected us and we're able to find healing.
Hard to put down, beautiful book, vivid characters, honest
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think Tim Winton may be one of the best writers I have read. Even if I don't like the story he's telling, his writing always blows me away. It's very descriptive, very powerful. This is probably my second favorite book of his so far, with Dirt Music being the first.
A work that will haunt, cheer, and restore me the longer I think about it. The more I return to it and read it, the more I will know it, be able to sing along with it like the song of its people, of its love and suffering, of its joy and sorrow, of its song of life that this book teems with like an old house.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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:
Yes
One of my favorite discoveries from my business trip to Melbourne is Tim Winton's writing. A bookstore on Collins had a section with the top 100 novels of Australian readers... And there sat this Cloudstreet book I'd never heard off (at number three, no less!)
Sense of place, history of place, and characters are so vivid, complex, deliciously described. So rich, so funny and sad and observant. Highly recommend.
Sense of place, history of place, and characters are so vivid, complex, deliciously described. So rich, so funny and sad and observant. Highly recommend.
Magical, mystical, you can smell the salt of the sea. Wonderful book.