Scan barcode
rachaelreads92's review
2.75
I enjoyed SOME of this book, but there were tedious moments and a few plot holes.
First, what I enjoyed:
-The description of the bushfires, I think this was really well written
The poetry, beautiful imagery and symbolism
-The premise, I think it is a fresh idea and something I haven't encountered before
- The very small glimpse we got a the country town and country school
- Caleb's description of art and his POV, I much preferred hearing from Caleb than Phoebe
Next, what I did not enjoy:
- The constant links to Rome, I understand the metaphor, I just don't think it worked and it was to overt-
- Phoebe. I think she was a really unlikeable and ruthless character. Did not enjoy her perspective at all. Also, her 'little problem' what was the point of that ? It made me dislike her even more
- Jack Spoiler, him not coming forward with what happened is despicable. It was disgusting and he should have been punished
- The dysfunctional family trope
Finally, some problems...
- This book was set in 2020, we know because of the comments made about the PM's family holiday to Hawaii (did not enjoy this political aspect..), yet Phoebe claims that Caleb as a child had might terrors after watching the planes fly into the Twin Towers. 9/11 happened in 2001, 19 years before the story is set. Caleb is supposed to be 18 years old. How could he have been watching 9/11 on the news when he hadn't even been conceived? I guess he could have seen it in follow up interviews or docos later, but then why include it in the novel?
avidreader999's review against another edition
3.0
This just dragged on a bit for me - slightly melodramatic
katydidinoz's review
2.0
I really wanted to like this suspense books set during bushfire season. But I really struggled with the non-linear narrative structure and felt it an unnecessary complication to a plot that already had a lot going for it and didn't really need a non-traditional structure to add interest. The best character was the main character and the conclusion really helps to throw a new lens on the story but I feel like this would have been much stronger with a more traditional narration and linear storytelling.
amrap's review
5.0
On the surface the novel is about a Phoebe attempting to prove her son Caleb's innocence after he is accused of being an arsonists, but it is so much more than that. It is about a mother and son bond, about the stories we tell ourselves about who we are, about the choices we make and who we could be, and who end up being.
The beginning of the novel describing the bushfire burning through the town of Brunton was so visceral and poignant, all the more so as I reflect on the bush fires we just had. The impact on the community was so heartbreaking.
This is a beautifully written novel about a community impacted by fire, and a mother and son bond.
The beginning of the novel describing the bushfire burning through the town of Brunton was so visceral and poignant, all the more so as I reflect on the bush fires we just had. The impact on the community was so heartbreaking.
This is a beautifully written novel about a community impacted by fire, and a mother and son bond.
bookpics_andchill's review
3.0
Torched is a story of family, reputation and relationships before it is a story of fire.
More...