Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
This book is easy and compelling to read (I read it over a couple of days) but there is something so “right on” about every interaction and conversation - as though it was written in consultation about best practice responses from a counsellor or psychologist - which became so self aware and grating.
I enjoyed it, but it fits in a genre I think of as “nice lady book club” books. I from the synopsis, it seems the same themes run through her other book - women, tattoos, trauma-bonding, nature interactions, romantic lines - and while I know lots of women find forms of “healing” through the themes in her books, but one was enough for me.
I enjoyed it, but it fits in a genre I think of as “nice lady book club” books. I from the synopsis, it seems the same themes run through her other book - women, tattoos, trauma-bonding, nature interactions, romantic lines - and while I know lots of women find forms of “healing” through the themes in her books, but one was enough for me.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a beautiful book. So incredibly crafted. A book whose words will stay with me for a long time.
As I followed Esther's journey to find the meaning behind her sister's words which hopefully will explain Aura's disappearance, I found the story line elicited strong emotion. But just as there is despair there is also great joy. Its not a book that can be binge read. Its a book that must be put down and considered periodically, if only so you can 'get a grip' on what you are feeling as you read.
The locations felt so real which is extraordinary considering that the Covid outbreak kept Holly locked down in Australia, unable to visit those places she'd planned on writing about. I acknowledge the compassion she has for Tasmanian indigenous life, and the way that it becomes an integral part of the narrative. Would the book have worked as well without it - probably not. Its the attention to culture and traditions in Australia, Denmark, and Faroe Islands which makes the book.
While this is Holly's second published book, it completely avoids second book syndrome and stands alone to be as good, if not better than the Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.
As I followed Esther's journey to find the meaning behind her sister's words which hopefully will explain Aura's disappearance, I found the story line elicited strong emotion. But just as there is despair there is also great joy. Its not a book that can be binge read. Its a book that must be put down and considered periodically, if only so you can 'get a grip' on what you are feeling as you read.
The locations felt so real which is extraordinary considering that the Covid outbreak kept Holly locked down in Australia, unable to visit those places she'd planned on writing about. I acknowledge the compassion she has for Tasmanian indigenous life, and the way that it becomes an integral part of the narrative. Would the book have worked as well without it - probably not. Its the attention to culture and traditions in Australia, Denmark, and Faroe Islands which makes the book.
While this is Holly's second published book, it completely avoids second book syndrome and stands alone to be as good, if not better than the Lost Flowers of Alice Hart.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
The first half of this book was tough to get through, but the second half I couldn’t put down! I’d like to reread this and see how I feel about the first half now that I know how it all unfolds.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Read as the final book of my '12 books recommended by 12 friends in 2023' challenge. I can see why some people really like this book, it has a lyrical quality to the writing, beautiful landscapes, overarching themes running throughout and a wonderful use of palawa kani language and cultural practice woven through... and yet I still personally found it lacking.
It was just too much introspection, too many obviously pushed themes and for me, too many words. I only completed this book to complete the challenge and spent a lot of my time wishing I were further into the story and at the end of it. Which is a shame, as it was a lovely book if you're into that kind of thing (hence my three stars instead of two).
It was just too much introspection, too many obviously pushed themes and for me, too many words. I only completed this book to complete the challenge and spent a lot of my time wishing I were further into the story and at the end of it. Which is a shame, as it was a lovely book if you're into that kind of thing (hence my three stars instead of two).
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I enjoyed the mystery and story itself but I found a lot of it repetitive which made some scenes feel pretentious in their presentation of grief.