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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
I am genuinely surprised that this is Allsopp's debut novel. It is an incredibly complex story, with so many clever, thought-provoking aspects that fill this near-future world. The technologies of Bloodtalk, and jobs dedicated to truth-telling, feel necessary in Allsopp's hands. There is an assuredness of Margaret Atwood's dystopian world-building in the manner that technology is both used and ripped out from the people in the plot.
Perhaps by being so complex in exploring so many aspects of Australian history that need redress, there is almost too much for this novel to explore in 300 pages. It's a pacey novel that requires attention, and I feel like I need to read the last third at a slower pace to appreciate the thriller aspects that creep in.
I loved the simple but affecting use of prepositions to delineate the sections, using indigenous sense of time. I've come to understand it a lot more after reading Tara June Winch's [b:The Yield|53068123|The Yield|Tara June Winch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574743767l/53068123._SX50_SY75_.jpg|66994522], and squeed a little to see it quoted in this novel. (Also, the sheer amount of other authors who've lent their words to be quoted in this novel are testament to how Allsopp is seen and respected by well-established indigenous authors).
I adore the cover design for this novel, and feel it captures so much about the spirit within it.
I began to understand my war with biology differently. I began to see the word 'ownership' differently, the 'blanket' as more than blanket. It was never about the blankets. But it is about the blankets. It was never about the blood. But it is about the blood. It wasn't the colour, but it is the colour. They aren't just words on a page. Do you understand?
Perhaps by being so complex in exploring so many aspects of Australian history that need redress, there is almost too much for this novel to explore in 300 pages. It's a pacey novel that requires attention, and I feel like I need to read the last third at a slower pace to appreciate the thriller aspects that creep in.
I loved the simple but affecting use of prepositions to delineate the sections, using indigenous sense of time. I've come to understand it a lot more after reading Tara June Winch's [b:The Yield|53068123|The Yield|Tara June Winch|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1574743767l/53068123._SX50_SY75_.jpg|66994522], and squeed a little to see it quoted in this novel. (Also, the sheer amount of other authors who've lent their words to be quoted in this novel are testament to how Allsopp is seen and respected by well-established indigenous authors).
I adore the cover design for this novel, and feel it captures so much about the spirit within it.
I began to understand my war with biology differently. I began to see the word 'ownership' differently, the 'blanket' as more than blanket. It was never about the blankets. But it is about the blankets. It was never about the blood. But it is about the blood. It wasn't the colour, but it is the colour. They aren't just words on a page. Do you understand?
good story of identity and the impact of history - wanted more about the truth-telling, the battle over how to 'correctly' tell history, and wish the romance plot had more of an ending that meant something.
raced through this a bit because of library deadline but would have liked to sit with it more
raced through this a bit because of library deadline but would have liked to sit with it more
challenging
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Begins as commentary on the nature of truth and history and moves seamlessly into a narrative on family and place. Beautifully written with a series of profound quotes and truths.
challenging
dark
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
reflective
tense
medium-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:
No
Library book, had to return it, was finding the story interesting but very slow.
adventurous
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This has an unusually languid pace for dystopian fiction, parallelling a personal unravelling with a social collapse, and a journey across now impermeable borders with a journey to some kind of self acceptance. There is a lot to love here - literary allusions abound, satire often stings deliciously sharp and the worlds - especially the aura surrounding a superstar musician - are wonderfully described.
I did struggle with the pacing, especially towards the end of the book, when I started to lose interest in the journeys. But I suspect this is going to be one of those books that never quite lets me go, even if it wasnt always absorbing to read.
I did struggle with the pacing, especially towards the end of the book, when I started to lose interest in the journeys. But I suspect this is going to be one of those books that never quite lets me go, even if it wasnt always absorbing to read.
adventurous
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I enjoyed the dystopian vibes of this book, and whilst in the end I enjoyed it, I wish there was more substance in the just before now, and now sections of this narrative. Much of the first half was tied up in the long before, and reminiscing on memories with Dylan, which I struggled to connect with. When we finally got to the meat of what was happening, the escape, and the motif... I felt like the details were glossed over quickly and I was left with more questions than answers.
I know this is probably reflective of the genre and the style - during the long moments of waiting, there is more to reflect on than action. During the now is where the story ended. But still, I wanted more.
I know this is probably reflective of the genre and the style - during the long moments of waiting, there is more to reflect on than action. During the now is where the story ended. But still, I wanted more.