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jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition
3.0
While this one didn’t ultimately come together for me, I did love returning to Winch’s storytelling manner and play with structure, and her perceptive and poetic imagery. This (to me) read more as a series of linear and interconnected short stories, progressing as May goes on a search for her father and her Indigenous identity. For me the opening and closing chapters were the strongest, particularly when May was immersed in memories and moments with her late mother.
The growth in her writing between this debut and her later work is evident, though the strong origins of her use of imagery and thematic style really shine already in her early writing. And I loved buddy reading this with Didi @browngirlreading - lots to discuss (this would be a great bookclub pick, and is a relatively short read)
The growth in her writing between this debut and her later work is evident, though the strong origins of her use of imagery and thematic style really shine already in her early writing. And I loved buddy reading this with Didi @browngirlreading - lots to discuss (this would be a great bookclub pick, and is a relatively short read)
delena_mae's review against another edition
5.0
I LOVED this book. It is the most poetically written story that captured my imagination from beginning to end. While the book described the hardships faced by aboriginal people, it so beautifully showed the power of kinship, nature and belonging.
bridgetkay's review against another edition
4.0
Evocative writing explores the struggles of identity and connection in a young Wiradjuri woman. Beautifully poetic, a wonderful experience.
novel_nomad's review against another edition
4.0
An utterly compelling read that lures the reader into May’s grief and search for meaning after the death of her mother with short vignettes of stark reality then dreamlike memory.
The loss of May’s mother sparks her need for place and her search for her aboriginal identity after the people in her life slowly fall into their own destruction. Whilst each story felt more grim than the one before, their was a thin chord of hope that resonated throughout in May’s relentless need to forge her own path and discover her identity and connection to country.
The loss of May’s mother sparks her need for place and her search for her aboriginal identity after the people in her life slowly fall into their own destruction. Whilst each story felt more grim than the one before, their was a thin chord of hope that resonated throughout in May’s relentless need to forge her own path and discover her identity and connection to country.
mouwuol's review against another edition
2.0
Ehh.. didn’t really like it because of the writing but everyone says her other books are a million times better so I can’t wait to read more from this author!
My sister is aboriginal and blak, so I was raised seeing how she was treated just because of her race and culture, so terrible.
I started reading this after I got my first dose so I couldn’t really focus, I read the rest today but the day after the first dose… absolutely horrible. I feel like I’m dying. So I have to give this book another chance because I feel like my mind wasn’t focused when I read this so I’ll definitely come back to this book another time !!
My sister is aboriginal and blak, so I was raised seeing how she was treated just because of her race and culture, so terrible.
I started reading this after I got my first dose so I couldn’t really focus, I read the rest today but the day after the first dose… absolutely horrible. I feel like I’m dying. So I have to give this book another chance because I feel like my mind wasn’t focused when I read this so I’ll definitely come back to this book another time !!
zogg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-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
4.5
tehcup's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Rape, and Racism
chlloeellen's review against another edition
4.0
This one really was beautiful and a necessary read for any Australian. A tender exploration of indigenous identity inextricable from the experience of coming of age - while i agree the metaphors were sometimes overwritten, there were enough understated moments of writing that balanced it out for me. Read for my Aus Lit uni course and enjoyed :)