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leannep's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
5.0
So very engaging. Especially after reading Brian Dibble's biography on Elizabeth Jolley 'Doing Life'.
Swingler tells her own story of her life and relationship with her father, or more accurately trying to work out her father Leonard since she only saw him once after she was 4 years old. Her mother Joyce, the Exclusive Brethren, other family members, so much complexity in this story . The role of his life partner Elizabeth Jolley, her letters, actions and fiction weave a complex mystery to unravel.
So much about identity and how we are all products of our upbringing and circumstances. Susan, Joyce, Leonard and Elizabeth and how people are represented or represent themselves in letters, diaries, fiction and in the writing and relationships with others.
I like where Susan ended up, not hating: "the story ran out of control." And there will be more, when after 30 years (or the death of her children) and Elizabeth Jolley's papers held in the Mitchell Library are able to be read!
Swingler tells her own story of her life and relationship with her father, or more accurately trying to work out her father Leonard since she only saw him once after she was 4 years old. Her mother Joyce, the Exclusive Brethren, other family members, so much complexity in this story . The role of his life partner Elizabeth Jolley, her letters, actions and fiction weave a complex mystery to unravel.
So much about identity and how we are all products of our upbringing and circumstances. Susan, Joyce, Leonard and Elizabeth and how people are represented or represent themselves in letters, diaries, fiction and in the writing and relationships with others.
I like where Susan ended up, not hating: "the story ran out of control." And there will be more, when after 30 years (or the death of her children) and Elizabeth Jolley's papers held in the Mitchell Library are able to be read!
bristoni74's review against another edition
2.0
Fascinating memoir about family secrets. As this one involves a famous Australian author its intriguing to wonder how much of her personal life and the secrets influenced the writing. My only criticism - I thought the author was too balanced and sensitive! I wanted her to be more angry but that's me pushing my values onto the author and expecting her to feel the way I would. Highly recommended.
maree_k's review against another edition
5.0
For around 20 years I'd counted Elizabeth Jolley as one of my favourite authors. She still is, of course, and is one of those authors whose books I dip back into from time to time to learn about the power of words, and how less is more.
When I first heard of The House of Fiction a few years ago, I know I wasn't alone in being shocked by this story. Jolley had (I know now) a carefully constructed persona of the mild, somewhat staid English woman, a self-effacing writer who was flattered by her success. It's taken me a few years to get around to reading House of Fiction, and once I started I could barely put it down.
Whether or not you've read Jolley's writing, House of Fiction stands as a fascinating memoir. Swingerl is a deft and thoughtful writer. There are no tantrums in this book, no accusations or threats. It is above all a measured and deeply affecting book as Swingler excavates through her past to try and unravel the secrets and lies that were woven around her. As a memoir it is fascinating. The way Swingler handles the various threads and materials, and unfolds the events both pasts and present, is brilliantly done.
This is memoir at its best. Swingler doesn't look to blame or seek to hurt but only to understand. Her writing is compassionate and even handed in that she thoroughly investigates, to the best of her ability with the material she has access to, all sides of the story. Swingler aims for truth, or as much of it as she can achieve.
I adore and admire this book for its honesty, courage and the depth of research. A difficult topic handled with intelligence and empathy. Highly recommended.
When I first heard of The House of Fiction a few years ago, I know I wasn't alone in being shocked by this story. Jolley had (I know now) a carefully constructed persona of the mild, somewhat staid English woman, a self-effacing writer who was flattered by her success. It's taken me a few years to get around to reading House of Fiction, and once I started I could barely put it down.
Whether or not you've read Jolley's writing, House of Fiction stands as a fascinating memoir. Swingerl is a deft and thoughtful writer. There are no tantrums in this book, no accusations or threats. It is above all a measured and deeply affecting book as Swingler excavates through her past to try and unravel the secrets and lies that were woven around her. As a memoir it is fascinating. The way Swingler handles the various threads and materials, and unfolds the events both pasts and present, is brilliantly done.
This is memoir at its best. Swingler doesn't look to blame or seek to hurt but only to understand. Her writing is compassionate and even handed in that she thoroughly investigates, to the best of her ability with the material she has access to, all sides of the story. Swingler aims for truth, or as much of it as she can achieve.
I adore and admire this book for its honesty, courage and the depth of research. A difficult topic handled with intelligence and empathy. Highly recommended.
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