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essjay1's review against another edition
5.0
Someone told me that Joan London was a good example of subtle writing and I would have to agree. I loved the observations and the characters in this story, I enjoyed reading every word and I had to stop and pause to keep from racing to the end. The race to the end was not because of some thrilling plot twist simply that I could read writing this good forever. Those who like a pacey plot with many storylines will be disappointed but this book is just lovely.
smitchy's review against another edition
3.0
I kind of feel i must have missed something in this book - how i feel about most 'literary' prize winners really - I have had many people tell me it was brilliant and they loved it but I had to force my way through it.
It would be a great book for book clubs. There is a lot to discuss. There are many complex characters. There is a sense of both nostalgia and relief that that time (polio) is over. The impressions of Frank's parents of having landed in a strangely childish & old-fashioned backwater of a country was a sentiment I had heard from my own grandmother & mum (immigrated from Holland in the 60's). I can only imagine how much more old fashioned the more isolated Perth was compared to Melbourne.
There is a lot to like in this book. London is an excellent writer. It just didn't appeal to me.
Reccommended reading for book clubs and anti-vaxxers.
It would be a great book for book clubs. There is a lot to discuss. There are many complex characters. There is a sense of both nostalgia and relief that that time (polio) is over. The impressions of Frank's parents of having landed in a strangely childish & old-fashioned backwater of a country was a sentiment I had heard from my own grandmother & mum (immigrated from Holland in the 60's). I can only imagine how much more old fashioned the more isolated Perth was compared to Melbourne.
There is a lot to like in this book. London is an excellent writer. It just didn't appeal to me.
Reccommended reading for book clubs and anti-vaxxers.
d_saff's review against another edition
4.0
Review posted here: https://55booksin52weeks.wordpress.com/2018/03/02/review-the-golden-age/
cdmcc's review against another edition
2.0
Still having a big problem with reading clunkers 🙁 The Golden Age wasn't terrible, but after taking a hiatus from reading, I needed something more than this.
manaledi's review against another edition
3.0
I have no strong feelings about this book. It was worth finishing but not memorable.
rhearne's review against another edition
5.0
The Golden Age was a beautiful read. I adored the imagery and was captivated throughout.
bookkat's review against another edition
1.0
I read half of this book and then just could not take it any more. And I only stuck with it that long, because it was for a book club. I just didn't connect with any of the characters and they didn't really seem to connect with each other. About the only thing going for it was some evocative descriptive phrases.
alcyon_alcyon's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Perfect novel, without the time commitment of Tim Winton. Australians are such excellent writers ....