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alscl_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
essjay1's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting novel, unravelled a bit in the third quarter but hauled itself back on track for a satisfying finale. I am surprised this book won the Miles Franklin last year, given the books it was up against but it certainly deserved a spot on the shortlist.
Patric offers us some very astute observations of human nature, mainly via main character Jovan, occasionally from his wife Susana. The way the characters are drawn, the author manages to deliver such complexity and depth to each of his main protagonists without dwelling in pity for them. Difficult, given some of the horrific incidents that occur. I liked that he did not succumb to the idea of trying to spell out Susana's story, he let's the reader do a bit of work and forces you to read closely. An interesting character.
He is very descriptive - in some cases too much so, but some of these small passages are among the best.
Patric offers us some very astute observations of human nature, mainly via main character Jovan, occasionally from his wife Susana. The way the characters are drawn, the author manages to deliver such complexity and depth to each of his main protagonists without dwelling in pity for them. Difficult, given some of the horrific incidents that occur. I liked that he did not succumb to the idea of trying to spell out Susana's story, he let's the reader do a bit of work and forces you to read closely. An interesting character.
He is very descriptive - in some cases too much so, but some of these small passages are among the best.
lozzyd's review against another edition
4.0
This book was confronting and confounding with lyrical prose. The characters are flawed and stilted in their relationships, and have many demons they are doing battle with. I remained gripped throughout this book, not least for it being set in an area of Melbourne I know very well, but I would not hesitate to recommend.
leannep's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
A little slow for me to engage initially. I had to get into the 'poetry' of the book. Once connected to the characters of Jovan and Suzane and their story past and present it got better and better. The thriller aspect of Dr Graffito , the cutting nature of his crimes and how they affect individuals so deeply, especially Jovan, meant I enjoyed the way I was being manipulated by the narrative til the very end. A very good book.
nicmargan's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The authors style is really beautiful and powerful and the characters and their situation suit that style. They are in such a hard place in their lives and they are both writers so there is so much meaning and sentiment for that very evocative, poetic style to evoke. It's super dark. It has a kind of conventional mystery-thriller setup that we go away from for most of the middle part of the book and this is really where the most interesting part is for me. I wanted Jovan and his wife Suzana to find happiness, they deserved it, but there were so many things in their way that were out of their control. I hadn't learnt much about the Yugoslav war before reading this book and it gave me a way to begin. The only part I didn't love so much was the way things ended, a little too neat and fast for my liking.
read_with_pinot's review against another edition
4.25
Audiobook. Narrated Robert Constantine, Wavesound, 7 hrs 12 mins
el_36's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
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? No
3.25
jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition
4.0
Not quite sure I understand the ending, but this was a brilliant read!
mysteriousbibliophile's review against another edition
Too dark and evil for my liking and the book was lifeless. I think I only read about 30 pages and stopped.
never4get's review against another edition
4.0
A difficult book to read. The story of Croation refugees who escaped their country but whose two children died. Jovan, the husband is working as a cleaner in Frankston Hospital and undertakes the most hideous jobs there. During the process there are some mysterious occurrences of graffiti appearing around the hospital - including cut into the corpse of a dead woman - and this forms a strong part of the narrative of the book.
In addition there is the ongoing love between Jovan and his wife Suzana, though because of their history - including rape - she is unable to contemplate having sex with him. She has given him permission for sexual exploits outside the marriage and he is involved with a dentist from the hospital - Tammie - who is seemingly insatiable.
The intertwining of the Dr Graffito exploits, which become increasingly vicious, through the narrative of the book was interesting.
There was also interesting perspective of the Bosnian war from both Jovan and Suzana's experiences. As always Jovan is viewed as a pretty ignorant foreigner, who doesn't speak English fluently and hence can't be at all intelligent - although he had been a university professor.
In the end they agree to try for another child and she becomes pregnant. Jovan leaves that job and becomes a house painter instead.
However Dr Graffito seeks them out and attempts to drown Suzana at the local pool where she goes to relax once a week. Fortunately Jovan comes to pick her up and sees what is happening and beats the crap out of him. Suzana realises her deep love for Jovan in that moment.
In addition there is the ongoing love between Jovan and his wife Suzana, though because of their history - including rape - she is unable to contemplate having sex with him. She has given him permission for sexual exploits outside the marriage and he is involved with a dentist from the hospital - Tammie - who is seemingly insatiable.
The intertwining of the Dr Graffito exploits, which become increasingly vicious, through the narrative of the book was interesting.
There was also interesting perspective of the Bosnian war from both Jovan and Suzana's experiences. As always Jovan is viewed as a pretty ignorant foreigner, who doesn't speak English fluently and hence can't be at all intelligent - although he had been a university professor.
In the end they agree to try for another child and she becomes pregnant. Jovan leaves that job and becomes a house painter instead.
However Dr Graffito seeks them out and attempts to drown Suzana at the local pool where she goes to relax once a week. Fortunately Jovan comes to pick her up and sees what is happening and beats the crap out of him. Suzana realises her deep love for Jovan in that moment.