Reviews

The Spare Room by Helen Garner

adelaide_green's review against another edition

3.0

A bit slow paced and not the most polished writing but still a beautiful ode to complex female friendships. An interesting study in friendship maintained through obligation and guilt and the complexities in every relationship, especially when placed under extenuating circumstances like illness. 

bubblesuns's review

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

r_skye's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

evabails's review

4.0

I did not expect to enjoy this as much as I did but I shouldn't have been surprised. This was raw and painful and beautifully written. I love Helen Garner's work and this one did not disappoint.

megfindlay's review against another edition

emotional sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

shadowsmoon's review

3.0

I didn't really know what to expect from this book,... for example from the first few pages I thought it was going to be a bit spooky and eerie... the broken mirror (strange happenings or metaphors???) and then the strange little girl wandering around?? (ghostly?) Don't know where I thought that was going but it was odd. Maybe I need to re-read this book. Anyhow, it didn't move me in ways that it has moved others. A good read though and insightful. The last few pages were beautifully written!! Stunning in fact. Interesting style and will be looking out for her other books!

gbeach's review

emotional reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I would read Helen Garner write about anything!!! Beautiful descriptions and a very tender book about friendship. Upfront representation of how death is slow and harsh - a burden. 

readea's review

4.0

loved this sm!!!!

bibliolucinda's review against another edition

“Death will not be denied. To try is grandiose. It drives madness into the soul. It leaches out virtue. It injects poison into friendship, and makes a mockery of love.”

4.5 stars, painful and brilliant all at once.

kbwondering's review

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75