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samsearle's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cactuswildflower's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I totally enjoyed this one. Clarke is quintessentially Aussie, depicting a mystery in a suburban street in regional Australia. There is a wonderful array of neighbours, each with laconic humour and their own opinions regarding the disappearance of Ginny Lawson. There’s lots to like about this novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Animal cruelty
sevenelefant's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
esshgee's review
4.0
I enjoyed the pace and character development of this novel. The descriptions of the time period brought back many memories
erc91's review
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
theunrealerin's review against another edition
3.0
The characters were sweet, but the plotting of the mystery was a bit disappointing. Also some unnecessary vicissitude.
yulemrs's review
4.0
I enjoyed the depth and complexity of the characters and how their stories intertwined .
I great read and while the ending was a neat package , I found that I was left wanting more , more questions answered and more exploration of the relationships that had developed between the characters , 4 stars still loved it and still would recommend
I great read and while the ending was a neat package , I found that I was left wanting more , more questions answered and more exploration of the relationships that had developed between the characters , 4 stars still loved it and still would recommend
jacki_f's review
4.0
Clarke reads like a crime novel written by Anne Tyler or maybe by Mary Lawson. There is a crime and it will be solved but the book is more about the people on the periphery and the other, unrelated tragedies that have affected their lives. It has characters who you care about, it has moments of quiet humour and it has a gentle but compelling momentum.
The book opens six years after the disappearance of local woman Ginny Lawson in the small Australian town Clarke. Her husband has moved away and remarried but his former next door neighbour Leonie has never wavered in her conviction that he killed his wife. Finally after six years the police are reopening the investigation and plan to dig up the garden of the Lawson’s former home, which is now occupied by Barnaby. Barnaby is a very Tyler-esque character, struggling to fine his feet after the loss of his wife and estrangement with his son. Leonie is also touched by her own tragedy and gradually as she and Barnaby become friends, you sense that they may find a way to move forward in their lives.
The pace is a little slow – it doesn’t really warrant its 400 page length – but I still liked it very much. Leonie and Barnaby are such fabulous characters. If you like police procedurals this probably won’t be your thing but if you like books about damaged yet loveable characters finding ways to survive, I recommend it.
The book opens six years after the disappearance of local woman Ginny Lawson in the small Australian town Clarke. Her husband has moved away and remarried but his former next door neighbour Leonie has never wavered in her conviction that he killed his wife. Finally after six years the police are reopening the investigation and plan to dig up the garden of the Lawson’s former home, which is now occupied by Barnaby. Barnaby is a very Tyler-esque character, struggling to fine his feet after the loss of his wife and estrangement with his son. Leonie is also touched by her own tragedy and gradually as she and Barnaby become friends, you sense that they may find a way to move forward in their lives.
The pace is a little slow – it doesn’t really warrant its 400 page length – but I still liked it very much. Leonie and Barnaby are such fabulous characters. If you like police procedurals this probably won’t be your thing but if you like books about damaged yet loveable characters finding ways to survive, I recommend it.
henrymarlene's review
4.0
Throsby is s an Australian musician and author, and her latest book “Clarke” was a gifted book from Allen and Unwin, and a welcomed surprise to read. I initially thought this book moved very slowly, but I think it is at this pace for a reason. Time, in some moments of the book, does slow down and stop for many of the characters. They reflect, the reminisce, and they try to take one day at a time, as much as they can. Part mystery about an unsolved murder of Leonie’s and Dorrie’s neighbour, and part recollection on life. The connection between the main characters – Leonie, Barney, Dorrie, and four year old Joe – unfolds in time with the police crew digging up Barney’s yard, looking for clues about Ginny’s disappearance.
I loved the conversations with Joe, Leonie’s nephew. Hey were silly conversations, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. The way in which Leonie’s character was created and reflected back on him was touching. She desperately kept the memory of his mother alive which caused her so much paid, and the fact that he just loved Leonie as well was heartwarming. Dorrie, Leonie’s neighbour was cute, and a great foundation for Leonie; almost a kindred spirit touching base with her and keeping her focused on moving forward at all times. The way that Barney and Leonie’s friendship emerged was lovely too. It wasn’t forced or full of unnecessary romance. We experience their flaws, their guilt, losses and longing. It is clever and unusual, and a book you should immerse yourself in.
I loved the conversations with Joe, Leonie’s nephew. Hey were silly conversations, sometimes funny, sometimes sad. The way in which Leonie’s character was created and reflected back on him was touching. She desperately kept the memory of his mother alive which caused her so much paid, and the fact that he just loved Leonie as well was heartwarming. Dorrie, Leonie’s neighbour was cute, and a great foundation for Leonie; almost a kindred spirit touching base with her and keeping her focused on moving forward at all times. The way that Barney and Leonie’s friendship emerged was lovely too. It wasn’t forced or full of unnecessary romance. We experience their flaws, their guilt, losses and longing. It is clever and unusual, and a book you should immerse yourself in.