A review by msliz
Swords And Crowns And Rings by Ruth Park

emotional reflective sad

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A powerful depiction of Australian life in the first few decades of the twentieth century, particularly the poverty and hardships people experienced during the depression years. Park is a wonderful writer. I especially like the gritty realism of her work - she doesn't romanticise the era, revealing the pervasive prejudices in society and the precarious position of women during these times, who were often completely at the mercy of the men in their lives. It's a fascinating window into a bygone time.