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A review by daveroche
The Acolyte by Thea Astley
I went to Australia a couple months ago. I got bit by a penguin, which is maybe the highlight of my life. Another highlight: someone made a stuffed animal (she calls them Grumps) that looked like me, complete with a little copy of On Subbing in its hands. (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3358943435_5c441eae99.jpg) It was a totally amazing trip, but there were a couple lowlights:
1. I saw a band that so egregiously ripped off the Promise Ring I felt embarrassed for them;
2. I saw a Borat impersonator, for whom I also felt embarrassed; and
3. I bought The Acolyte.
I bought it because I was intent on getting a novel by a female Australian author, and this book won the 1972 Miles Franklin Award. I also bought it because I liked the cover. Apparently there's an adage warning against that which should be heeded. I'm not into this book at all. There's no plot to speak of, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the characters aren't likeable and I don't care for the style of writing. I wouldn't go so far as to say I felt embarrassed for Thea Astley, though
1. I saw a band that so egregiously ripped off the Promise Ring I felt embarrassed for them;
2. I saw a Borat impersonator, for whom I also felt embarrassed; and
3. I bought The Acolyte.
I bought it because I was intent on getting a novel by a female Australian author, and this book won the 1972 Miles Franklin Award. I also bought it because I liked the cover. Apparently there's an adage warning against that which should be heeded. I'm not into this book at all. There's no plot to speak of, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the characters aren't likeable and I don't care for the style of writing. I wouldn't go so far as to say I felt embarrassed for Thea Astley, though