susanlawson 's review for:

Cloudstreet by Tim Winton

5.0

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I loved this story of two families, the Pickles and the Lambs, set in Perth, Australia between 1943 and 1963. The focus of the book is the rambling, ancient house in Cloud Street which the Pickles family inherit and rent out half of to the Lambs, who open a shop straight away and work to support their own, and the Pickles' families. The themes include the social and architectural changes in post-war Australia, personal guilt and the role of women in supporting their families to their own detriment. Although the story feels true to life and realistic, there are elements of fantasy and magic which add depth and commentary to the story.