A review by handheartthroatwrist
There Was Still Love by Favel Parrett

3.0

This is a tale of twin sisters who were separated as teenagers, set against a sweeping timeline that traverses Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia to the Cold War - from Prague to London to Melbourne. It’s told from the perspective of their two grandchildren who have never met, due to being on opposite sides of the world (and opposite sides of the Curtain). Although the themes are heavy, having the story told through the perspective of children keeps the book surprisingly simple to read but that doesn’t detract from how profoundly moving and poignant it is. A self-described love letter to her own grandparents, congratulations to Favel Parrett for being shortlisted for both the Stella Prize and ABIA Awards.