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A review by ashmagoffin
Eta Draconis by Brendan Ritchie
5.0
I knew nothing about this book until I saw it in the literature section in my local Dymocks. Upon reading the blurb of this book I decided that this was a book for Ashleigh and now I've finished it I can tell you that I was entirely correct.
Eta Draconis is set near future Australia where everything revolves around Eta Draconis; a meteor shower which has hung over the world for a decade. The landscape of the world has changed as well as our aspirations, young adults finish school and go on to study communications and medicine, needed professions in a world struggling to survive. Elora however, sets out on a road trip from Esperance to Perth with her sister Vivienne in order to attend university to study Drama.
This novel has a timeless quality and I also found it harshly relevant for a post-pandemic audience. The prose is poignant and thought-provoking, Brendan Ritchie drives his message home in a uniquely refreshing Australian voice. The main plot is a road trip undertaken by two sisters, the story passing back and forth between past and present in a way that does not hinder the pace or suspense. Ritchie's world is a perfectly fully realised concept, the world building had a depth to it which leaves the reader with much to dwell upon. Eta Draconis itself reads like it is alive, vivid and a character within this novel. There is much literally and figuratively hanging over Elora and Vivienne as they set out on their journey. It is inspiring to read about resilient characters who aspire to live not just survive, timely for our current climate.
Because surviving is not enough. READ THIS BOOK!! 5 stars
Eta Draconis is set near future Australia where everything revolves around Eta Draconis; a meteor shower which has hung over the world for a decade. The landscape of the world has changed as well as our aspirations, young adults finish school and go on to study communications and medicine, needed professions in a world struggling to survive. Elora however, sets out on a road trip from Esperance to Perth with her sister Vivienne in order to attend university to study Drama.
This novel has a timeless quality and I also found it harshly relevant for a post-pandemic audience. The prose is poignant and thought-provoking, Brendan Ritchie drives his message home in a uniquely refreshing Australian voice. The main plot is a road trip undertaken by two sisters, the story passing back and forth between past and present in a way that does not hinder the pace or suspense. Ritchie's world is a perfectly fully realised concept, the world building had a depth to it which leaves the reader with much to dwell upon. Eta Draconis itself reads like it is alive, vivid and a character within this novel. There is much literally and figuratively hanging over Elora and Vivienne as they set out on their journey. It is inspiring to read about resilient characters who aspire to live not just survive, timely for our current climate.
Because surviving is not enough. READ THIS BOOK!! 5 stars