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boos_books's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
carlieunderthestairs's review against another edition
4.0
Coming of age, but make it middle age. Can we normalise not understanding ourselves until well into adulthood? It’s very refreshing, and this novel does it beautifully.
Protagonist Patrick is stuck. He’s the only sibling available to care for his overbearing, ageing mother, to whom he has a deep sense of loyalty but also, increasingly, frustration. He’s in a ‘meh’ job, and he has disregarded his sexuality his entire life, hindering any chance of meaningful intimacy and connection.
In other words, he has always been last in his own life.
Until one day he snaps, and seeks the comfort of a place from childhood that becomes the catalyst for his personal evolution.
This quiet, introspective novel crackles with vulnerability and humanity. It examines the ties that bind us — to parents, to childhood, to places, to memories, to expectations — and how these ties shape us, how they anchor us, and also how they give us the tools to grow and fly. It is full of emotional complexity and hard-won wisdom.
Loved it
Protagonist Patrick is stuck. He’s the only sibling available to care for his overbearing, ageing mother, to whom he has a deep sense of loyalty but also, increasingly, frustration. He’s in a ‘meh’ job, and he has disregarded his sexuality his entire life, hindering any chance of meaningful intimacy and connection.
In other words, he has always been last in his own life.
Until one day he snaps, and seeks the comfort of a place from childhood that becomes the catalyst for his personal evolution.
This quiet, introspective novel crackles with vulnerability and humanity. It examines the ties that bind us — to parents, to childhood, to places, to memories, to expectations — and how these ties shape us, how they anchor us, and also how they give us the tools to grow and fly. It is full of emotional complexity and hard-won wisdom.
Loved it
becaroniandcheez's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- 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? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
tasmanian_bibliophile's review against another edition
5.0
‘The day after I tried to kill my mother ...’
Mr Featherstone grabbed my attention with his opening line and held it until the end of the journey. Oh, Patrick, I wondered, where are you? And who are you? There’s more to life than pleasing others, even if one of those others is your mother.
After an argument with his mother, Patrick heads off to the Monaro region of New South Wales, to a place where his family used to spend time. And while he is staying there, he sees a tiger quoll (a member of an endangered species) and meets Lewis. What can I write about Patrick and Lewis? Patrick does not expect intimacy, but he finds it. A fortnight with Lewis gives Patrick a hint of freedom, as well as memories to cherish and hold fast.
Has it also given Patrick the courage to accept who he is?
Patrick’s story continues, and slowly he becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and his own place in the world.
A life unfurls. A beautifully told story.
‘The desire to hurt or even destroy what we love—it makes no sense. Or it makes more sense than ever.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Mr Featherstone grabbed my attention with his opening line and held it until the end of the journey. Oh, Patrick, I wondered, where are you? And who are you? There’s more to life than pleasing others, even if one of those others is your mother.
After an argument with his mother, Patrick heads off to the Monaro region of New South Wales, to a place where his family used to spend time. And while he is staying there, he sees a tiger quoll (a member of an endangered species) and meets Lewis. What can I write about Patrick and Lewis? Patrick does not expect intimacy, but he finds it. A fortnight with Lewis gives Patrick a hint of freedom, as well as memories to cherish and hold fast.
Has it also given Patrick the courage to accept who he is?
Patrick’s story continues, and slowly he becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and his own place in the world.
A life unfurls. A beautifully told story.
‘The desire to hurt or even destroy what we love—it makes no sense. Or it makes more sense than ever.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
sevireene's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
alonsonm's review against another edition
5.0
Beautifully written. Full of emotiveness and nostalgia. Full of love and desires. Full of life and peace. Full of longing for what could be but won’t be.
dontforgetthelights's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
bookworm_with_a_brew's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
dodoreadsbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Wow my heart. There are so many reasons I loved this book.
In this book middle aged Patrick flees from an argument with his mother to the Monaro region- the scene of happy childhood memories. There a chance encounter with Lewis will change his life and identity forever.
1. All the landscape descriptions at the start. Large parts of the books are set in the Monaro, dry mountainous plains region in Australia. I live close to there and the way the landscape was pained really made it come alive for me.
2. The plot surrounding Patrick's mum and her slowly advancing decline into old age and dementia. This hit really close to home and is vividly described how the people we love can vanish Infront of our eyes, their substance and essence being stripped away with each memory they lose.
3. It's a coming of age novel set in middle age. I have a soft spot for coming of age and watching it unfold against the backdrop of adult struggles was fascinating.
4. I really enjoyed the slow unfolding of the plot and story... Nothing felt forced. The pacing might feel slow for some but it felt perfect for self discovery and reality of messy emotions and people.
Fav quote: "There are beginnings, and there are endings, but there are also circles, which know nothing of either-they are, and have always been, complete."
In this book middle aged Patrick flees from an argument with his mother to the Monaro region- the scene of happy childhood memories. There a chance encounter with Lewis will change his life and identity forever.
1. All the landscape descriptions at the start. Large parts of the books are set in the Monaro, dry mountainous plains region in Australia. I live close to there and the way the landscape was pained really made it come alive for me.
2. The plot surrounding Patrick's mum and her slowly advancing decline into old age and dementia. This hit really close to home and is vividly described how the people we love can vanish Infront of our eyes, their substance and essence being stripped away with each memory they lose.
3. It's a coming of age novel set in middle age. I have a soft spot for coming of age and watching it unfold against the backdrop of adult struggles was fascinating.
4. I really enjoyed the slow unfolding of the plot and story... Nothing felt forced. The pacing might feel slow for some but it felt perfect for self discovery and reality of messy emotions and people.
Fav quote: "There are beginnings, and there are endings, but there are also circles, which know nothing of either-they are, and have always been, complete."