svetlanasterlin's review against another edition
4.0
All Our Shimmering Skies is a beautifully written follow-up to Boy Swallows Universe, to which this book shares a few similarities. Molly Hook is an intriguing protagonist, but Yukio Miki is easily the most compelling character. Along with setting, the strength of All Our Shimmering Skies lies with its characters—all unique, developed, and interesting in their own right. As to Darwin, the surrounding bush, and the indigenous characters, Dalton offers plenty of fascinating insights and descriptions.
The book is a little over-written at times and could definitely be shorter. Though the Northern Territory setting is gorgeously described and personified, sometimes the description chokes the story. This is probably the biggest letdown when compared to Boy Swallows Universe. That being said, All Our Shimmering Skies is still a heartfelt story from an engaging voice and is not to be missed, especially for its haunting take on Australia’s history during the war.
The book is a little over-written at times and could definitely be shorter. Though the Northern Territory setting is gorgeously described and personified, sometimes the description chokes the story. This is probably the biggest letdown when compared to Boy Swallows Universe. That being said, All Our Shimmering Skies is still a heartfelt story from an engaging voice and is not to be missed, especially for its haunting take on Australia’s history during the war.
phoebeml's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
nmhealey28's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
korunicorn's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I enjoyed the prose and the unique ideas/time/place, but I felt this story was sorely in need of better editing. At least 100 pages could have been cut and I felt like certain plot points/themes never really went anywhere or were unclear.
I felt Yukio turned into a mere plot device, there when he was conveniently needed, the beauty and depth of his story/past never properly centered. The actual adventure following the 'treasure map' took a back seat; I had expected it to be the main focus of the novel, the years of Molly escaping through the poetry her mother left her coming in handy as the key to understanding the riddles, potentially connecting to the deeper themes. But the riddles stood alone, easy to solve as you travel (no need to be well-read at all).
I feel there were some beautiful themes in here lost in the lengthy descriptions and random people they ran into that didn't add to the story (do NOT get me started on the cave/dream scene). I wish other things had been stripped back to let our 3 characters be explored more deeply.
I could rant for paragraphs about the missed opportunities/things I would have changed. I likely would have DNFd this book for its really slow pacing at the start had it not been a book club read. HOWEVER, other members of my book club (while agreeing with many of my points) still enjoyed the book very much.
I want to read Boy Swallows Universe and see if that one works out better for me. After all, I think Dalton has a very beautiful, unique writing style and some really interesting ideas. I just wanted better execution.
I felt Yukio turned into a mere plot device, there when he was conveniently needed, the beauty and depth of his story/past never properly centered. The actual adventure following the 'treasure map' took a back seat; I had expected it to be the main focus of the novel, the years of Molly escaping through the poetry her mother left her coming in handy as the key to understanding the riddles, potentially connecting to the deeper themes. But the riddles stood alone, easy to solve as you travel (no need to be well-read at all).
I feel there were some beautiful themes in here lost in the lengthy descriptions and random people they ran into that didn't add to the story (do NOT get me started on the cave/dream scene). I wish other things had been stripped back to let our 3 characters be explored more deeply.
I could rant for paragraphs about the missed opportunities/things I would have changed. I likely would have DNFd this book for its really slow pacing at the start had it not been a book club read. HOWEVER, other members of my book club (while agreeing with many of my points) still enjoyed the book very much.
I want to read Boy Swallows Universe and see if that one works out better for me. After all, I think Dalton has a very beautiful, unique writing style and some really interesting ideas. I just wanted better execution.
rosemarykirk's review against another edition
4.0
Beautiful writing from Dalton as ever. I found the start a little slow and overall I think I preferred Boy Swallows (though that needs a reread), but this book was magical nonetheless, particularly the writing at the end which at times made me forget I was reading words and just made me feel like I was experiencing everything the characters were.
jovreadswithwine's review against another edition
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
louismunozjr's review against another edition
5.0
5 stars!!
When COVID hit in 2020, right as the library I work at went into lockdown, I brought home a copy of "Boy Swallows Universe," Trent Dalton's debut novel, and... L O V E D I T !!! In fact, it became one of my favorite books of that year, in my top three. When I learned of his new book, I was super excited, and then more excited still when I scored a reading copy via NetGalley. I was afraid that the new book might let me down, but, I can happily share, "All Our Shimmering Skies" did not disappoint! I might like "Boy Swallows Universe" a bit better, but I highly recommend this book. The main character is truly captivating, and her story very engaging, and I look forward to many more years reading Trent Dalton.
Many thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
When COVID hit in 2020, right as the library I work at went into lockdown, I brought home a copy of "Boy Swallows Universe," Trent Dalton's debut novel, and... L O V E D I T !!! In fact, it became one of my favorite books of that year, in my top three. When I learned of his new book, I was super excited, and then more excited still when I scored a reading copy via NetGalley. I was afraid that the new book might let me down, but, I can happily share, "All Our Shimmering Skies" did not disappoint! I might like "Boy Swallows Universe" a bit better, but I highly recommend this book. The main character is truly captivating, and her story very engaging, and I look forward to many more years reading Trent Dalton.
Many thanks to #NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
charlottefw's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
theverticalbookshelf's review against another edition
5.0
I don’t even know where to start with this beauty. Molly Hook, my dear Molly Hook. You are the shining light. I was entranced in your character from the start and loved you more each chapter. A strong young woman who has had so much loss. Greta and Yukio, my heart