rhodaj's review against another edition
3.0
Curtis is a keyboard player who returns home to Brisbane after the split of his very popular band Butterfish. Not a big fan of the spotlight, Curtis wants to focus on his new career as a music producer and reconnect with his older brother Patrick, following the death of their father where Curtis left Patrick to deal with it all.
Curtis befriends his new neighbours - a single mum and her two teenage children, although things get a little complicated - particularly when his long time friend and former lead singer of Butterfish, Derek, comes to stay with him for a few days.
This book does not have a whole lot of storyline, with the focus being on the characters and their development. I love a good character study and whilst I liked the character of Curtis, I just found so many of the interactions in this book to be awkward. Perhaps they were supposed to be, as Curtis navigates life as a “normal” person as opposed to being a big rock star, but it just made it hard reading at times.
I really enjoyed the development of Curtis’ relationship with his brother Patrick which began a bit stilted, but grew as they spent more time together. I was less enamoured with what I’d call the “unnecessary romance” (my pet hate
Curtis befriends his new neighbours - a single mum and her two teenage children, although things get a little complicated - particularly when his long time friend and former lead singer of Butterfish, Derek, comes to stay with him for a few days.
This book does not have a whole lot of storyline, with the focus being on the characters and their development. I love a good character study and whilst I liked the character of Curtis, I just found so many of the interactions in this book to be awkward. Perhaps they were supposed to be, as Curtis navigates life as a “normal” person as opposed to being a big rock star, but it just made it hard reading at times.
I really enjoyed the development of Curtis’ relationship with his brother Patrick which began a bit stilted, but grew as they spent more time together. I was less enamoured with what I’d call the “unnecessary romance” (my pet hate
klb72's review against another edition
4.0
Hooked me from the start - Nick Earls is ever readable. Nice account of an ex star finding life in the 'burbs.
tpatz's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tien's review against another edition
3.0
Curtis Holland moved into a new house after his band, Butterfish, broke up. While the band was quite successful, they are worn out and Curtis, being a quiet and much of a loner, was looking forward to some alone time. And also some time to finally catch up with his brother, Patrick. Though he managed to sort things out with Patrick, he didn't quite get his quiet contemplation of a life as he was drawn into the family life of his neighbour. This family isn't that remarkable but I guess after a remarkable life, he needed the normal dose.
There were some funny moments but unlike other Earls' novels, I found that this wasn't as funny but a lot more touching. Curtis, as a character, was easily likeable and he grew a lot in this story to become more of a man than boy. I loved the brother/sibling relationship and also the relationship he's built with the family next door.
There were some funny moments but unlike other Earls' novels, I found that this wasn't as funny but a lot more touching. Curtis, as a character, was easily likeable and he grew a lot in this story to become more of a man than boy. I loved the brother/sibling relationship and also the relationship he's built with the family next door.
samstillreading's review against another edition
3.0
I don't really know how to describe this book. An episode in the protagonist's life? It seemed not to come to any resolution, but not to have anything terribly deep either.
Curtin is a musician, ex member of Savage Ga- no sorry, Butterfish, returning home after his band splits after a lacklustre third album. I'm still not sure what Curtis played- keyboards maybe? Anyway, he has to deal with his neighbour and her daughter's attentions, the neighbour's son's fish loving, his dad's death oh and, the lead singer of Butterfish descending on him. Although the arrival of Derek sends Curtis into a tizzy, not a lot seems to come out of this (nor from the neighbours).
I borrowed this from the library. If I'd have bought it, I would have been disappointed with the lack of resolution. Nick Earls writes very well, but not even nostalgic love for Australia could put this high on my shelves. Bachelor Kisses is much more humourous and the plot actually moves- I'd recommend this instead,
Curtin is a musician, ex member of Savage Ga- no sorry, Butterfish, returning home after his band splits after a lacklustre third album. I'm still not sure what Curtis played- keyboards maybe? Anyway, he has to deal with his neighbour and her daughter's attentions, the neighbour's son's fish loving, his dad's death oh and, the lead singer of Butterfish descending on him. Although the arrival of Derek sends Curtis into a tizzy, not a lot seems to come out of this (nor from the neighbours).
I borrowed this from the library. If I'd have bought it, I would have been disappointed with the lack of resolution. Nick Earls writes very well, but not even nostalgic love for Australia could put this high on my shelves. Bachelor Kisses is much more humourous and the plot actually moves- I'd recommend this instead,
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