Scan barcode
jaclyncrupi's review against another edition
3.0
I didn't love this as much as I had hoped. I cared much more about Henry than I did Charlotte and felt his experiences to be more engaging. Charlotte's experience of motherhood and homesickness was beautifully portrayed though. I really wanted more dialogue to propel the story and the dialogue that was there didn't ring true for me. It's a very literary book and, yes, the language is lovely and precise but it didn't captivate me.
hannah_2202's review against another edition
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
booksadaisyes's review against another edition
5.0
I initially rated this three stars but then changed it to five...
**************************
Three and a half stars. I liked this book but at the same time didn't. I had high expectations because of all the reviews I had read. It is indeed beautifully written - and I almost feel I need to re-read it because I feel I got so caught up in the descriptions of the setting that I somehow missed the story. Or perhaps it was just that the story was not going where I wanted it to and actually the unease and discomfort this book made me feel, placed me in as much denial as the characters. It was a relief to finish it but at the same time I wanted more. Perhaps I need to rate this four stars or even five - because it's a book that has left me thinking and talking about it and actually feeling some disquiet - and wanting to go back to it.
All signs of a great read really - I feel blindsided!
**************************
Three and a half stars. I liked this book but at the same time didn't. I had high expectations because of all the reviews I had read. It is indeed beautifully written - and I almost feel I need to re-read it because I feel I got so caught up in the descriptions of the setting that I somehow missed the story. Or perhaps it was just that the story was not going where I wanted it to and actually the unease and discomfort this book made me feel, placed me in as much denial as the characters. It was a relief to finish it but at the same time I wanted more. Perhaps I need to rate this four stars or even five - because it's a book that has left me thinking and talking about it and actually feeling some disquiet - and wanting to go back to it.
All signs of a great read really - I feel blindsided!
ljm57's review against another edition
3.0
While I thought this book was beautifully written - the descriptions of the contrasting English & Australian landscapes; the poignancy; the desperation; the atmosphere
I can’t say I actually enjoyed it. Set in the mid 1960s, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to emigrate to Australia, succumbing to her husband’s urging, leaving behind her beloved English countryside. She hates her new home in an alien land with a passion. Obviously also suffering from post-natal depression (pretty much unrecognised during that era), the story largely dwells on her discontent & her husband’s inability to deal with it. It was very slow moving & I found Charlotte’s character too overwhelming & maudlin to deal with.
I can’t say I actually enjoyed it. Set in the mid 1960s, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to emigrate to Australia, succumbing to her husband’s urging, leaving behind her beloved English countryside. She hates her new home in an alien land with a passion. Obviously also suffering from post-natal depression (pretty much unrecognised during that era), the story largely dwells on her discontent & her husband’s inability to deal with it. It was very slow moving & I found Charlotte’s character too overwhelming & maudlin to deal with.
maryvdb2024's review against another edition
3.0
A book about migrants and loneliness. Could totally relate to the isolation and exhaustion felt by Charlotte as a young mum. But she was not a very likeable or strong character. Interesting inclusion of Indian born husband and terrible racism and lack of belonging for him.
hatrireads's review against another edition
4.0
My husband brought me this book back from Australia - a recommendation from my favorite bookseller in Sydney (Blues Point Books) - and it was a great choice. Hard to put down. I read it in two nights. Enthralling story of a young mother, yearning for her homeland, and her husband, who was not at home anywhere, both living in hot faraway Perth in the early 1960s. Read this if you can find it!
needilup's review against another edition
2.0
This has won a lot of awards but Charlotte annoyed me. Mental Health issues were up front. She had an understanding husband. But it still made me uneasy. I couldn't connect to her as a character.
annawalsh's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5