extraextrareadallaboutit's review against another edition
5.0
I thought this book was terrific. I loved the narration; finding it calming and consistent.
The story was told well switching between the two families and the language used kept you right there in WA alongside them.
The way Winton shared tragedy was the thing I found most compelling. He delivered it in an almost nonchalant way, describing a death as casually as a setting. It often made me do a double-take and I had to go back and re-read what I'd just read to confirm that what I thought just happened had in fact happened.
I took a liking to all the characters and I felt as though they were all presented in a gentle way, with always at least one character exposing or noticing the softer side in them. I especially liked Rose and I liked her even more when she became an item with Quick.
I can see why this has been dubbed an Australian Classic.
The story was told well switching between the two families and the language used kept you right there in WA alongside them.
The way Winton shared tragedy was the thing I found most compelling. He delivered it in an almost nonchalant way, describing a death as casually as a setting. It often made me do a double-take and I had to go back and re-read what I'd just read to confirm that what I thought just happened had in fact happened.
I took a liking to all the characters and I felt as though they were all presented in a gentle way, with always at least one character exposing or noticing the softer side in them. I especially liked Rose and I liked her even more when she became an item with Quick.
I can see why this has been dubbed an Australian Classic.
interrowhimper's review against another edition
4.0
Extremely evocative of place, which is cool if you live in Perth. Weirdly compelling for a book that almost entirely lacks a plot. The seemingly magical Indigenous man who shows up now and then to do something mysterious and lucky makes me cringe.
sci_mom's review against another edition
3.0
I waffled between loving this book and hating it. There are flashes of brilliance interspersed throughout and those are amazing enough to keep reading. There are also some moments of WTF that are so bizarre that I considered walking away from it altogether. It's not a book for a lazy reader, which I admit to being most of the time, nor the faint-hearted who yearn for tidy, happy endings. It is not easy; it makes you work for the story, for understanding, but there are many nuggets of wisdom worth absorbing as you go on the journey. Depending on the day, or chapter, I could give this book 1 star or 5 stars. It may not be very helpful, but there you go.
peter_fischer's review against another edition
5.0
One of the best Australian novels ever written, and that’s saying something! Full development of characters and story, just fantastic. I got this romantic feeling of family and society togetherness, although the story is almost the opposite. I suspect this novel is more than a little autobiographical.
quinnviv's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
grace_louise's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Very AustralianÂ
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Medical trauma, Addiction, Alcoholism, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Abandonment, War, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, and Gore
kindlelover1932's review against another edition
4.0
fantastic. tim winton is a great author and i enjoy how he makes the setting its own character. i also loved the progression of the two family's relationship with each other. one star removed for the writing characteristic of 1992 australia, and at times i felt that sections of the book were either too rushed or too slow. either way, fantastic book, recommend to everyone with a spare three weeks.
liv_eleanor's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
dehndog's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0