lorimichelekelley's review against another edition
2.0
Audible version: These books about books always grab my attention, but rarely do they hold it. This one talks about this incredible, life changing book and its amazing author, but that's the whole problem. This incredible book is only talked about, it isn't shared. And the author of the book within the book, well, she's just a normal human. Sure, one of the characters SAYS she's just a jewel of a person, but we don't get to see it. It's that problem of TELLING me everything instead of showing me. "She's wonderful." "She's kind." Blah.
starness's review against another edition
3.0
I’m in two minds about this book, although it all played out rather nicely at the end I was left a little underwhelmed by the actual storyline. Even though I accepted the mystery at face value for what it’s worth I found it a little unbelievable that Caddie would take such a small nugget of information (from a complete stranger mind you) and then go to such great lengths to uncover what essentially becomes a major coup, risking her job and all, including spending much time and energy on what is essentially a hunch to uncover a historical mystery, it mostly left me wondering why all the fuss. There is enough coincidental conveniences that ties the ending to make you feel somewhat satisfied for going along with it. I think I just had some lingering doubts why anyone would be so fascinated by these supposedly important artifacts but it never really showed what was so special about them. There were patches of the story that felt unfinished and unpolished.
Although some passages and conversations felt confusing to me, I’m having trouble trying to accurately articulate exactly what bothered me exactly. Toni Jordan is an accomplished writer and there was a lot I was impressed with, I was particularly fond of her descriptions of Brisbane, I had a great sense of time and place.
Overall the book had too many holes and misses that it dramatically reduced my complete enjoyment of this book. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.
Although some passages and conversations felt confusing to me, I’m having trouble trying to accurately articulate exactly what bothered me exactly. Toni Jordan is an accomplished writer and there was a lot I was impressed with, I was particularly fond of her descriptions of Brisbane, I had a great sense of time and place.
Overall the book had too many holes and misses that it dramatically reduced my complete enjoyment of this book. I’d recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical mysteries.
textpublishing's review against another edition
‘A mystery that spans cities, class, people and timezones, and it’s a page-turner with plot developments transpiring right to the very last pages...If you love reading Jane Harper or Holly Throsby or indeed Jordan’s other novels, this is the perfect weekend read. The Fragments is undoubtedly Jordan’s finest work to date.’
Readings
‘A captivating read.’
Who Weekly
‘An unusual literary thriller, built around complex twists and a great sense of anticipation…Exploring truth and historicity, The Fragments is a clever novel. Jordan’s fiction examines the overlooked roles of women, whose work often forms the thread that binds stories from the past, and the public’s hunger for what goes missing in the narrative gaps.’
Saturday Paper
‘It’s a treat to step back into 1980s-era Australia with [Jordan].’
Books + Publishing
Readings
‘A captivating read.’
Who Weekly
‘An unusual literary thriller, built around complex twists and a great sense of anticipation…Exploring truth and historicity, The Fragments is a clever novel. Jordan’s fiction examines the overlooked roles of women, whose work often forms the thread that binds stories from the past, and the public’s hunger for what goes missing in the narrative gaps.’
Saturday Paper
‘It’s a treat to step back into 1980s-era Australia with [Jordan].’
Books + Publishing
achappo98's review
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.5
rikki_jade's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book, one that will describe as a thriller for book lovers. If you love books and you are interested in their power and popularity and you like a good mystery I am sure you would also enjoy reading this!
lowlandsbeach's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Exceptional! Original plot. Even tho improbable, it didn't feel inauthentic. Neat ending, but nearly made me cry with emotion. Took a long time to read this book, as not a page turner initially, tho by Part Three I couldn't put the book down
elligraydee's review against another edition
2.0
How’d Inga reach JK Rowling-type heights with one single book from decades ago? Uninteresting and unbelievable storyline with not that interesting characters.
lefa's review against another edition
5.0
Every book of Toni Jordan’s I read stays with me. The Fragments is sure to do the same. It is a beautiful literary mystery. I wish I could unravel Jordan’s way of writing characters that feel so real with so little obvious effort. Finishing this novel left me aching for more.
mandylovestoread's review against another edition
5.0
I could not have loved this book more!! A book told from 2 points of view and in 2 different periods. Toni Jordan you have a new fan. I could not resist reading a book about a book...what book lover could. And to top it all off it s by an Aussie writer and partially set in Brisbane. Thank you Text Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read.
It tells the story of a famous book that was never published. Destroyed in a fire in 1938 all that are left are charred fragments. In 1983 these fragments travel to Brisbane and Caddie can't resist seeing them being a life long fan of the writers first and only book. A chance encounter on her way home sparks a hunt for the truth.
It is beautifully written, it is sad, it is funny and I just loved it so much! You need to read this book.
It tells the story of a famous book that was never published. Destroyed in a fire in 1938 all that are left are charred fragments. In 1983 these fragments travel to Brisbane and Caddie can't resist seeing them being a life long fan of the writers first and only book. A chance encounter on her way home sparks a hunt for the truth.
It is beautifully written, it is sad, it is funny and I just loved it so much! You need to read this book.
stanro's review against another edition
medium-paced
3.5
An easy read with enough twists to maintain interest, together with some academic politics that rang true.