Reviews

The Passage of Love by Alex Miller

ljm57's review against another edition

3.0

As expected, a thoughtful and beautifully written book which is apparently autobiographical, telling Alex Miller’s story through the character of Robert Crofts both in the present, as an old man, and in the past as a struggling young writer. I didn’t enjoy it anywhere near as much as Coal Creek which I loved. I laboured through the first two-thirds of the book because I didn’t like Robert, or his first lover, Wendy or his wife, Lena. It dealt mainly with these impulsive, fractious relationships and the difficulties an author can have with the writing process. It was long-winded and I was simply reading to get through it. If the editor had cut out the great number of tea-drinking scenes and the detailed cigarette-smoking descriptions, it would have saved many pages. I did love the character of Martin, Robert’s dear friend who was a constant support to him during his many times of crisis. The last section, however, really improved when Robert and Lena moved to the farm in a stunning part of the Australian bush. The pace picked up, the plot didn’t lurch from one self-absorbed disaster to another and the scenery of the landscape was evoked brilliantly. A book in two parts for me.

bloss777's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

2.25

Gave up. Too slow and introspective and couldn't relate to the characters

bookspluscaffeine's review against another edition

5.0

I loved this memoir/novel by Alex Miller. A deeply moving story of the struggles of youth- young love, purpose, ambition, belonging- and writing. I felt for the people in this book. I laughed and I cried. The current day reflections are poignant, and add depth. Even when dealing with heavy topics it was easy to read and beautifully written (I started noting down quotes because they truly resonated with me). I could have rushed through this book because it was so good, but I'm glad I was forced to savor slowly.

This was my first Alex Miller book, and I so enjoyed it I plan to add Alex Miller's other books to my tbr pile. I cannot recommend highly enough. *thankyou to @allenandunwin
for this ARC, and introducing me to a wonderful author*

mandi_m's review against another edition

4.0

Miller's writing is always stunning. This isn't my favourite, but still a 4 out of 5. He evoked time and place really well and the complexities of the relationships were beautifully written.

balancinghistorybooks's review

2.0

Review to follow.

brona's review

1.0

Sorry Alex, but I'm giving up on this one.
http://bronasbooks.blogspot.com.au/2017/09/abandon-all-hope.html