maddysbookcase's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-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
quaintrelle_chantelle's review
2.0
I’m not really sure how to give a review on this one. It was another case of, the cover got me!
I found this to be quite a heart-breakingly sad story. The main character’s voice wasn’t one that I found easy to read & I guess I felt pity for him throughout the story for the life he didn’t have… maybe? It was an odd book & I’m just unsure how I feel about the whole thing. There was nothing about it that really sold it for me.
I found this to be quite a heart-breakingly sad story. The main character’s voice wasn’t one that I found easy to read & I guess I felt pity for him throughout the story for the life he didn’t have… maybe? It was an odd book & I’m just unsure how I feel about the whole thing. There was nothing about it that really sold it for me.
_lish_'s review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, War, Sexual assault, and Homophobia
boos_books's review
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
carlieunderthestairs's review
4.0
Coming of age, but make it middle age. Can we normalise not understanding ourselves until well into adulthood? It’s very refreshing, and this novel does it beautifully.
Protagonist Patrick is stuck. He’s the only sibling available to care for his overbearing, ageing mother, to whom he has a deep sense of loyalty but also, increasingly, frustration. He’s in a ‘meh’ job, and he has disregarded his sexuality his entire life, hindering any chance of meaningful intimacy and connection.
In other words, he has always been last in his own life.
Until one day he snaps, and seeks the comfort of a place from childhood that becomes the catalyst for his personal evolution.
This quiet, introspective novel crackles with vulnerability and humanity. It examines the ties that bind us — to parents, to childhood, to places, to memories, to expectations — and how these ties shape us, how they anchor us, and also how they give us the tools to grow and fly. It is full of emotional complexity and hard-won wisdom.
Loved it
Protagonist Patrick is stuck. He’s the only sibling available to care for his overbearing, ageing mother, to whom he has a deep sense of loyalty but also, increasingly, frustration. He’s in a ‘meh’ job, and he has disregarded his sexuality his entire life, hindering any chance of meaningful intimacy and connection.
In other words, he has always been last in his own life.
Until one day he snaps, and seeks the comfort of a place from childhood that becomes the catalyst for his personal evolution.
This quiet, introspective novel crackles with vulnerability and humanity. It examines the ties that bind us — to parents, to childhood, to places, to memories, to expectations — and how these ties shape us, how they anchor us, and also how they give us the tools to grow and fly. It is full of emotional complexity and hard-won wisdom.
Loved it
becaroniandcheez's review
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
tasmanian_bibliophile's review
5.0
‘The day after I tried to kill my mother ...’
Mr Featherstone grabbed my attention with his opening line and held it until the end of the journey. Oh, Patrick, I wondered, where are you? And who are you? There’s more to life than pleasing others, even if one of those others is your mother.
After an argument with his mother, Patrick heads off to the Monaro region of New South Wales, to a place where his family used to spend time. And while he is staying there, he sees a tiger quoll (a member of an endangered species) and meets Lewis. What can I write about Patrick and Lewis? Patrick does not expect intimacy, but he finds it. A fortnight with Lewis gives Patrick a hint of freedom, as well as memories to cherish and hold fast.
Has it also given Patrick the courage to accept who he is?
Patrick’s story continues, and slowly he becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and his own place in the world.
A life unfurls. A beautifully told story.
‘The desire to hurt or even destroy what we love—it makes no sense. Or it makes more sense than ever.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Mr Featherstone grabbed my attention with his opening line and held it until the end of the journey. Oh, Patrick, I wondered, where are you? And who are you? There’s more to life than pleasing others, even if one of those others is your mother.
After an argument with his mother, Patrick heads off to the Monaro region of New South Wales, to a place where his family used to spend time. And while he is staying there, he sees a tiger quoll (a member of an endangered species) and meets Lewis. What can I write about Patrick and Lewis? Patrick does not expect intimacy, but he finds it. A fortnight with Lewis gives Patrick a hint of freedom, as well as memories to cherish and hold fast.
Has it also given Patrick the courage to accept who he is?
Patrick’s story continues, and slowly he becomes more comfortable with his sexuality and his own place in the world.
A life unfurls. A beautifully told story.
‘The desire to hurt or even destroy what we love—it makes no sense. Or it makes more sense than ever.’
Jennifer Cameron-Smith