A review by therealcubcake
The Children's Bach by Helen Garner

emotional funny reflective sad tense fast-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

4.0

 There is something magic about Helen Garner's writing. If you want heavy details, they aren't there, yet somehow she still  conveys every detail you need. This is only the second book of Garners that I have read. The first fictional one for me. 

   "The Children's Bach" takes place in the 1980s, Melbourne. It's about "nothing" in the sense that it really portrays daily life and the at times, mundane routine of things. At the same time, this short novel is about burdens and constraints. An unraveling. The awaking of new found freedoms, wanting more, and I'll even say guilt. Is the grass greener on the other side?  

     Looking forward to the next Garner book. I think we are fortunate to finally have access to her work here in America. We can finally see what all of the Australian praise is about!