Category Archives: Fiction

Mrs Queen takes the train

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Mrs Queen takes the trainMrs Queen takes the train
William M. Kuhn

Abstract
A charming, whimsical story of what happens when a long-serving and long-suffering monarch decides to go AWOL. A richly witty, warm and wonderful novel of responsibilities, escape and friendship.

Comments
Not a working mother’s book. Suitable for older democratic and monarchy fans.
Good for people who like character development over plot.
Characters were well developed but not overly likeable. Some of the English characters were hard to relate to being Australian.
Major themes were sadness, isolation, loss and not knowing how to move past it.
Overall the story was well written. Elegant phrasing and flowed easily. However, we felt that it didn’t draw us in. Complex characters let down by a lack lustre storyline.
Mixed reviews within the book club.

Rating – 5.5/10

Read by – Cultcha Club

Terry Pratchett – We must walk together

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pratchettSir Terry Pratchett,  fantasy author and creator of the “Disworld Series”  has died aged 66 of Alheimer’s disease.  Loved by millions for his irreverent take on life, he satirized  politics, religion and anything else he deemed to be flawed and pretensious. Often compared to classic authors like Jonathan Swift and Kurt Vonnegut.  He wrote 70 books, his most popular novel being,  ironically  “Mort”, his “Bromeliad Trilogy” is often regarded by critics and fans alike as works of genius. His career spanned over 40 years and his  books where translated into 37 languages,   worldwide sales totalled over 70 million volumes.  He was Britain’s second most read fantasy author after J.K. Rowling. Continue reading →

The Yellow Birds

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The Yellow Birds by Kevin Powers

 

Abstract

“The war tried to kill us in the spring,” begins this breathtaking account of friendship and loss. In Al Tafar, Iraq, twenty-one-year old Private Bartle and eighteen-year-old Private Murphy cling to life as their platoon launches a bloody battle for the city. In the endless days that follow, the two young soldiers do everything to protect each other from the forces that press in on every side: the insurgents, physical fatigue, and the mental stress that comes from constant danger. Bound together since basic training when their tough-as-nails Sergeant ordered Bartle to watch over Murphy, the two have been dropped into a war neither is prepared for. As reality begins to blur into a hazy nightmare, Murphy becomes increasingly unmoored from the world around him and Bartle takes impossible actions.

Comments

Took a while to get into the book but enjoyed it. Very good portrayal of what it means to go to war and the consequences. Sterling was a very interesting character. Heart of gold but very rough exterior. Continue reading →