Category Archives: Recommended Reading

The Lost Child by Suzanne McCourt

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The lost child

Sylvie is five. It’s the 1950’s and she lives in Burley Point, a fishing village south of the Coorong on Australia’s wild southern coast. She worships her older brother Dunc. She tries to make sense of her brooding mother, and her moody father who abandons the family to visit The Trollop, Layle Lewis, who lives across the lagoon. It’s hard to keep secrets in a small town, but when Dunc goes missing, Sylvie is terrified that she is the cause.

This is Suzanne McCourt’s first novel and what a great book it was. I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. This is the book I am going to tell everyone they MUST read. 5 out of 5  stars. Jody

 

2nd Tuesday Evening Book Group

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This month the Group read Sarah Thornhill by Kate Grenville.

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Book Summary

Sarah Thornhill is the youngest child of William Thornhill, convict-turned-landowner on the Hawkesbury River. She grows up in the fine house her father is so proud of, a strong-willed young woman who’s certain where her future lies. She’s known Jack Langland since she was a child, and always loved him. But the past is waiting in ambush with its dark legacy. There’s a secret in Sarah’s family, a piece of the past kept hidden from the world and from her. A secret Jack can’t live with…

Group Comments

Most of the group enjoyed the book. Some thought that the characters ‘did not speak to them’.

Many, who had read ‘The Secret River’, did not find this book as good. The first book was well researched and well written.

Sarah Thornhill reminded one reader of Mary in ‘The Potato Factory’. But having read ‘Sarah Thornhill’ before ‘The Secret River’ this may have influenced her.

The book brought out the alienation, dispossession, prejudice and the lack of empathy towards indigenous people. The themes of guilt and regret and the family rifts that were caused well portrayed. Some understood that the evil of William Thornhill could not ever be forgiven by his son, Dick. Continue reading →

International Day of the Book – 23 April 2014

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On the 23 April each year countries around the world celebrate International Day of the Book; also know as World Book Day or World Book and Copyright Day.

This yearly event is organised by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright.

Help celebrate International Book Day by reading a book, buying a book or giving a book.

Here are some great book Library Staff are enjoying this week

Reading second

 

Book Review – The Sultan’s Eyes

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aaaThe Sultan’s Eyes by Kelly Gardiner

Young Adult Fiction

BOOK SUMMARY

The year is 1648 and life in Venice is serene for Isabella Hawkins and her friends Willem, Al-Qasim and Signora Contarini. Together they publish fine books like the controversial encyclopaedia, The Sum of All Knowledge.

When a new Inquisitor declares war on free speech however, they are forced to flee across the seas to the wondrous capital of the Ottoman Empire, Constantinople, which is ruled by the infamous Sultanate of the Women.

Old friends and new, including the boy Sultan and his sister, welcome them to the world’s greatest city. But Isabella is soon entangled in poisonous palace intrigues, while her friends secretly play perilous games of their own.

The fascinating and page-turning sequel to Act of Faith, which was shortlisted for the 2012 NSW Premier’s Literary awards, the 2012 Gold Inky awards and highly commended in the 2012 Barbara Jefferies Awards.

COMMENTS Continue reading →

2nd Tuesday Evening Book Group

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This month the group discussed Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Book Summary

Jane Eyre ranks as one of the greatest and most perennially popular works of English fiction. Although the poor but plucky heroine is outwardly of plain appearance, she possesses an indomitable spirit, a sharp wit and great courage. She is forced to battle against the exigencies of a cruel guardian, a harsh employer and a rigid social order. All of which circumscribe her life and position when she becomes governess to the daughter of the mysterious, sardonic and attractive Mr Rochester. However, there is great kindness and warmth in this epic love story, which is set against the magnificent backdrop of the Yorkshire moors.

Groups Comments Continue reading →