Reviews

Dark Roots by Cate Kennedy

ethanssss's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting collection of short stories.
I quite enjoyed it. Some stories I liked more than others, but there are some themes that run through the whole collection. Picking out the patterns and common threads between stories is enjoyable.

A good read for while travelling, as the stories are very short.

spinstah's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting collection of Australian short stories -- the tone ties them together somewhat, and in all or most of them the theme (dark roots) is apparent. I enjoyed them, though I have to say a knowledge of Aussie slang would have definitely helped. (That said, this wasn't nearly as bad as my experience with the Yiddish Policemen's Union.)

vithsyni's review against another edition

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emotional informative medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

tazzle_dazzle's review against another edition

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4.0

A sometimes-funny, sometimes-sad, always clever collection. I came to this via a new edition thinking it was new work and at first was a bit disappointed because I was comparing it to Kennedy's brilliant & wise poetry collection from last year. Once I realised it was an older collection of short stories I began to appreciate the length & breadth of Kennedy's talent and now understand how it has developed & matured.

rageofcaliban's review

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emotional lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

elizagrant's review against another edition

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the elvis impersonator mentioned in one of these stories is a regular at the bookshop i work at  

damopedro's review against another edition

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3.0

After seeing Cate Kennedy read a short story of hers at the writers festival I figured I needed to read a book of hers. Some of these short stories were really good while others I just didn't connect with. She does write very well though.

lwj's review

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was kinda hoping my first read of the year wouldnt be for school but there were a few good stories in here so im not too mad about it

my favourite was habit, i also quite liked the light of coincidence !

scorpioangel's review against another edition

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emotional funny inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

athenamatisse's review

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2.0

Disappointing. The repeated use of 2nd person amongst these stories turned otherwise possibly interesting ideas into confusing rambles which were overly reliant on inherently dramatic themes such as murder, assault etc.
However, stories I did enjoy include:
-The Light of Coincidence
-Wheelbarrow Thief
-Resize