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gbeach's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Good story and interesting concept found the writing incredibly unsubtle
kat7890erina's review
4.0
3.5 stars
Della and Jasmine take a mother-daughter trip through literary England which prompts them both to reflect on their relationships with each other, and their sisters back home in Australia.
Della and Jasmine take a mother-daughter trip through literary England which prompts them both to reflect on their relationships with each other, and their sisters back home in Australia.
woolfy_vita's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
serenityofbooks's review
3.0
** 3 & half stars **
The March pick for the Birds of a Feather Bookclub is After Story by Larissa Behrendt. I’m so happy this one was selected as it’s a book that I may not have necessarily picked up otherwise & feel it has an important message at its heart that all Australians should hear.
My favourite part of this book was the beautiful telling of Aboriginal stories throughout. It really made me reflect on what a beautiful ancient culture our First Nations communities lived for thousands of years & why it is so important these stories are not forgotten & continue to be shared. The author has cleverly managed to weave this in amongst a backdrop which masterfully highlights our common humanity. It is too often as a society people look for the differences and not the similarities, but I loved how this felt hopeful & special.
Written in alternating POV chapters between Jasmine & Dela, I did find it a little repetitive in parts but understand we were looking at how both characters were reflecting on different aspects of their journey. Also, as a reader who has not read any of the classics or has any interest in doing so, I really struggled with all the literary refences, but I did enjoy the scenery.
I’m glad I read this gentle, thought provoking & moving book and I look forward to joining in our Bookclub discussion on Monday night.
The March pick for the Birds of a Feather Bookclub is After Story by Larissa Behrendt. I’m so happy this one was selected as it’s a book that I may not have necessarily picked up otherwise & feel it has an important message at its heart that all Australians should hear.
My favourite part of this book was the beautiful telling of Aboriginal stories throughout. It really made me reflect on what a beautiful ancient culture our First Nations communities lived for thousands of years & why it is so important these stories are not forgotten & continue to be shared. The author has cleverly managed to weave this in amongst a backdrop which masterfully highlights our common humanity. It is too often as a society people look for the differences and not the similarities, but I loved how this felt hopeful & special.
Written in alternating POV chapters between Jasmine & Dela, I did find it a little repetitive in parts but understand we were looking at how both characters were reflecting on different aspects of their journey. Also, as a reader who has not read any of the classics or has any interest in doing so, I really struggled with all the literary refences, but I did enjoy the scenery.
I’m glad I read this gentle, thought provoking & moving book and I look forward to joining in our Bookclub discussion on Monday night.
bethanyrh's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Honestly sign me up for a literary tour of England
I enjoyed the contrasting points of view between mother and daughter and learning about the love and loss they shared. You can’t help but draw comparisons between the abductions and murder of Brittany and the case of the Bowraville Murders, something Behrendt has no doubt done intentionally.
I enjoyed the contrasting points of view between mother and daughter and learning about the love and loss they shared. You can’t help but draw comparisons between the abductions and murder of Brittany and the case of the Bowraville Murders, something Behrendt has no doubt done intentionally.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Alcoholism, Grief, and Colonisation
Moderate: Child abuse, Incest, Racism, and Sexual assault
Minor: Drug use
simkei's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ewwa333's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5