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ssem's review
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
scribepub's review
The Golden Book is a quietly beautiful debut from Kate Ryan that asks profound questions about responsibility, blame and, ultimately, love … [This] is an exquisite and deeply resonant literary novel that captures the nostalgia of youth.
Cheryl Akle, The Weekend Australian
An exquisite study of the liminal space between words and acts, and the necessary redrafting of our life stories. This is a golden book.
Myfanwy Jones, author of Leap
A gorgeous evocation of the wildness of youth, and of what it takes to find love after disaster. Kate Ryan writes from the heart. Earthy, lovely, and profound. A beautiful, resonant book.
Peggy Frew, author of Islands
Kate Ryan has constructed a superb literary novel, but one that is also written in an absorbing, immersive prose. The storytelling is direct and often visceral, concerned with telling the truth of the human condition … An assured debut from a writer who has honed her craft and written something genuine and true.
Chris Saliba, North Melbourne Books
The Golden Book is well paced and well plotted.
Annie Condon, Readings
[The Golden Book] is a tightly woven and compelling story about the incorruptibility of childhood friendships, the bitterness of teenage rivalry and the impact of childhood trauma as it unfurls over time … Ryan reveals Ali's past with tantalising slowness, expertly interspersing Ali's adult life with visceral memories from her childhood … The Golden Book is the rare novel you will want to read in one session and not put down.
Raphaelle Race, The Big Issue
Cheryl Akle, The Weekend Australian
An exquisite study of the liminal space between words and acts, and the necessary redrafting of our life stories. This is a golden book.
Myfanwy Jones, author of Leap
A gorgeous evocation of the wildness of youth, and of what it takes to find love after disaster. Kate Ryan writes from the heart. Earthy, lovely, and profound. A beautiful, resonant book.
Peggy Frew, author of Islands
Kate Ryan has constructed a superb literary novel, but one that is also written in an absorbing, immersive prose. The storytelling is direct and often visceral, concerned with telling the truth of the human condition … An assured debut from a writer who has honed her craft and written something genuine and true.
Chris Saliba, North Melbourne Books
The Golden Book is well paced and well plotted.
Annie Condon, Readings
[The Golden Book] is a tightly woven and compelling story about the incorruptibility of childhood friendships, the bitterness of teenage rivalry and the impact of childhood trauma as it unfurls over time … Ryan reveals Ali's past with tantalising slowness, expertly interspersing Ali's adult life with visceral memories from her childhood … The Golden Book is the rare novel you will want to read in one session and not put down.
Raphaelle Race, The Big Issue
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