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philippakmoore's review
4.0
An old favourite found amongst my parents shelves on returning to Tassie for Christmas :) I never tire of Garner's writing.
annieg's review
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
No one articulates the world so clearly, sees domestic life so beautifully and shares it so gorgeously
polyhy_14's review
5.0
This is a collection of short essays based on Garner's own life experiences and observations. Whether it's a hilarious colonic irrigation in a Thai health spa, thought provoking comments on her struggles with reading the Bible or the deeply poignant account of her mother's slide into Alzheimers and many more, she writes with her usual honesty, clarity and wit.
tasmanian_bibliophile's review
4.0
‘Everything around me is seething with meaning, if I can only work out what it is.’
In this collection of 31 non-fiction writings, Helen Garner combines observation and musing about various aspects of life in a way invites readers to experience that which is mystical and powerful in occurrences which are sometimes mundane, and sometimes not. The appeal is broad: a casual reader will find pleasure and a more serious reader will find plenty to think about.
The ‘Feel of Steel’ poses a number of questions, including: what is the meaning of ‘home’ and how far do we have to travel in order to find it? How do different family members deal with the impact and consequences of Alzheimer’s disease? Or divorce? Or the birth of a grandchild? From a trip to Antarctica (‘Regions of Thick-Ribbed Ice’), through a visit to the Spa Resort on Koh Sumui in the Gulf of Thailand (‘A Spy in the House of Excrement’) to a bridal salon (‘Arrayed for the Bridal’) via the ego-denting experience of selecting new glasses (‘My Blue Glasses’) and musing on the perfect sandals (‘Golden Sandals’) these writings contain a series of reflections on life, personal anecdotes, and encompass a range of human emotions.
One of my favourites is ‘Woman in a Green Mantle’. I can identify completely with this thought:
‘Press the memory of a book, and it goes blurry.’ And with this statement:
‘I read much too fast. It’s an insane, desperate guzzling.’
While I enjoy Ms Garner’s writing, it’s her non-fiction books (‘The First Stone’ and ‘Joe Cinque’s Consolation’) that have stayed with me the longest. This collection of short pieces invites the reader to laugh sometimes, and to think about what is important and why.
Most of these pieces were originally published in other Australian publications: the Age; Best Australian Essays; the Bulletin; Good Weekend; Heat; House and Garden; and the Women’s Weekly.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
In this collection of 31 non-fiction writings, Helen Garner combines observation and musing about various aspects of life in a way invites readers to experience that which is mystical and powerful in occurrences which are sometimes mundane, and sometimes not. The appeal is broad: a casual reader will find pleasure and a more serious reader will find plenty to think about.
The ‘Feel of Steel’ poses a number of questions, including: what is the meaning of ‘home’ and how far do we have to travel in order to find it? How do different family members deal with the impact and consequences of Alzheimer’s disease? Or divorce? Or the birth of a grandchild? From a trip to Antarctica (‘Regions of Thick-Ribbed Ice’), through a visit to the Spa Resort on Koh Sumui in the Gulf of Thailand (‘A Spy in the House of Excrement’) to a bridal salon (‘Arrayed for the Bridal’) via the ego-denting experience of selecting new glasses (‘My Blue Glasses’) and musing on the perfect sandals (‘Golden Sandals’) these writings contain a series of reflections on life, personal anecdotes, and encompass a range of human emotions.
One of my favourites is ‘Woman in a Green Mantle’. I can identify completely with this thought:
‘Press the memory of a book, and it goes blurry.’ And with this statement:
‘I read much too fast. It’s an insane, desperate guzzling.’
While I enjoy Ms Garner’s writing, it’s her non-fiction books (‘The First Stone’ and ‘Joe Cinque’s Consolation’) that have stayed with me the longest. This collection of short pieces invites the reader to laugh sometimes, and to think about what is important and why.
Most of these pieces were originally published in other Australian publications: the Age; Best Australian Essays; the Bulletin; Good Weekend; Heat; House and Garden; and the Women’s Weekly.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
eddlestonebear's review
5.0
As always, I feel like reading Helen Garner is like walking around in someone else's head. A somewhat cramped space, often illuminated with bright white insight and chock full of the tiny details of the ordinary and magical world outside. Having just finished, I would happily pick it up and read the whole thing again.
tricky's review
5.0
I have to admit I really struggle to review Helen Garner's works. I find myself being quickly swept into the words on the page and I do not stop reading. I do not take notes, I just keep reading and soaking it all in.
In the Feel of Steel, Garner has given us an insight into some of the curly moments of her life, from the doubts one faces after a divorce, placing your mother in a nursing home and struggling to write words on the page. These insights are quite extraordinary with her honesty and vulnerabilities laid down. There is also some wonderful moments of observation that are really poignant and revealing.
I lost myself in the words, the scenes and the descriptions.
This is a wonderful book, just read it.
In the Feel of Steel, Garner has given us an insight into some of the curly moments of her life, from the doubts one faces after a divorce, placing your mother in a nursing home and struggling to write words on the page. These insights are quite extraordinary with her honesty and vulnerabilities laid down. There is also some wonderful moments of observation that are really poignant and revealing.
I lost myself in the words, the scenes and the descriptions.
This is a wonderful book, just read it.
larrys's review
4.0
I need to upskill in journal writing. Helen Garner writes the most excellent vignettes.
maree_k's review
5.0
I love Helen Garner's writing. She finds the brilliance in the smallest moments, brings the everyday to life and writes with such poignancy. Not a word is ever wasted. I found this little gem in a second hand bookshop so not sure if it is still in print, but if you get a chance to read it, do.