Scan barcode
bron2042's review against another edition
I did realise I do not enjoy short stories.
One story, ‘Divorce, Turkish style’ by Dmetri Kakmi, really resonated with me after long discussions at work about this very topic: “I have heard Aboriginal Australians say similar things and I never really understood what they meant. Now I do. It is the fate of the dispossessed native to be displayed on a pedestal by the victor, like a trophy. Outwardly, it is a respectful acknowledgement of history and culture. Underneath, it is the victor, announcing triumph over a cowed indigenous population.”
One story, ‘Divorce, Turkish style’ by Dmetri Kakmi, really resonated with me after long discussions at work about this very topic: “I have heard Aboriginal Australians say similar things and I never really understood what they meant. Now I do. It is the fate of the dispossessed native to be displayed on a pedestal by the victor, like a trophy. Outwardly, it is a respectful acknowledgement of history and culture. Underneath, it is the victor, announcing triumph over a cowed indigenous population.”
jaclyn_sixminutesforme's review against another edition
4.0
I was really impressed at the diverse responses that the contributors to this collection came up with when asked to write about “endings.” The subject matters covered span countries, relationships, mental heath, and medical diagnoses just to name a few, and the contributor list includes a range of local literary greats like Alice Pung, Fiona Wright, and Graeme Simsion (naming them as their essays were among my favorites!).
This is a collection to check out if you want to read more from your favorite authors, discover new Aussie writers, and meditate on how the experiences in the collection have shaped the work and life of that contributor. A really impressive collection, and one I’d recommend (particularly with #nonfictionnovember fast approaching!)
Thanks Ventura Press for a review copy.
This is a collection to check out if you want to read more from your favorite authors, discover new Aussie writers, and meditate on how the experiences in the collection have shaped the work and life of that contributor. A really impressive collection, and one I’d recommend (particularly with #nonfictionnovember fast approaching!)
Thanks Ventura Press for a review copy.
crazybooklady_'s review
4.0
From the moment I heard about this one I knew it was for me. I’ve had a recent obsession with essays and can’t get enough of this format, not to mention the list of incredible Australian writers that contributed. Split is a collection essays, personal observation, of significant endings and their aftermath. A split from something significant within their lives. After I read Kofman’s introduction I was hooked and I loved the glimpse into each of these writers’ lives. From countries to religion to many personal relationships the reader sees life and their splits as a reality and not just as a motivator for life change. As Kofman points out social media often uses events like this to sell the reader something but the honest truth is that not all moment like this gives you your “aha” moment. Not every split is going to make you better, faster, stronger. I revelled in this honesty and found this a powerful and intriguing collection.
These essays are great to peruse, slowly savour, take in a story at a time. I slowly read this collection over a few weeks and was not ready for it to end. I particularly loved the essays by A. S. Patric, Fiona Wright, Sami Shah and Peter Bishop, although, I feel as though I took something from each and every essay. With these essays the reader feels as though they get a glimpse behind the curtain at some familiar voices within Australian writing and you can see just how relatable each of these writers are. I would highly recommend this collection for a change of pace, a different perspective and with some of them something that felt a bit lighter but nonetheless important.
These essays are great to peruse, slowly savour, take in a story at a time. I slowly read this collection over a few weeks and was not ready for it to end. I particularly loved the essays by A. S. Patric, Fiona Wright, Sami Shah and Peter Bishop, although, I feel as though I took something from each and every essay. With these essays the reader feels as though they get a glimpse behind the curtain at some familiar voices within Australian writing and you can see just how relatable each of these writers are. I would highly recommend this collection for a change of pace, a different perspective and with some of them something that felt a bit lighter but nonetheless important.
sometimes_i_read_books's review
4.0
Split is a book of personal essays written by Australian authors on significant endings in their lives and the aftermath.
This is a fantastic collection, I loved the breadth and interpretation of the word ‘Split’. We read about relationship breakdowns, divorce, the ending of abusive relationships. There is splitting from a country, a job, a lifestyle, religion. I savoured these essays, reading each one was a journey into an important time in the authors life. Not every story has a happy ending, which is true in life. I loved the emotion in each and every essay.
Diverse, courageous, sometimes funny, always personal, I highly recommend Split. If you’ve never read essays before this is the perfect place to start!
This is a fantastic collection, I loved the breadth and interpretation of the word ‘Split’. We read about relationship breakdowns, divorce, the ending of abusive relationships. There is splitting from a country, a job, a lifestyle, religion. I savoured these essays, reading each one was a journey into an important time in the authors life. Not every story has a happy ending, which is true in life. I loved the emotion in each and every essay.
Diverse, courageous, sometimes funny, always personal, I highly recommend Split. If you’ve never read essays before this is the perfect place to start!
More...