(translated from Italian by Katherine Gregor) About the Book: A story of three generations of women, their courage and search for independence in the face of superstition and prejudice, in the spirit of Natalia Ginzburg and Elena Ferrante. In this striking debut, based on a true story, Valeria Usala bears witness to an age-old story … Continue reading Book Review: A Woman in Sardinia by Valeria Usala
Historical Fiction
Book Review: Long Island by Colm Tóibín
About the Book: A novel of enormous wit and profound emotional resonance from one of the world's finest writers. Eilis Lacey is Irish, married to Tony Fiorello, a plumber and one of four Italian American brothers, all of whom live in neighbouring houses on a cul-de-sac in Lindenhurst, Long Island, with their wives and children … Continue reading Book Review: Long Island by Colm Tóibín
Book Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey by Julie Bennett
About the Book: A stirring tale of mystery and romance, inspired by the life of 1920s Australian film icon and ‘million-dollar mermaid’ Annette Kellerman. BLUE MOUNTAINS, 2024: Working on a documentary at the historic Carrington Hotel, videographer Emma Quinn discovers a box of handwritten letters belonging to Rose Carey, water dancer and golden girl of the … Continue reading Book Review: The Lost Letters of Rose Carey by Julie Bennett
Book Review: The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
About the Book: Henry dreams of silence. A world without the clattering of carriages through cobbled streets, the distant cries of drunken brawls, the relentless ticking of the clock. Then he meets a fascinating, mysterious gentleman who sells just that. Precious silk that can drown out the clamour of the world – and everything Henry … Continue reading Book Review: The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins
Book Review: Cool Water by Myfanwy Jones
About the Book: Frank Herbert's family has gathered at Tinaroo Dam for his daughter Lily's wedding - the first time he's been back since the death of his father, Joe, a year earlier. Like Frank, the dam is at an all-time low and as the water recedes, objects begin to emerge - abstract and disquieting. … Continue reading Book Review: Cool Water by Myfanwy Jones
Book Review: The Beauties by Lauren Chater
About the Book: An incomparable beauty. A promise to a king. A portrait that can never be completed. When Emilia Lennox loses everything after her husband’s lands and title are confiscated, her beauty is her best bargaining chip with the only man who can restore their fortunes: King Charles II himself. But the king’s favour … Continue reading Book Review: The Beauties by Lauren Chater
Book Review: The Death of John Lacey by Ben Hobson
About the Book: An Australian western set in the goldfields of Ballarat, The Death of John Lacey is a viscerally powerful story of greed, power and violence from the author of Snake Island. John Lacey's lust for power and gold brings him riches and influence beyond his wildest dreams. Only he knows the terrible crime he committed to … Continue reading Book Review: The Death of John Lacey by Ben Hobson
Book Review: When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman
About the Book: Spanning four decades, from 1968 onwards, this is the story of a fabulous but flawed family and the slew of ordinary and extraordinary incidents that shape their everyday lives. It is a story about childhood and growing up, loss of innocence, eccentricity, familial ties and friendships, love and life. Stripped down to … Continue reading Book Review: When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman
Book Review: China by Edward Rutherfurd
About the Book: The internationally bestselling author portrays the great clash of East and West in his new epic: China. China in the nineteenth century: a proud and ancient empire forbidden to foreigners. The West desires Chinese tea above all other things but lacks the silver to buy it. Instead, western adventurers resort to smuggling opium … Continue reading Book Review: China by Edward Rutherfurd
Book Review: The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey by Serena Burdick
About the Book: What if you could write a new ending for yourself? England, 1898: When Evelyn first married the famous novelist William Aubrey, she was dazzled by his brilliance. But their newlywed bliss is brief when William is gripped by writer’s block, and he becomes jealous of Evelyn’s writing talent. When he commits the ultimate … Continue reading Book Review: The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey by Serena Burdick
Theresa Smith Writes 