October 2009 – Page 3 – Aussie Reviews

The Bodysurfers, by Robert Drewe

From its first release in 1983, The Bodysurfers has been widely acclaimed as a wonderful example both of Australian writing and of the short story form. With recurrent themes and characters across the collection, and familiar beach side settings in many of the stories, these are tales which Australian readers can relate to.

Now The Bodysurfers has been rereleased in budget paperback format as part of the Popular Penguin series. The format makes the title both affordable and portable, and the stories themselves blend character development with absorbing scenarios. Whilst each tale is different, all leave the reader pondering, with deliberately loose ends to be considered. Themes of marital breakup, fidelity, identity and, of course, the beach, recur as the stories span three generations of one family.

A classic.

The Bodysurfers , by Robert Drewe
Penguin, first published 1983, this edition 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Uncle Eddie Books, by Lucy Farmer

When the sun sank down behind the lake, Uncle Eddie sat outside his house and waited for the hippos…He heard the frogs croaking. He heard an owl hooting. He even heard the faint laugh of a hyena. But he did not hear the noise he was waiting for – the heavy footsteps of sausage-chomping hippos marching towards his long grass.

Uncle Eddie looks after a national park on the shores of Lake Wakka Wakka in southern Africa. He has built himself a hut, and is quite happy there.

But Uncle Eddie has a problem. The grass around his hut is growing too long. What he needs is an animal to come and graze on the grass and keep it short – and he thinks the hippos in the nearby lake are just right for the job. Each night, however, the hippos climb out of the other side of the lake and eat the grass over there. If only he can get them to change sides, Uncle Eddie will be happy.

Uncle Eddie and the Hippos is one of two titles in the new Uncle Eddie series from Black Dog Books. In the second title, Uncle Eddie needs to outwit a large crocodile in Uncle Eddie and the Croc. Each book is complemented by full colour illustrations (by Kevin Burgemeestre) and back of book fact pages.

An absorbing, high-interest series for junior and middle primary aged readers.

Uncle Eddie and the Hippos and Uncle Eddie and the Croc, by Lucy Farmer, illustrated by Kevin Burgemeestre
Black Dog Books, 2009

The Getting of Wisdom, by Henry Handel Richardson

Fifty-five heads turned as if by clockwork, and fifty-five pairs of eyes were levelled at the small girl in the white apron who meekly followed Mrs Gurley down the length of the dining-room. Laura crimsoned under the unexpected ordeal, and tried to fix her attention on the flouncing of Mrs Gurley’s dress. The room seemed hundreds of feet long, and not a single person at the tea-tables but took stock of her.

First published in 1910, The Getting of Wisdom is a classic tale. Twelve year old Laura Tweedle Rambotham is sent away to a boarding school for young ladies to get a good education. Whilst the other young ladies at the school come from privileged backgrounds, Laura’s own family is not wealthy. Her father has died, and her mother must work for a living. The naive Laura finds it difficult to fit in at school , getting in trouble with classmates and teachers alike, but as the time passes begins to compromise her ideals in order to fit in.

First published in 1910,and having seen many subsequent editions, this new edition is part of the Popular Penguin series. This budget format makes the title available to people who might not otherwise sample these classics, as well as those who would like to revisit old favourites. Front of book biographical material about the author, as well as information about the book’s history will be of interest to lovers of literature.

The Getting of Wisdom, by Henry Handel Richardson
This edition Penguin Books, 2009

The Dark Mirror, by Barry Maitland

“No, well, anyone else probably wouldn’t have noticed, because this is so unusual now, in this country – the first case I’ve come across, to tell the truth. But I remember the smell so well from my student days, in India. We opened up a number of victims – well, the stuff was readily available, you see, in herbicide and pesticides and industrial processes and God knows what…’
Kathy waited but he seemed momentarily at a loss. ‘What are we talking about, Sundeep?’ she asked gently.
‘Arsenic, Kathy. I’m almost sure that she died of arsenic poisoning.’

When graduate student Marion Summers collapses and dies, the cause is not immediately apparent. But when the autopsy reveals arsenic poison, DI Kathy Kolla is sent to investigate. Is this a dramatic suicide, or has someone murdered the mysterious Ms Summers?

Marion’s research into the life of artist Dante Gabriel Rosetti seems an unlikely part of the murder mystery, but given both the issue of arsenic poisoning amongst his associates, and Marion’s obsession with the issue, Kathy becomes increasingly sure there is a link. But as she and DCI Brock get closer to uncovering the truth, there is a second poisoning – this time one of Marion’s student friends – and it appears there is a serial killer on the loose.

Dark Mirror is the tenth installment in the much-lauded Brock and Kolla series from crime writer Barry Maitland. Using characters with whom fans of the series will be familiar, as well as plenty of new faces, there is no disadvantage for those who have not read the earlier stories but a nice sense of the familiar for those who have. The mystery itself is fast paced, with lots of suspects, clues and red herrings, and action which keeps the pages turning.

A gripping, satisfying mystery.

The Dark Mirror, by Barry Maitland
Allen & Unwin, 2009

The Battle for Rondo, by Emily Rodda

Determined to take control of Rondo, the power-hungry Blue Queen has a new, secret plan, and an enchanted dragon to help her carry it out.

Leo and Mimi Langlander return to Rondo once more for what could be their final visit. With an enchanted dragon and a mesmerised princess on their tail, they’ll have to fight ogres, witches, and much more. They’ll make surprising allies, and even more surprising enemies. Along with a band of misfit heroes, they’ll unite Rondo in one final battle.

A great read for children 10 to 14 years old. Lots of excitement and fantastic tales await the reader of this fantastic book. Battle for Rondo is an exciting mythological adventure written by the internationally best-selling author, Emily Rodda.

A brilliant read.

Battle for Rondoby Emily Rodda
Omnibus Books, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Heart & Craft, by Valerie Parv

One of the biggest traps in new writing is dabbling around the edges of emotional issues. Your story must pack an emotional punch. (Valerie Parv)

Bestselling author Valerie Parv knows a lot about writing romance books which sell and, in her earlier book, The Art of Romance Writing shared her knowledge in a step by step fashion for writers wishing to learn to write in the genre. This new offering, Heart and Craft offers something a little different. With contributions from some of Australia’s best known romance authors, this volume brings together a range of advice for beginning and established writers. Each of the first eleven chapters is contributed by a different author, offering her own insights into how to craft romance fiction, with advice focussing on aspects including character development, research, editing and more. The final six chapters offer snippets of advice from each of the authors on matters including dialogue, point of view and marketing.

For anyone writing, or considering writing, any form of romantic fiction, this is an invaluable aid. Writers in other genres will also find much here to inspire and inform, with much of the advice transcending genre.

Contributors include Parv, Helen Bianchin, Lillian Darcy and Daphne Clair, among others.

Heart and Craft: Bestselling Romance Writers Share Their Secrets with You, edited by Valerie Parv
Allen & Unwin, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Vulture's Gate, by Kirsty Murray

Callum felt the rumble of roadtrains, and froze. Black shadows skittered across the blinds as a convoy pulled up outside. Outstationers. If only he hadn’t insisted on staying home alone. Instinctively, he dived for the floor.
The red neon sign at the gates of the compound flashed a warning across the surrounding desert, but Callum knew his fathers were still miles away.

When Callum is kidnapped by Outstationers, all he wants is to be reunited with his fathers, with whom he always felt safe and loved. Now, though, he is running for his life, fleeing his captors and desperate to get to Vulture’s Gate to be reunited with his fathers. Along the way he meets Bo, who rescues him from certain death. Bo is brave and clever – but she shouldn’t be alive, because she’s a girl, and girls are extinct.

Together Bo and Callum cross the continent, hunting and gathering food, scavenging fuel and avoiding the many dangers. If they can reach Vultures’ gate, Callum assures Bo, they’ll find his fathers and they’ll be safe. But nothing prepares them for the world they find in Vulture’s gate.

Vulture’s Gate is a futuristic thriller for young adult readers, which explores a post-plague world where women have become extinct, and a thing to be feared. Bo, it appears for much of the book, could be the last girl – but when they reach Vulture’s Gate they find that this is not quite true. The place of women (and girls), and of children, is explored in a dystopic future, but while these issues are explored, the story is very much plot driven, with the issues a wonderful backdrop, leaving the reader thinking both about the possibilities of such a future, and real world attitidues.

Vulture’s Gate is a wonderful read from a wonderful author.

Vulture’s Gate, by Kirsty Murray
Allen & Unwin, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Vintage Alice, by Jessica Adams

In my dreams I see us standing on a beach in our wedding clothes a year or two from now…By then, Vintage Alice will be a shop, not just an imaginary fashion label.

Alice is over England. Really over it. She and her boyfriend Nash have applied for visas to go and live in Australia – and she’s sure that it will be the answer to all their problems. In Australia there will be sunshine. In Australia they will be able to afford to eat. And, in Australia, they won’t fight all the time. Yes, Australia will be the answer to all of Alice’s problems – if only they can get there. Their relationship may not even last long enough to get to the plane.

Alice is an unemployed fashion designer who has dreams of launching her own label, and of having a new life with Nash in a country she has never even visited. But when her relationship with Nash falls apart, she has to decide just how to recover from yet another failure, and find the courage to go ahead with her plans without him. And, in Australia, she has to contend with snakes, spiders, and crazy dog-kennel owners.

Vintage Alice is a funny, feel good story of one woman’s quest to find love and fulfilment. Set in damp England and sunny Australia, and with a diverse cast of characters and plenty of twists and turns, this is a tale which will make readers smile. Alice is a character who is as likeable as she is self deprecating and amusing.

Vintage Alice, by Jessica Adams
Arena, 2009

This book is available from Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Chook Shed Snake, by Phil Cummings

A curious brown snake was slithering happily through the tall, crackle-dry grass by the creek.
Its tongue was flicking, it’s glassy eyes staring.
Hisssssss.

Dad is in trouble about the state of the chook yard, and he HAS to do something about it. But he doesn’t know that a big brown snake has come to check out the chook yard, too. When the kids spot the snake, Dad has to be brave to fix the problem.

Chook Shed Snake is an easy to read offering set in rural Australia and dealing with a situation many rural children will relate to – and which rural and city children alike will enjoy. Using action and humour, the story is both exciting and funny, a combination which will entice beginning readers.

Part of Omnibus’ new Mates series, Chook Shed Snake is illustrated in colour, with short chapters in a format likely to appeal to readers of all abilities.

Chook Shed Snake (Mates), by Phil Cummings, ill by Greg Holfeld
Omnibus, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.

Positive, by Sally Collings

When someone starts walking the cancer path, the changes start in their body even before their mind is aware of it. But from the instant the word ‘cancer’ is uttered in the doctor’s surgery, people’s thoughts are racing, trying to catch all of the implications, outcomes, impacts, possibilities.

When Sally Collings mother died from cancer, soon after the birth of her granddaughter , she saw nothing positive in the experience. So she was amazed to learn that two out of three cancer survivors and their families considered that something good had come out of their experiences. What could be good about living through or with cancer? Collings decided to explore further the positive side of cancer, and so embarked on a journey, talking to, listening to and getting to know people who had encountered cancer, either as a sufferer or as a supporter.

Positive tells the stories of these people – people who have seen (and felt) cancer bring them closer to loved ones, people who have experienced the outpouring of support, love and prayers, and people who have learnt to look deeper into themselves and into life itself.

Positive is, as the title suggests, an uplifting book – though it is not all about stories of survival. Rather it explores stories of a range of experiences and outcomes, focussing on the range of positives which different contributors have found. It may be of help to people who are on the cancer journey, but is also inspiring for any reader.

Positive: Finding Life in the Midst of Cancer, by Sally Collings
Harper Collins, 2009

This book can be purchased online at Fishpond. Buying through this link supports Aussiereviews.