Quick Reviews by Members
These are the short and concise reviews left by members when they return books to the library. They provide quick feedback on their reading experience.
Biography | Classics | General Fiction | Historical Fiction | Mystery | Non Fiction
Poetry | Romance | Science Fiction & Fantasy | eBooks | Audiobooks
BIOGRAPHY
After the worst has happened by Richard Gosling
Best book ever. Richard Gosling writes with honesty and humour about his own life and about his profession as a funeral director. A glimpse into a world that many people don’t like to talk about openly, but a lot are curious about.
– Belinda
Fred Astaire by Michael Freedland
An amazing account of the life of Fred Astaire & the dedication & work he spent on perfecting the tap dancing in movies & other performances. A very modest man & a lovely story of a long ago era.
– Robin
The Flying Vet by Ameliah Scott
Anyone who loved the ”All creatures Great & Small” series will enjoy this book even more. All Australian animals and outback plus the characters who live way out in the bush. A very good read.
– Robin
I learnt a lot about the early history of Sydney and how people related to each other in their various social settings.
– Rachael
CLASSICS
The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
This is a wonderful book about magic and imagination. The series of books had a big impact on me as adult.
– Victoria
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Gothic, spooky, atmospheric! Classic haunted house story, perfect for this weather (review written in August). Best opening line: “No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality”.
– Sia
An absurd narrative following a cynical bank clerk accused of an elusive crime by sardonic and shrewd officials as he desperately attempts to identify the nature of his crime.
– Jack
The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
Lots of fun – adventure, romance. We see him here, we see him there, fighting the dastard Frenchies.
– Laurel
”I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen angel, whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Everywhere I see bliss, from which I alone am irrevocably excluded. I was benevolent and good; misery made me a fiend. Make me happy, and I shall again be virtuous.” Need I say more?
– Sia
Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
Timeless classic that masterfully blends romance, wit, and social commentary. Set in in the 19th century, it follows the spirited Elizabeth Bennett as she navigates societal expectations, family pressures, and her evolving feelings for the enigmatic Mr. Darcy.
– Sarka
The Hunchback of Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo
More depth than the Disney version. The mindset and struggle of Frollo was dark but powerful. Amazing descriptions of the buildings and time period, but they are very long.
– Diane
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
Utopia or Dystopia? What’s the point of suffering through a multifaceted human experience if you don’t really need it? This foreboding depiction of humanity’s future really brings out the bliss in ignorance, and might make you want some soma.
– Jack
The Original Folk and Fairy Tales of the Brothers Grimm
Having in our hands this beautiful edition of those tales hard and read during our childhood, one cannot but feeling the temptation to revisit them to find the psychological primal fears that populated our world by then. This is also an opportunity to rejoice in the descriptions of landscapes and mythical characters so deeply embedded in our imaginary household.
– Liliana
GENERAL NOVELS
Nobel Prize Winner 2024! Haunting novel in three acts. Beautiful imagery, though-provoking themes. I would love to read more of her work.
– Neridah
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
A very engaging, highly entertaining and gratifying read that embraces the age-old problem of gender inequality bias.
– Judith
A clever thriller with a thought provoking backdrop.
– Jack
Cold enough for snow by Jessica Au
Beautifully written, exquisite study of a daughters relationship with her mother and herself.
– Caroline
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
An exclusive group of classical students in a modern day Greek tragedy saunter through college, studying (occasionally) while they live a life of neuroticism and intellectual indulgence. Could be the most invigorating university experience in the humanities.
– Jack
Bogan Book Club by John Larkin
An engaging and readable account of a group of disparate members of a book club. They are all ”Westies” and the author is yo me congratulated for avoiding stereotypes.
– Christine
The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
A classic read which outlines power & behaviours in a small English town and the effects of others on our life plans.
– Dianne
My Phantoms by Gwendoline Riley
Fabulous writing. Really sharp and funny study of a mother-daughter relationship. So interesting. So painful. So clever.
– Caroline
Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt
An account of the working of the human heart in a small community with its losses, loves and surprises.
– Dianne
This short book is a joy to read, imagining the life of the astronauts aboard the space ship. It is captivating, thrilling and joyous.
– Selena
The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
Great reading and insight into the Armenian Genocide and Istanbul’s unusual family life.
– M
Before She Knew Him by Peter Swanson
No one in this story is trustworthy and everyone is messed up in some way. Plot twists around every corner make this a sinister and compelling thriller. I highly recommend that you listen to the audiobook for extra thrills!
– Diane
A funny, irreverent look at the realities of war.
– Liz
The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Political satire and refreshing perspective on the Orient vs the Occident following the Vietnam war. The Narrator’s experience as a French-Vietnamese communist sympathizer will permanently alter your perspective of Hollywood war films.
– Jack
Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
What a revelation it has been finding Wood’s latest release, long-listed for the upcoming Booker Prize 2024. It is written with a precise, accurate prose in what one would initially describe as diary entries. However, and contrary to the usual long detailed external descriptions and thorough explanations implied in such a genre, much more is found in what is not said, what lies underneath. This is a poignant work that questions and addresses profound matters like faith (the narrator is an artist herself), death, and life without incurring into easy condescending sentimentalism. In addition to that, her narrative also arouses my curiosity to familiarise with environments, characters, and events other than the urban sphere we generally dwell. I can foresee high praise for Stone Yard Devotional echoing internationally!
– Liliana
The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf
The life of the great explorer Alexander Von Humboldt is fascinating. He was one of the greatest and has more places named after him than any other explorer! Read it and be amazed!
– Selena
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Poignant and uplifting novel that follows the life of Eleanor Oliphant, an eccentric and socially awkward woman with a deeply guarded past. Through Eleanor’s humorous yet moving journey toward self-discovery and healing, the author crafts a compelling story about loneliness, mental health, and the power of human connection. Memorable and inspiring read that resonated with me long after the final page.
– Sarka
No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy
The brutal poetry of McCarthy’s prose ties together the Neo-Western landscape and allegorical personas in a strong narrative of traditional and modern criminality; and sometimes justice.
– Jack
The House of Doors by Tan Twang Eng
This book constitutes one of the finest readings I’ve had in the last month, and which I cannot but strongly recommend. Set in Penang, Malaysia, the novel unfolds through at least three different threads. In the first place, W. Somerset Maugham steps in as a character. Then, we are taken by The Letter, one of his most successful stories inspired by real facts happening at the time of his visit to Penang, where we follow the geopolitical events casted in an area we hardly ever are familiar with. Besides, the twists and turns of plots & sub-plots are unpredictable, adding a surplus to the value of the novel. The House of Doors spreads Tan Twang Eng’s gift, an accomplished writer fully capable of sustaining complicated narrative architecture while making use of an elegant and powerful prose.
– Liliana
The City and its Uncertain Walls by Haruki Murakami
Great read if you wish to be taken for 4oo pages of a magical ride as in most of his other novels.
– N
HISTORICAL FICTION
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn
Powerful story that blends history and imagination. Unique characters and epic descriptions. A tale of revenge, treachery, honour and romance.
– Liz
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Perfect for those that loved the movie “The Others”. Story jumps through timelines to present one mystery. Standard horror movie ending, but still holds the historical elements quite well.
– Diane
There are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
Beautiful weaving of three stories connected not just by water but archaeology, language, culture and history. The thematic use of artifacts and resilience was particularly poignant.
– Adeline
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
Charming and humorous memoir. With his keen observational skills and infectious enthuasiasm, Durrell paints a vivid portrait of his eccentric family and their delightful interactions with the island’s diverse wildlife. Heartwarming & entertaining read.
– Sarka
This life mainly in exile of the great Thomas Mann is beautifully imagined, I was totally engrossed in his life & the troubled era in which he lived & wrote his great books.
– Selena
The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell
Perfect for those that loved the movie “The Others”. Story jumps through 2 timelines to present 1 mystery. Standard horror movie ending, but still holds the historical elements quite well.
– Diane
Mr. Darcy’s great escape : a tale of the Darcys & the Bingleys by Marsha Altman
For Austen lovers, especially Pride & Prejudice, this book takes you into a world of what happened next in Darcy’s World. An escape from today’s pressures!
– Dianne
MYSTERY
The Anatomist’s wife by Anna Lee Huber
This book made me fall in love with mystery novels set in the 1800s. The struggles of Lady Darby are real for the time period and the flirting is spot on with Mr. Gage. The murder is enticing and so is the danger to the cast. Perfect for those that like C.S. Harris.
– Diane
Before she knew him by Peter Swanson
No one in this story is trustworthy and everyone is messed up in some way. Plot twists around every corner make this a sinister and compelling thriller. I highly recommend that you listen to the audio book for extra thrills!
– Diane
Guilty by Definition by Susie Dent
Great new 1st novel. Set in Oxford, the main character is an editor at the lightly disguised OED. All 47 chapters are headed by an obscure, but authentic, English word. Crossword puzzle fans will love it. I did!!!
– Ellen
Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs
A great escape into Charleston, Carolina and the world of afternoon teas, delicious recipes and adventurous sleuthing. Colourful & delicious.
– Laura
Perfect blend of crime, future tech and saucy scenes that make this series worth the 40+ books! All the characters are unique and work together smoothly. The details of the crimes are well written and not too cliche.
– Diane
Page turner exploring current themes within an academic institution and corporation.
– Dianne
An English Murder by Cyril Hare
This is a classic ”English Murder” story… a country house, the requisite cast including the butler, the aged relative, the house guests – and it’s Christmas. And it’s snowing. Add an ingenious plot and you have all the ingredients for a rattling good read!
– Pam
Lemon Curd Killer by Laura Childs
I love this series – great action, not serious – but galloping, colourful, delicious (with the recipes) and evocative of Charleston in all its glamour!
– Dianne
Jane Austen Investigates by Jessica Bull
For Jane Austen lovers, this is an escape into the life and songs on and giving Jane the opportunity to solve a murder mystery – much to the annoyance of some of her family who wish she would just let things be.
– Dianne
NON-FICTION
In the Dead of Night by Greg Haddrick
A very absorbing, detailed but easy to read account of how the Victorian police found and charged the man responsible for the Wanannangatta Valley murder.
– Robin
Divine Might: goddesses in Greek myth by Natalie Hayes
The most lively, funny and intelligent book on the Goddesses (Greek) that I have read as far. Natalie’s account of the trials of Persephone adds a dimension to the modern world’s understanding of male coercion and control in relationships.
– January
If I understood you, would I have this look on my face? : my adventures in the art and science of relating and communicating by Alan AldaA funny easily read book for anyone who wants to improve their speaking and conversational abilities.
– Robin
The Shakespeare guide to Italy : retracing the Bard’s unknown travels by Richard Paul Roe
Very interesting book arguing that Shakespeare spent a lot of time in Italy & included local knowledge (since lost) in his many Italian plays.
– Nicola
POETRY
ROMANCE
Heiress for Hire by Madeline Hunter
A great romance trilogy about a mysterious inheritance and a murder. Perfectly written for a mature romance that focuses on their mindsets and needs more than straight to the action. Must read the whole trilogy to solve the murder, but the romance throughout is pure and deep.
– Diane
SCIENCE FICTION & FANTASY
Perfect blend of fantasy, sci-fi and dystopian drama. Overall theme is grief and how people deal with it, while the story houses a wide range of themes like climate change and social distinctions. Perfect book to make you cry! This book is similar to The Given, The Island and Inception movies.
– Diane
To me, as close to perfection as I’ll get. Susanna Clarke’s magnum opus and truly unlike anything I’ve ever read before. A story of kindness, gentleness, and mystery.
– Sia
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Post-apocalyptic literary fiction. Slow, quiet, character study with a Shakespearean influence. “The beauty of this world where almost everyone was gone. If hell is other people, what is a world with almost no people in it.”
– Sia
EBOOKS
AUDIOBOOKS
