I would like to recommend 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas
I loved the layout of this novel. It is separated into sections and each section is from a different character. I always enjoy a Melbourne setting and the characters were mostly a bunch of thirty somethings- this I could relate to. I felt myself loathing then loving characters as I learnt more about them and their twisted lives. Central to the novel is an incident at a bbq involving a man slapping a young child across the face, the child is not his own and it causes problems within the friendship group. The writing is raw, intimate and shockingly real. Great Read!!
I would like to recommend Elizabeth Gilbert's 'Eat Pray Love'. Even though this newly divorced, often self-centred and highly egotistical woman annoyed me in places I did enjoy the book. The highlight being her journey to India and finding inner peace in an Ashram. Gilbert wrote this story about her year of self discovery; segmented into three parts she Eats her way through Italy, learns to Pray in India and finds Love in Bali.
3.5 stars out of 5.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010Tim Winton 'Dirt Music'
'Dirt Music' is an old favourite of mine that I recently reread. Winton's way with words has me spellbound for most of this delirious tale of love and heart break. It's graphic account of "White Point"; the strength and weakness of the characters and stories that unfold are achingly brilliant. The main character is Georgie Jutland. Jutland is in limbo, drinking too much and without any direction. The story that unfolds will not disappoint.
4.5 stars out of 5 