Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Written in the third person, the story begins in Soul Alley, Saigon in 1969 where a young soldier finds himself in a sticky situation after a night of drinking. The story then swings to 50 years later, still in Saigon, with two Russians conspiring together and the deaths of two seemingly
Reviewed by Gerard Healy This is the background story to the defamation trial between decorated Australian soldier Ben Roberts-Smith VC and the media companies that employed journalists Chris Masters and Nick Mackenzie. This is the version by veteran investigative reporter Chris Masters, who had first-hand experience in Afghanistan, having been embedded there with Australian troops.
Reviewed by Rod McLary The relevance of the title of this new book by Lazaros Zigomanis becomes clear in the last few paragraphs of this deeply personal and authentic tale of an un-named fifteen-year-old Greek boy. While essentially fiction, the author states in the Acknowledgements that he ‘grew up with mental health issues through the
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke In the book, I am Tim, Peter Rees uncovers the influences which shaped the life of politician Tim Fischer, whose resignation after three decades was greeted with an outpouring of emotion from all sides of politics. Peter Rees was federal political correspondent for Melbourne Sun News-Pictorial, West Australian and the Sunday
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Roseghetto is a poignant and powerful reminder that it is possible to escape the confines of a deprived childhood and, through the portal of books, find an alternative, happier life. In Kirsty Jagger’s first book, this is superbly shown in the main character of Shayla. She is the innocent victim of
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Contemporary thrillers depict an aspect of lives that are ordered, sedate almost staid when compared with Harlem Shuffle and Colson Whitehead’s latest novel, Crook Manifesto. Its pages cover the actions of people caught in a complex web of the struggle to survive by any means available to them, be it violence,
Reviewed by Rod McLary The beginning of this new novel by Gabriel Bergmoser is deceptively simple and straightforward. Charlotte Laurent aspires to be a writer and is currently enrolled in a Creative Writing course at a university in Melbourne – but she is not convinced of her ability to write anything until she meets Leo
Reviewed by Rod McLary Yes, to dance beneath the diamond sky with one hand waving free. The above line from Bob Dylan’s rather enigmatic song Mr Tambourine Man is the epigraph to this new novel by Kathy Reichs which features Temperance Brennan; and its relevance to the narrative becomes clear at the novel’s dénouement. The
Reviewed by Norrie Sanders Winston Churchill’s insistence on sending Australian and New Zealand troops to defend Greece from Hitler’s juggernaut was an unmitigated failure. The troops were weary from fighting in North Africa, poorly equipped and completely lacking in aerial support. The decision was politically driven and cost the lives and liberty of thousands of
Reviewed by Rod McLary There is nothing like a good adventure story to engage the hearts and minds of all those young readers who enjoy being transported to another world where the kids are the heroes. Tanya Hunter in her debut novel delivers on this well and truly. The story – combining adventure and magic
Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve Few days pass without our being reminded of the often catastrophic impact of weather, made more regular and severe as the climate changes. Dennis Glover’s riveting account of the fatal Scott expedition to the Antarctic linked with a present day science based thriller, demonstrates that although tragic in outcome, the 1910
Reviewed by Wendy Lipke Two couples travel from England to Indonesia for their honeymoon. Another older couple also travel there for a silver wedding anniversary. On the last night of their stay, a drink is accidently spilt on another man who is passing behind a table of the two honeymoon couples. He is obviously drunk
Reviewed by Richard Tutin When the time to retire from full time work arrives what does one do? For Diedre Macken and her husband Roger Johnstone the answer to this question came from an unlikely source. Encouraged by Macken’s mother Ann they decide to establish a vineyard on part of Cockatoo Hill a 100-hectare property
Reviewed by Richard Tutin Every year the hills around Bathurst in country New South Wales come alive to the sound of revving engines – lots of revving engines. The city’s famous Mt Panorama race circuit holds various events – some of which are eagerly anticipated by motor racing fans from all over Australia and the
Reviewed by Rod McLary This charming book for young children addresses and affirms diversity and the intrinsic value of each of us regardless of any differences we may have from those around us. Lupe attends school and notices that she looks different from the other children – and they too notice the differences. She is