DUSK
By Robbie Arnott
$34.99
Robbie Arnott’s fourth novel is a beautifully written, captivating story set in the vast Tasmanian highlands. At the centre is Dusk, a puma prowling the wilderness who has moved on from killing sheep to shepherds. Hearing of the large bounty of its head, siblings Iris and Floyd—children of notorious escaped convicts—join the hunt, drawn in by their hope of a better life. But they are not the only ones on the puma’s trail, and up on the mysterious highlands the pair sense they are becoming more prey than predator.
Masterfully incorporating both gothic and western tropes, the novel has a wonderful, creeping sense of atmosphere, a poetic eye honed towards nature’s beauty and terror and an intriguing plot that will keep you glued to your seat. The sibling’s complex, layered relationship is the driving force of the novel, as throughout the hunt they find themselves moving further away from the ‘truths’ of their early colonial life, closer instead to the redemptive power of nature and love. My favourite of Arnott’s novels so far.
THE 113th ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN
By Stuart Wilson
$19.99
If you liked The Grandest Bookshop in the World or The Book of Wondrous Possibilities, you’ll love this fantasy adventure story where books have power, cats are more than they seem, and the library is the most dangerous place in the city . . . Oliver Wormwood is sure his new job in the library will be boring. Until he learns that books hold great power—and danger.
By the end of his first day, Oliver has witnessed a death, been frozen by a book, met a perplexing number of cats, and fought off a horde of terrifying creatures. With only a mysterious girl called Agatha to show him the ropes, Oliver needs to learn fast . . . if he wants to live longer than the 112 assistant librarians before him.
We recommend The 113th Assistant Librarian to anyone who gets excited at the thought of an epic set in a library. What more could you want?
DUSK and THE 113th ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN reviews from the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com
WHALE FALL
By Elizabeth O’Connor
Whale Fall will transport you to a remote Welsh island in 1938. The harsh weather creates an unforgiving and demanding lifestyle for those few left on the island, determined to continue tradition. Life on the island is unique and primitive because they are so isolated from the mainland. The protagonist Manod is a bright teenager yearning for life on the mainland. When two English academics arrive to document life and culture on the island, Manod is promised the opportunity to travel back to England in exchange for help collecting information and her invaluable ability to translate dialect Welsh into English. This novel is for the patient reader who wants to be transported and appreciates a dark moral and important message from a novel. If you enjoyed Charlotte Wood’s Stone Yard Devotional, this is for you.
IN MEMORIAM
By Alice Winn
Gaunt and Ellwood are friends at public school in 1914 living an almost idyllic life except for their unspoken feelings for each other. When the war breaks out, Gaunt immediately enlists to escape the torture of trying to keep his feelings hidden from Ellwood but soon Ellwood and everyone they know from school follows. This is a gripping read and an epic queer romance. The moving relationship between Gaunt and Ellwood becomes even more engrossing once set against the intense and graphic depiction of war. I highly recommend this for fans of The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. This is a novel that will stay with you long after you have finished it.
WHALE FALL and IN MEMORIAM reviews from Chestnut Tree Bookshop – thechestnuttree.com.au
THE FALLEN WOMAN
By Fiona McIntosh
This heartwarming story is about Jane Saville, a botanical artist who is sent to the countryside by her controlling mother to protect the family’s name. Living in poverty and keeping secrets, Jane feels very far from home. Even with her hard situation, she finds hope when she meets Guy Attwood, a rich man who likes searching for rare apples instead of running his family’s business. He’s looking for a rare apple to give to his friend, the future King George V.
When Jane and Guy meet, their friendship gives her hope for a better life, but things soon get complicated by misunderstandings, jealousy, and family responsibilities. A young boy helps Jane find the courage to stand up for herself and fight against those who want to control her.
Set in the beautiful English countryside and near Salisbury Cathedral, this is a touching story about a woman who finds her strength in her hardest times. It’s about facing challenges and proving that no one should be left behind. Readers will be inspired by Jane’s journey and cheer for her as she fights for her own future.
ANY MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT
By Les Zig
Any More Complicated Than That is a story about three people trying to figure out their lives. Skip is a famous writer who only cares about his work and struggles to connect with others. His wife, Sherry, is a great editor, respected by everyone, but she feels lonely. Jake has just opened his own bar, but he spends his time dating a lot of women, not always in a kind way.
When their lives cross, each of them has to face the truth about themselves and what they really want. The story talks about love, fears, and finding out who we really are. This book is both funny and emotional, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in stories about life and relationships.n other books under their belt from YA to adult fiction, they are a master of their craft. This book will have you hooked from page one.
THE FALLEN WOMAN and ANY MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT reviews from Aryani Siti
