The Disappearers
By Marlon James
$34.99
In his latest novel Booker Prize winner Marlon James returns to Jamaica with a brilliant epic exploring gay identity, homophobic violence, and the true cost of surviving trauma.
The story begins by following the process of eight gay men putting on an openly queer play in the 1980s. However, an act of terrible violence soon befalls them, leaving one dead, and everyone else deeply scarred. The narrative then explores the consequences of this night, and the different impact it has on each of the men across the next twenty years.
While the changing perspectives and harrowing acts of violence can at times make it hard to read, it is absolutely worth the effort. James intersperses the novel with moments of hilarity, and provides a fascinating look at Jamaican gay culture in the 80s and 90s. This book is undeniably one of the best published this year.
Review by the Sun Bookshop – sunbookshop.com
The Sugarcane Kids and the Mystery at Angel Bay
By Charlie Archbold
This book was about dead fish that washed up on the beach. Andy and his friends had to figure out who was polluting the beach because they had to stop the resort and the road from being built over the top of the beach which would only happen if the beach was polluted. I don’t really have a favorite part, as it was all so good. People that are fascinated by mysteries / fish would enjoy this book. My friends would like this book too. I give this book 5 stars out of 5 stars! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Review by Oscar R, St Augustine’s Primary School
The Marriage Trap
By Victoria Purman
The Marriage Trap is set in Adelaide in the 1960s. It follows three generations of the Langley family during a time when women’s lives and choices were starting to change.
The arrival of the contraceptive pill has given women more freedom and choice, but many people still see contraception as wrong or shameful. The Langley family faces the struggle between old ideas and a new generation of women who want to make their own choices.
The book also shows how little many women knew about their bodies, pregnancy, and contraception at the time. It gives us an interesting look at how the rules and beliefs of the 1960s and 1970s affected everyday Australian women and their families.
The marriage trap is an interesting story about family, change, freedom, and women finding the courage to make their own choices.
We Did It Anyway
By Carla Salmon
We Did It Anyway is an exciting mystery about friendship and adventure. The story takes place over 24 hours on Talmer Island.
Alex, a very good student and competitive swimmer, goes camping with his friends Otto and Jasper. Their fun beach trip becomes dangerous when they find gold bars and are chased by smugglers with guns.
Luna and Milly become worried when the boys do not show up. They set out to find their friends before it is too late. They meet a local girl who offers to help, but they are not sure if they can trust her.
With danger around every corner and no way to leave the island, We Did It Anyway is an exciting story about friendship, courage and finding a way to survive.
Reviews by Aryani Siti
