Lovesong
Alex Miller
A&U
Sabiha and John's love affair begins unexpectedly when John, seeking shelter from heavy rain takes refuge in Chez Dom, a small Tunisian cafe Sabiha runs with her aunt in Paris. Despite their deep love and affection towards one another, over the years a shadow begins to fall over the couple's lives. Whilst John longs to return to his native Australia, Sabiha refuses to leave until she has a child. Unable to conceive and desperate to have a daughter of her own, Sabiha makes a decision that changes the course of their lives.
Years later in Melbourne Ken, an aging writer is intrigued by the sadness in the eyes of the beautiful Tunisian woman who has opened a pastry shop in his neighbourhood. Befriending her husband, Ken slowly learns of John & Sabiha's story. Lured by their tale, Ken sees in the couple, the possibility of one last novel.
Lovesong marries the deepest, smallest emotions hidden in a person's heart with the clarity and subtlety of a well constructed novel. I love this book and would recommend it to all lovers of good story telling.
About Me
- Banafsheh Serov
- Australia
- I am passionate about the written language. I love writing, reading, reviewing, selling and promoting books. I am an independent bookseller with over 20 years of experience in the book trade. Together with my partners, I actively aim to improve our bookstore's range and services to better reflect the needs of our community and clientele. In 2008, my memoir 'Under A Starless Sky' was published by Hachette, Australia. Since then, I had a short story 'Jasmine Petals' published in 'Stories of Belonging' (Finch) and in 2013, released my first full-length novel, The Russian Tapestry, also by Hachette. I am currently writing my second novel. I strive daily to improve my skills and stretch the limits of my craft. My love of books has naturally lead to reviewing. You can follow me on Twitter @B_Serov, Facebook www.facebook.com/BanafshehSerov and Goodreads www.goodreads.com/author/show/1429016.Banafsheh_Serov
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Mr Rosenblum's List - Natasha Solomons
Mr Rosenblum's List
Natasha Solomons
Jack and Sadie Rosenblum escape Hitler's Germany and land on the shores of England knowing know one, with very little money and heartsick at having left their loved ones behind. Desperate to regain a sense of belonging Jack immerses himself in becoming a proper English Gentleman, much to his wife's irritation. He follows the guidelines on manners, customs and habits of his new home as set out in the 'helpful list' for immigrants. Overtime he adds to the list his own observations, until he reaches his last point: English Gentlemen play golf.
After repeated requests to join various golf courses are rejected, Jack decides to build his own. Selling their home in London and moving to Dorset, Jack throws himself full heartily into building his golf course. Meanwhile Sadie spends her days remembering her lost family by baking towering cakes that taste of sadness and tending to her rose garden.
Filled with a cast of ecentric characters Mr Rosenblum's List is a quaint tale that leaves the reader with a warm feeling in the stomach and a breezy smile. I liked the idea that for all of us in exile there are corners in the world where we can regain our sense of belonging.
Natasha Solomons
Jack and Sadie Rosenblum escape Hitler's Germany and land on the shores of England knowing know one, with very little money and heartsick at having left their loved ones behind. Desperate to regain a sense of belonging Jack immerses himself in becoming a proper English Gentleman, much to his wife's irritation. He follows the guidelines on manners, customs and habits of his new home as set out in the 'helpful list' for immigrants. Overtime he adds to the list his own observations, until he reaches his last point: English Gentlemen play golf.
After repeated requests to join various golf courses are rejected, Jack decides to build his own. Selling their home in London and moving to Dorset, Jack throws himself full heartily into building his golf course. Meanwhile Sadie spends her days remembering her lost family by baking towering cakes that taste of sadness and tending to her rose garden.
Filled with a cast of ecentric characters Mr Rosenblum's List is a quaint tale that leaves the reader with a warm feeling in the stomach and a breezy smile. I liked the idea that for all of us in exile there are corners in the world where we can regain our sense of belonging.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Wonders of a Godless World - Andrew McGahan
Wonders of a Godless World
Andrew McGahan
As a writer still finding my voice, Andrew McGahan provides me with the inspiration to stick to an art that gives me as much heartache as pleasure. Original, eclectic and talented, McGahan deserves far more attention, adoration and awards as other heavy weights in Australian literature.
On a warm night, a stranger, a foreigner, with no name or identity is washed ashore on a small tropical island and delivered to a rundown hospital for the mentally ill. From this point McGahan takes the reader on a unexpected journey with one eye on the imaginary world and another on the real. The mysterious catatonic patient is suspected of causing havoc, as the patients start behaving erratically, at times with disturbing consequences.
This is a book that will not disappoint. With its artful arrangement of words and plenty of twists, Wonders of a Godless World best suits a reader who is not merely interested in a straight forward plot but enjoys an unexpected journey. Like a rose that leaves its scent on the hand so is the effect of Wonders of a Godless World on the appreciative reader.
Andrew McGahan
As a writer still finding my voice, Andrew McGahan provides me with the inspiration to stick to an art that gives me as much heartache as pleasure. Original, eclectic and talented, McGahan deserves far more attention, adoration and awards as other heavy weights in Australian literature.
On a warm night, a stranger, a foreigner, with no name or identity is washed ashore on a small tropical island and delivered to a rundown hospital for the mentally ill. From this point McGahan takes the reader on a unexpected journey with one eye on the imaginary world and another on the real. The mysterious catatonic patient is suspected of causing havoc, as the patients start behaving erratically, at times with disturbing consequences.
This is a book that will not disappoint. With its artful arrangement of words and plenty of twists, Wonders of a Godless World best suits a reader who is not merely interested in a straight forward plot but enjoys an unexpected journey. Like a rose that leaves its scent on the hand so is the effect of Wonders of a Godless World on the appreciative reader.
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