About Me

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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

Monday, October 25, 2010

My Brother Jack - George Johnston

My Brother Jack
George Johnston

An Australian classic, My Brother Jack is the story of Davy and Jack Meredith, two brothers growing up in a Melbourne suburb during the years between the First and Second World War.

Born to a drunken, abusive father and a caring, loving mother, the boys are distinctively different from an early age. While the older brother Jack is a tough fighter, who drinks, swears and wenches, the younger brother Davy lives a quiet existence under the shadow of his brother, preferring the company of books. During the depression years, the fortune of the brothers starts to change. Davy earns a good income and a growing popularity as a writer. With a glamorous wife, a new house in a new suburb and a set of fashionably desirable friends, Davy seem to have it all. Yet feeling straitjacketed by constraints of his new status, Davy yearns for the grounded simplicity and honesty of Jack’s life.

At the advent of WWII, the brothers grow further apart as Davy’s status and importance increases. With the relationship of the brothers taking 180 degrees turn, Jack looks up to his younger brother, showing the type of admiration that as youngsters, Davy felt towards jack.

Flawless and effortless prose has ensured that both My Brother Jack and its sequel Clean Straw for Nothing win the prestigious Miles Franklin Award. However, the book feels dated which may explain why it’s rarely studied anymore in the Australian schools. 3 stars

Last Song - Andrea Levy


Last Song
Andrea levy

Miss July -with a little editorial help from her son- tells the story of her life in Jamaica during the last years of slavery and the early years of freedom that follow.

Born a slave girl on the Amity sugar plantation, July is removed from her mother at a young age and used by the mistress of the plantation Caroline Mortimer, as a housemaid. Set during a dark chapter in human history Long Song is a moving story that marries the deepest, smallest personal emotions with an epic narrative tale. July leads the reader through the turbulent years recalling her heartache, fears, disappointments, hopes, desires, loves, betrayals, and eventually her acceptance of the events that constitute her life.

July’s occasional breaks from recounting her story to speak directly to her reader adds a humourous and unique tempo to the narrative. Her banter with her son Thomas Kinsman, as he attempts to abide and abet his mother with the editing of her story adds a humourous and unique twist to the narrative.

Told with unwavering honesty, Love Song’s bittersweet ending is touching without being over sentimental. Levy is a talented and distinctive voice whose perceptive eye and sharp wit assures her of a bright-bright future and much fuss-fuss!

Last Song was shortlisted for the 2010 Man Booker Prize. 4 stars