Book Review: The Silver Donkey

From Goodreads: One bright spring morning in the woods of France, a soldier, blinded by the war, is found by a little girl named Coco, and her older sister Marcelle. In return for their kindness, the soldier tells the sisters marvelous tales, each story connected to the keepsake he carries in his pocket: a perfect, tiny silver donkey.
As the days pass and they struggle in secret to help the soldier reach home, Coco and Marcelle learn the truth behind the silver donkey, and what the precious object means: honesty, loyalty, and courage.

Thoughts:  Sonya Hartnett is quite simply a beautiful writer.  The Silver Donkey was her the first foray out of YA and Adult and into younger reader territory. In my mind that is always a dangerous time for an author, especially one who has so firmly cemented themselves as an outstanding YA author. In reality I think there are very few who do the cross over successfully - Hartnett is without doubt one of them.
The subtly of her writing is still strong - just because her audience is younger she doesn't feel the need to pander to them and explain every single event. A book such as this is ripe for discussion either in a class room or between parent and child. At the same time, Hartnett does not shy away from portraying war as a horrible and nasty business - no glorification here! 
Adults take a back seat in this story, the children are driving it, but adult help is sought when it's needed. By doing this Hartnett doesn't stray into the territory of the children accomplishing something they quite simply wouldn't be able to. Themes are plentiful and it could be used to fit many a theme - war, trust, secret keeping, how the world has changed, story telling, loyalty. In the lead up to Remembrance Day  it would be a good book to share with a child who appreciate a war story which did not focus so much on the fighting, but on the possible emotional issues faced by those caught up in such terrible times.

The Silver Donkey gets 4 stars 

 *        Did not like it
**       It was OK
***      Liked it
****    Really liked it

*****   It was amazing

 

Book Review: Thursday's Child

From Goodreads: Through the long years of the Great Depression, Harper Flute watches with a child's clear eyes her family's struggle to survive in a hot and impoverished landscape. As life on the surface grows harsher, her brother Tin escapes ever deeper into a subterranean world of darkness and troubling secrets, until his memory becomes a myth barely whispered around the countryside.

Thoughts: Sonya Hartnett does not write cheery, happy books. No, instead she complex, dark, thoughtful stories that leaves her reader shocked and bleeding - I love it! Her real strength is in her characters, so simply drawn but with such depth you feel you would know them the moment you saw them.
She frequently uses the Australian landscape to punctuate the desolation felt in her stories - the stark, dry landscape, the tough, suspicious people it breeds. If I close my eyes, I can see the Flute family standing in front of me, sunburnt and dusty, squinting into the sun, sunbaked earth all around them.
Like most of her books, Thursday's Child is character driven. The story happens around the people in it, with seemingly every day events taking on greater meaning as the story builds to it's climax. In less talented hands the story would drag and falter, but Hartnett's characters keep you there with them, watching as their lives fall apart, sharing with them the belief that finally, eventually it must get better. Hartnett is, without a doubt, one of Australia's most talented writers.

Challenges: Aussie Author Challenge.

Children's Book Council Younger Readers Short List 2013

So once again it's time to review the Short List from The Children's Book Council of Australia's shortlist. I reviewed the books from the Older readers short list, so now it's the turn of the Younger Readers. So here we go again, my reviews of all 6 shortlisted younger readers books.I tried to limit the reviews to about 6 sentences each.  Click on the link below each book to go to the Goodreads entry for it.

After by Morris Gleitzman

 The fourth book on Morris Gleitzman's story about Felix, a Jewish boy in hiding during World War II. Chronologically it comes between Then and Now although any of the books (Once, Then, Now, After)  could be read as stand alones. This takes Felix's sotry through to the end ofOlder Readers books the war. Gleitzman has an amazing ability to portray things from a child's point of view. The reader always feels they are reading something written by a child, not an adult trying to be a child. It's a book and a series which opens the door onto much more complicated and involved discussions.

The Children of the King by Sonya Hartnett

This story blends the near past and far past together. Cecily and Jeremy are sent, with their mother, out of London during the Blitz. In a country house owned by their uncle, they are joined by May, a child evacuee. While it's Cecily who is older, May is more mature, having lead a less sheltered life. In an abandoned castle they find two boys who may not be all that they appear. While I quite enjoyed this book, I was looking for something more in the end. The way things were tied together at the end just didn't sit well with me. The story of the tow boys in the castle did not seem to play a big part and the book would have stood just as well without it.

The Tender Moments of Saffron Silk by Glenda Millard

Saffron Silk keeps getting really bad headaches and no one knows why. Everyone, including Saffron is a little bit afraid, but the Silk family and their friends know how to get through tough times - live and remembering and sharing the tender moments.
This is a stunning, beautiful little book. In just over 100 pages, it folds you into the world of the Silks and lets you share the wonder of living simply with good family and friends. This book reminds you of what is important and why it's important to stop and share the tender moments. It is guaranteed to make you want to go hug your closest ones for no other reason than letting them know they are loved.

Pookie Aleera is Not My Boyfriend by Steven Herrick

I love a book in verse - quick to read with surprising depth. Pookie Aleera Is Not My Boyfriend gives the reader insight into the lives of class 6A. It explores their secrets, fears, thoughts and shows how one small act of kindness can have far reaching consequences. Steven Herrick is a master at the book in verse genre, instilling as much description and feeling into a few lines as other authors do into a whole paragraph. Perfect for you reluctant reader who finds pages and pages of text confronting - Love it!

Pennies for Hitler by Jackie French

In the horrors of the concentration camps and the mass killings of WWII, I sometimes think we forget about others affected during the war. Those who weren't persecuted, those who weren't Nazi's, but those who were just trying to survive.
Georg is one of those people. Sent away to his aunt in England after his father is killed, he becomes George. In a climate of fear and hatred he needs to hide his German heritage. When London becomes too dangerous he is sent onto Australia where he discovers that while hatred is contagious, so too is kindness.
Jackie French is such a professional writer that I doubt she could turn out something bad. Pennies for Hitler is well researched, well written and would be a great discussion starter.

The Other Brother by Simon French

Bon, a cousin Kieran hardly knows, suddenly intrudes on his life. Bon is different and Kiernan doesn't like him upsetting his life. But eventually you have to do what you know is right and choose where your loyalties lie.
The Other Brother is quite a powerful book. At times I found it hard, simply because of Kieran's attitude. Here was this child who has so much and was so begrudging of sharing any of it. If he'd been my child I don't think I would have been as patient as his mother was! But the true power of the book was the lack of quick fixes and easy explanations. Too often I find with books aimed at children the resolution comes easy and everyone is happy - friends. This book seemed to take  a more realistic approach while still showing you can make a difference to someone just by following your heart.

Unlike the Older Readers books, several of the Younger Readers books jumped out at me. Saffron Silk, The Other Brother and Pookie Aleera were absolute stand outs in my mind. In fact, it was hard to decide between Saffron Silk and The Other Brother as winner, but in the end, I must choose The Other Brother for its completely believable characters and reactions, leaving Saffron Silk and Pookie Aleera as my notables. What is really interesting is the book the CBC chose as the Winner - The Children of the King - was most probably the book I was least impressed by. Only one of my choices - Saffron Silk made their notable list and their other was Pennies for Hitler.

Book Review - Stripes of the Sidestep Wolf

From Goodreads: Ever since Dad went off the deep end and decided he didn't need to work anymore -- insisting the Lord would provide -- Satchel O'Rye has felt stuck for life in his dying country town. A high school dropout drifting from one small carpentry job to the next, Satchel can see nothing beyond his own dreary duty to help keep the family afloat. But things start to change when he spies a strange doglike animal at a nearby mountain -- and mentions the fact to Chelsea Piper, an awkward young woman considered the local pariah. Could the animal he saw be a Tasmanian tiger, a marsupial thought to be extinct? And if they found it again, could it give them both a new chance at life?

Thoughts: One of the things I've found on my journey through Sonya Hartnett's work is her obvious growth as an author. From the beginning there was something special about her writing, a potential that was clear. The more I read of her work, the more that potential is fulfilled.
In this book, Hartnett creates believable characters, a setting you could walk into and recognise immediately and a scenario you want to believe is real. Part of her appeal for me is her economic use of words. It perfectly suits the sparse landscape she writes about. As always, after reading one of her books, I wonder why I take so long between them - looking forward to the next.

Challenges: Aussie Author Challenge   

All My Dangerous Friends

Title: All My Dangerous Friends
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - library

From Goodreads: Louie has finished with her old life, and stepped into a world of sinners. For her, things are not going to be the same again. This darkly funny, disturbing novel explores a lawless world where morality is a nuisance, everything can be bought, and the prices paid are high.

What I thought: This was the last book in my Library Challenge and was the only book I had to take away with me. Given the idea I was suppose to finish all my books before going away, theoretically I didn't complete the challenge, but I did damn well! I will do a separate challenge post.
Well, what can I say about this? Hartnett's writing is so dark. She takes her characters into places that make you scared for them. At the same time, even though you can see that they choose to be in that situation, you feel for them, want them to survive, come through the other side.
Louie's new boyfriend introduces her to his friends - and they are in some very dangerous business indeed. At first they don't involve Louie, but at her insistence and as her actions prove her trustworthiness and usefullness, they let her in. And she loves it. Loves the thrill, the excitement, the fact she is part of something. But how much is too much? How far is she willing to go?
Not only does Hartnett introduce Louie to this world slowly, she takes the reader with her. You're not 100% sure what these guys are up to, but you know it's not good. And when it comes to a point in the book where Louie has to decide to go on or not, you do too. Do you go and accept these guys for what they are and what they do, or do you draw back and watch from afar, shaking your head, disgusted with what they do. At no point does Hartnett make that choice for you - it's all yours.
This was written from Louie's point of view. Then about three quarters of the way through the book, new characters and a new scenario are introduced. It's jarring, since the reader is not sure where this fits into the story. But I think the jarring is deliberate, it forces you out of any complacency or assumptions you might have slipped into and in the end it comes together.
All My Dangerous Friends is another excellent book from Hartnett. I look forward to the next one from her on my list.

Challenges: Library Challenge,

Princes

Title: Princes
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

From Goodreads: In a dilapidated mansion overrun by rats, Indigo and Ravel Kesby have gone to war. Identical twins, their two selves have gradually entwined until they have become all but interchangeable: no one can tell them apart. But when one twin attempts to sever the ties to his brother, their insular world quickly disintegrates into madness, treachery, and violence. As the story sweeps toward a shocking and inexorable conclusion, identity becomes a malleable weapon that will ultimately differentiate brother from brother.
 Sleeping Dogs was, for me, the first book where Hartnett started to excel. Her earlier books hinted at the ability that was there, but never really quite hit the mark. After Sleeping Dogs, came Devil Latch and it was a fantastic follow up. Although I have read much of Hartnett’s work, I’d never read The Devil Latch before. I’m so glad that I have now. To start you are not sure if the book is a gothic horror or a supernatural type book. I started off thinking that maybe Hartnett was way ahead of her time (it was published in 1996) with the vampire thing. But in the end, you realise it’s something completely different. The book shows how easy it can be to be drawn into someone else’s fantasy and the dangers of doing so. Next up by Hartnett, Black Fox!

What I thought: So I went looking for the last Hartnett book I read and it was August last year! Nine months ago!! That is so not cool!
Anyway, Princes is was perfect Hartnett. Indigo and Ravel are caught in their own world within the walls of their mansion. Hartnett draws you in until you can feel the suffocation of one twin by another. You know who the evil one is, you know who is being controlled and who is controlling. You are sure. And then you're not sure...everything that was certain isn't. You can feel the house shift and move as the dynamics between the twins shift and move. Part of the brilliance of this book is the fact that there are only two characters, but it is never stilted, never slow or ponderous. In fact it wasn't until the end that I realised apart from a few mentions of others, some who you are not sure exist at all, Indigo and Ravel are the only characters. As always, Hartnett is succinct - Princes only runs to 138 pages - once again part of her brilliance.

Challenges: Aussie Author Challenge

Black Foxes

Title: Black Foxes
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book – Library

Synopsis: Tyrone Sully is young, rich and orphaned. Bored with staying around his estate, Wilde Hyde, he sets off with his best friend and companion, Oscar and his cousin Silke on a trip that will influence the rest of their lives.

What I thought: In this book, Hartnett moves away from the modern world and back into early 19th Century England and to tell you the truth, it didn’t work for me to start with. The book jumped from event to event, at times with what appeared to be no real connection. Of course, in the end, everything was tied together and it all made sense. It was worth persevering with the book, but the length (over 400 pages) and the seemingly directionless plot could make a less dedicated reader give up early. In typical Hartnett style, the ending could leave the reader feeling unfulfilled and not sure what the purpose of the book was. For me, this was not one of Hartnett’s best.

Recommended for: Hartnett fans

Challenges: 100+ Challenge,  For the love of YA Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

The Devil Latch

Title: The Devil Latch
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Kitten Latch is different and he knows it. He now has control over his ailing grandfather and it’s his job to exact revenge. But then Amy moves in next door and suddenly he is not so sure he is meant to be alone any more. How far will he go to make sure Amy is his and his alone?‎

What I thought: Sleeping Dogs was, for me, the first book where Hartnett started to excel. Her earlier books hinted at the ability that was there, but never really quite hit the mark. After Sleeping Dogs, came Devil Latch and it was a fantastic follow up. Although I have read much of Hartnett’s work, I’d never read The Devil Latch before. I’m so glad that I have now. To start you are not sure if the book is a gothic horror or a supernatural type book. I started off thinking that maybe Hartnett was way ahead of her time (it was published in 1996) with the vampire thing. But in the end, you realise it’s something completely different. The book shows how easy it can be to be drawn into someone else’s fantasy and the dangers of doing so. Next up by Hartnett, Black Fox!

Recommended for: Hartnett fans and those who like quality young adults literature.

Challenges: 100+ Challenge, For the love of YA Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge

Wilful Blue

Title: Wilful Blue

Author: Sonya Harnett

Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult 
Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: Walt, Guy and Jesse are three artists chosen to create works for a new artists retreat. Guy and Jesse work together on a huge canvas, forging a friendship based in paint. But when Guy dies, Jesse wonders if he really knew Guy at all and then Guy's sister appears, wanting to know what happened in those last 5 weeks. What should Walt and Jesse tell her, what is the truth about Guy's death.

What I thought:Over and over again I find Hartnett's strength in the characters she creates. I find myself believing I could go have a beer with these people, talk, reminisce about events that have never really happened. In Wilful Blue I found the start of the type of flow I've read in other Hartnett books. Her development as a writer is clear and it's tighter, more polished than earlier works. Wilful Blue is classed as a YA read although I'm not so sure. It would be just as at home on the adult fiction shelves. 

Recommended for: Hartnett lovers.

Challenges: 100+ Challenge,  Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA,

The Glass House

Title: The Glass House

Author: Sonya Hartnett

Genre: Fiction 
Audience: Young Adult
 Format: Book - Library

Synopsis: The Glass House follows six early 20 something’s for a few weeks of their life. Each is struggling to work out what they want and where they fit in.

What I thought: This was Hartnett’s third novel, written when she was just 21. Hartnett’s strength in this book is the clear, concise characters. The six meet regularly at their local pub – The Glass House- but it’s what happens outside that really defines them. Henry and Katrina are experiencing the death throes of their relationship –again, Faine’s crush on Liam is stifling the rest of her life, Simon is looking for love in all the wrong places and Tory sits back and watches it all. Hartnett’s characters draw you into their lives, making you care about the outcomes. Typical of Hartnett, by the end, not all is resolved, but enough is that the reader walks away satisfied and with hope.

Recommended for: those who want to see an author develop over time.

 

Challenges: 100+ Challenge,  Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love YA Challenge

I'm Back!

We've been home from our holiday for just over a week, but it's taken me that long to get everything sorted again and in a place where I can think about blogging.

Along with my husband, two kids and another family of four, I just spent two weeks camping on an island called Humpy Island.

Our family

For me, one of the best things about camping is the lack of stuff to do. You get up, have breakfast, wash up, tidy up the tent, maybe do some hand washing and that’s it! Your whole housework routine takes no more than 30 – 60 minutes! After that, all there is to do is make a cup of tea and sit down with a book while the kids run wild on the beach!

And we ate lots of fish and cray fish - yum!

The hunters return successful!

We also walked. This is the view from the top of the island.

For me, one of the best things about being on holidays is being able to read – lots!  However, once the holiday ends, you are left with a stack of books you have read and a need to review them! Given I finished 7 books while on holidays, I thought I would post a bunch of short reviews in one hit. Apart from anything else, I just don't have the time to do full reviews of each book! Five of the seven I read are shortlisted for this years  Children’s Book Council of Australia’s Older Readers Book of the Year. The last one was waiting for me when I got back so I'll get onto that soon. So without further ado, here are the short reviews of the books I read while on holiday!

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: Fiction
Series: If I Stay
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

What I thought: After being the sole survivor of a car crash that killed her parents and younger brother, Mia must make a choice, should she stay on earth or go with them? Told from Mia's point of view, she roams the halls of the hospital listening to her family and friends. I have a bit of a morbid streak and have been known to play scenarios like Mia's out in my head. Her gradual realisation that the choice was hers and her final choice made me feel for Mia and her family. I think it could create some interesting talking points with young adults and what they see as the important things in their lives. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Where She Went.
Challenges: A-Z Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: Graffiti Moon
Author: Cath Crowley
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult Format: Book - Library

Short listed for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year - Older Readers.
 
What I thought: It's the last night of year 12 and Lucy has promised her friends to stay out all night to celebrate, but she has an ulterior motive - she wants to find Shadow - the graffiti artist whose work she admires. Ed, who she has a history with, says he knows Shadow and can introduce her and begins a night of hunting. I like Lucy - she knows what she wants and where she is going. The interesting thing about this book was how Crowley maintained suspense even when the reader knew the secret. It becomes about how Lucy will find out who Shadow is and the effect it will have on her and Ed's new found friendship. It well deserved it's inclusion on the shortlist.
Challenges: A-Z Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: The Midnight Zoo
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult Format: Book - Library

Short listed for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year - Older Readers.
 
What I thought: Andrej and Tomas have been doing exactly what theri mother told the to do - run. But now in a deserted town, they have discovered a most unusual zoo and they need to stay until they work out how to save themselves and the animals. I'm a fan of Sonya Hartnett and I did enjoy this book. Not as confronting as The Boy in Striped Pyjamas, The Midnight Zoo still opens the door for discussion around events during WWII. I did feel it lost something towards the end - almost like an uncertainty about how to end the story. Maybe there would be more to gain from a second reading.
Challenges:  Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: About A Girl
Author: Joanne Horniman
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult Format: Book - Library

Short listed for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year - Older Readers.

What I thought: Anna is trying to find out where in the world she fits. Then she meets Flynn and she is sure she fits with her - but Flynn has a secret and it hods the power to destroy all Anna thought she knew. There are some big themes in this book - homosexuality, depression, acceptance and divorce. I love the fact that Anna is gay is not the main focus of her character - in fact she is very comfortable with her sexuality. I loved Anna and wanted to protect her and her new found freedom. This made me wary of Flynn who I thought would hurt Anna. It's also partly set in Canberra, which is my hometown, so although venues weren't specifically mentioned, I think I identified a few - I'd love to know if I'm right!
Challenges: Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: The Piper's Son
Author: Melina Marchetta
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Short listed for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year - Older Readers.

What I thought: Life since hight school ended has been tough for Thomas Mackee - his parents have spilt, his uncle was killed in the London bombing and his friends from high school seem to be moving on. Can he , his family and friends rebuild and move forward? Billed as a sequel to Marchetta's Saving Francesca, The Piper's Son could be read as a stand alone. I found it a bit slow to start with but was soon enthralled. I swayed between wanting to slap Thomas and wanting to wrap him in my arms and rock him. Marchetta has this ability to layer who characters so by the end you feel you know them completely. A good read, but I don't think it's this years winner.
Challenges:  Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: The Life of a Teenage Body Snatcher
Author: Doug MacLeod
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book - Library

Short listed for the 2011 Children's Book Council of Australia's Book of the Year - Older Readers.

What I thought: While exhuming his grandfather's body in order to fulfil his wish of being donated to medical science, Thomas Timewell meets a body snatcher called Plenitude and all of a sudden his life is heading in a direction he would never have predicted. This was a very different book and I'm not sure about it's appeal to a YA audience. Some characters such as Thomas' mother were very two dimensional and unconvincing. At times I felt MacLeod was trying to be funny but fell short of the mark. Having said that I did enjoy it, but I won't be seeking out other Doug MacLeod books.
Challenges: Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge, 100+ Challenge

Title: The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Genre: Fiction
Series: The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Audience: Adult
Format: Kindle

What I thought: The wedding between Grace Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuti is fast approaching and many plans must be made. In the meantime there are still mysteries to be solved and people to help. This is the 12th book in series and I loved it! The series somehow manages to stay fresh and enjoyable despite it's longevity. Reading one of these books is like sitting down to a pot of tea with an old friend you haven't' seen for a long time. Just gorgeous!

Challenges: 100+ Challenge

Sparkle and Nightflower

Title: Sparkle and Nightflower
Author: Sonya Hartnett
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Young Adult
Format: Book (library)

Synopsis: Sam Sparkle and his mother, Sarah Nightflower are on the move again. This time to a rural town where Sarah's father has left her a boarding house. Sam once again goes through the agony of making new friends, in a place he really doesn't want to be, living with people he really doesn't want to live with.

What I thought: There is a marked difference in the writing of Hartnett between this and her first book, Trouble all the Way. It's more mature, the characters better fleshed out and for me, the story easier to read and follow. I know however how much better she gets and I'm looking forward to continuing my quest on reading all of her books.

Recommended for: those who want a clear vision of how a writer grows and matures.

Challenges:  100+ Challenge, A-Z Challenge, Aussie YA Challenge, For the Love of YA Challenge

Trouble All The Way

Trouble All the Way by Sonya Hartnett.

I can't show you the cover or provide a link to this book because there isn't one! I had trouble tracking down a copy at all and have the Interlibrary Loan system at work to thank for locating a copy for me. As I have mentioned before, Sonya Hartnett is a well known Australian YA author. She has also written some adult novels.

Trouble all the Way was published in 1984 when Hartnett was a mere 16 year old. The photo of her on the back of the jacket is her school photo!

Trouble all the Way is rough. It lacks polish and smoothness and if placed in front of you as a piece of writing you would most probably be able to pick it as the writing of a teen. But, the promise is there. The hint of Hartnett's true depths are visible and waiting to come out. Trouble all the Way while not brilliant, was worthy of publication and well and truly marked Hartnett as an author to watch.

Of A Boy

Of A Boy by Sonya Hartnett

Another library pick up. Was reshelving and came across this. I love Sonya Hartnett's young adult stuff and was curious to try one of her adult books.


In 1977 Adrian is nine. He lives with his grandmother and his uncle and is scared of lots of things - like quick sand and spontaneous combustion. He doesn't really fit in and is not quite sure how to do so.

The disappearance of three children not far from where he lives worries him. Will he be next? And what about the three kids who have just moved in over the road? What's their story?

Of a Boy is the story of a young boy in suburban Australia in the 70's. It's the story of a boy being raised by a grandmother who has already done this once and is not sure she has the strength to do it again. It's the story of a boy struggling to fit in and the consequences of that struggle.

It's hard to describe this book. It's one of those ones you quite enjoy but when someone asks you what it's about, it's hard to put into words. Not one of my favourite Hartnett's, but still worth the read.

Sleeping Dogs

Sleeping Dogs by Sonya Hartnett

As I mentioned in my previous post, this was a re-read of one of Australia's excellent YA authors. I am pleased to say, it lived up to my memories - so many re-reads don't.

Hartnett's writing is subtle. The children in the Willow family - Edward, Michelle, Jordan, Oliver and Speck have a secret. It must be kept a secret from their father who is prone to fits of violent anger, especially against Jordan. Mum barely moves from her chair and the children are left to fend for themselves. Hartnett never openly states the secret, but you know - and it's not pleasant. The whole setting for the family is not pleasant and you want something to be done about it. But Bow, the outsider who discovers the secret is not who you want to discover it. He's not nice, not helpful and above all, arrogant and way to sure of himself and his superiority. The ending is shocking. It resolves one issue but leaves so much more unsaid.

Hartnett and other Australian YA authors such as John Marsden have been criticised for their books that leave issues unresolved or are unhappy. Personally, I think it's a good thing. Kids are not stupid. They know things don't always work out perfectly or work out at all.

I enjoyed re-reading Sleeping Dogs. Glad I can still see why it was controversial and while it's inclusion on any school reading list can cause issues. I'm looking forward to re-reading the rest of her stuff.

Started: 16/1                            Finished 18/1

What are you reading Monday

Today I am reading Sleeping Dogs by Sonya Hartnett

Sonya Hartnett would have to be one of the best Australian Authors for young adults. Her books are confronting, well written and thought provoking. I read Sleeping Dogs years ago, but have recently decided to embark on a retrospective of Hartnett's work, so expect to see a bit of her.

Sleeping Dogs is the story of the Willow family. A strange and dysfunctional family  who run a caravan park on their farm. They are secretive and close knit. Along comes Bow, an artist who stays at the caravan park and discovers the secret the family is hiding.