I am back from my quick trip to New South Wales to see two of my friends. It was so nice to have a catch up with them. Lunches out, a bit of shopping and long talks never go astray. Not to mention the extra reading time one gets while flying, while encased in sound proof headphones that block the noise of conversations behind you or squealy toddlers.
BOOKS
One
Claire Keegan’s debut short stories book, Antarctica, 1999, that will be discussed at our upcoming book group this week.
‘ In the titular story, “Antarctica,” a married woman ventures out of town with the intention of experiencing an extramarital affair. What begins as an exploration of desire takes an unexpected and dark turn, highlighting the unforeseen consequences of her actions.
Another notable story, “Love in the Tall Grass,” follows Cordelia as she travels along a coastal road on the last day of the twentieth century to meet a lover she has awaited for nine years. This narrative captures themes of longing and the passage of time.
Keegan’s writing is characterized by its clear vision and exploration of how dreams, memory, and chance can have profound and often crippling consequences for her characters. The stories are frequently enveloped in a palpable atmosphere, drawing readers into the emotional depths of the narratives. ‘ Good Reads
This book is a definite YES. The writing is so enjoyable. The themes connect well from story to story and the cover is beautiful. I really enjoyed it.
Two
When Will There Be Good News by Kate Atkinson is another YES recommendation. The story-
‘When Will There Be Good News?” is a 2008 crime novel by British author Kate Atkinson. It is the third book in the Jackson Brodie series, following “Case Histories” and “One Good Turn.” The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of multiple characters in and around Edinburgh, Scotland.
The story begins with a harrowing event: six-year-old Joanna Mason witnesses the brutal murder of her mother and siblings in a rural area of Devon. Thirty years later, Joanna, now Dr. Joanna Hunter, is a successful physician in Edinburgh with a baby and a husband, Neil. She employs sixteen-year-old Reggie Chase as a nanny. Reggie, recently orphaned, becomes concerned when Joanna and her baby disappear unexpectedly. Her worries are dismissed by others, prompting her to seek help from former detective Jackson Brodie. Brodie, who inadvertently finds himself in Edinburgh after a train accident, becomes entangled in the search for Joanna. Detective Chief Inspector Louise Monroe, investigating unrelated cases, also becomes involved as the characters’ paths intersect’ Good Reads
Overall I enjoyed this book though there are a couple of ‘wobbles’ in it where I had to backtrack as confusion set in but easily remedied. I have now read two of her Jackson Brodie novels. He is such an unusual character to many crime detectives.
Three
This book was the most serious of the three. It was gifted to me earlier in the year. I had looked at it in the book shop a couple of times but did not pick up. But when a close friend handed it to me I decided to read it.
There Are Rivers In The Sky by Elif Shafak.
It was published in 2024. The narrative intricately weaves together the lives of three individuals across different eras and locations, all connected by the element of water. The novel begins in ancient Mesopotamia with King Ashurbanipal, who possesses a vast library containing the Epic of Gilgamesh. In 19th-century London, Arthur, born into poverty along the River Thames, rises to become a translator of ancient texts. In 2018, Zaleekah, a hydrologist, moves onto a houseboat on the Thames following her divorce, contemplating significant life changes. The overarching theme explores how water serves as a conduit for memory and connection across time and space.
Good Read comments
The novel has received critical acclaim for its ambitious narrative and lyrical prose. The Guardian describes it as “an ambitious, multi-perspective novel about the politics and preciousness of water.” BookPage highlights Shafak’s ability to intertwine the characters’ lives, noting that “as the characters’ lives unfold on the pages of this remarkable book, readers gradually learn how they’re tied together.” However, some reviews mention that the novel’s elaborate style can be overwhelming at times. Kirkus Reviews comments that “Shafak is overly reliant on certain stylistic mannerisms,” which may detract from the reading experience for some.
Overall, “There Are Rivers in the Sky” offers a profound exploration of humanity’s relationship with water, memory, and interconnectedness through time. Chat GPT
Recommendation Maybe
I enjoyed the story and the connection to water and the poem of Gilgamesh throughout the centuries. However the section of the grandmother and grand daughter was quite tense as the wars happened and encounters with ISIS.
It is a hard slog in parts but the story of 1800s with Arthur was enjoyable though the poverty he came from is troubling. I’m glad I read it and I certainly will remember the characters for a long time. The more recent tale that takes place of Zaleeka who lives on the houseboat along the Thames was more tedious or so I thought. However there is a connection with water throughout the centuries these characters reside in. Maybe a few too many these introduced throughout that could have been omitted.
BOOK EVENT
Fullers bookshop had a fun launch of Jane Rawson’s non fiction book Human/Nature. She is an Australian author who resided in Melbourne for several years but has now relocated to Tasmania to escape the noise of Melbourne. Having moved to a small cottage in the Huon valley, surrounded by wildlife she has written about the questions she has of how people perceive nature. This includes everything from space to forests. It is a book of questions and her reactions to it. The event was interesting and boisterous as she has many followers who were in the audience and an enjoyable time was had by all. An hour well spent.
Photography
Black and white photography is the type of photography our club members are focusing on lately. We will meet this week to share our photos on the big screen and discuss things such as composition, 8 layers of contrast that is attempted and adventures we had taking them. I took these photos one day travelling on back roads with my camera. Such a fun day. Tasmania is a photographers paradise in many ways. Enjoy our rural scenes.
Other good news is I entered a national Camera House competition. The theme was COSTUME. I won first prize and a $200.00 gift certificate to Camera house with a photo I took of a Native American woman at a festival in California several years ago. It was a lovely surprise.
LIFE
I had to chuckle at an article in the paper today about the Jellycat Revolution. It seems with all the stress and bad news that surrounds everyone these days people are finding comfort in these lovely stuffed toys. Those of all ages are giving them hugs, cuddling up with them to sleep and maybe collecting too many of them. I don;t have one but can certainly see their appeal as I have a very plush rabbit I reach for at times as his lovely material is like a warm hug. And don’t get me started on how often I have travelled with a small penguin who snuggles in my suitcase.
The article talks about the embarrassment people feel when owning up to these comforts but I’m at an age I don’t care what people think. If I want to hug a plush rabbit I will do. I also hug Mr P, my dogs and my cats, but sometimes they’re doing something else and the rabbit is relatively quiet.
Can anyone else out there relate?
We’re now off to another week and we have also changed our clocks. No more light at night I’m sorry to say. Hope your week goes well.
Travellin' Penguin 