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Title: Conditions of Faith
Authors: Miller, Alex
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 406
Year: 2001
Language: English
Description: Inspired by his mother's journal writings, this prize-winning author created the story of Emily Stanton, a young Australian woman who leaves academic life in 1920s Melbourne to become the wife of a Scottish Paris-based engineer. But conventional marriage awakens her desire to look beyond the roles seen as appropriate for women of her time. [Small font]

Comments from Groups:

All members enjoyed the book. Very well written and descriptive. Most unlikely plot. Hamilton 024

Very divided opinion on this book. Some loved it and others angered by the main character. Coromandel 001

Very hard to get into this book. Several did not get book finished as it was hard going. Frustrated with talent that Lucy had that was wasted by her taking up with drugs! Carterton 001

Enjoyed by some, disliked by others. I personally really liked the book, the writing style and descriptions, although some parts seemed beyond credibility. But anything can happen in a story. Upper Hutt 007

All the group were very disappointed with this book. We felt the story line was inplausible, one dimensional characters and tedious descriptive passages. Greytown 001

Categories: Fiction, Relationships, Australia, France, Small font

Reviews

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By: CHCH 010 2022-09-19 11:10:54
4 
This book engendered a lively discussion. Views on the importance of a mother's job versus a career were discussed in depth. Overall most members enjoyed the book and found it interesting.

By: AUCK 063 2022-09-19 11:09:37
3.5 
Most enjoyed reading this book, but reported frustration with inconsistencies. Some beautiful portrayals of eg. Paris and the capture of the period, but some characters and choices were unconvincing. Lots of issues for discussion though.

By: TWIZ 002 2022-09-19 11:06:49
3 
One of the liveliest discussions we've had. There was a wide variety of opinions, but generally no-one liked the main character, and all found the storyline dreary. It's worth reading more Alex Miller for comparisons though.

By: CHCH 099 2022-09-19 10:26:03
4 
The majority liked this book. It provided food for thought. We discussed women's lives and expectations as they may be now, and in the 20s and 30s.

By: WHAKA 005 2022-09-19 10:23:42
3.5 
Well-written with many interesting sub plots.

By: CHCH 050 2022-09-19 10:22:57
3 
This book was quite enjoyed by the members and most finished it, but some members found the main character rather silly.

By: INVER 001 2022-09-19 10:22:01
5 
Everyone loved it! Good discussion too.

By: WELL 173 2022-09-19 10:21:08
3.5 
Our group enjoyed reading the book but most members wouldn't recommend this book to their friends.

By: DUNED 007 2022-09-19 10:18:02
3 
Opinions differed on this book. Some enjoyed it and others thought it took a long time to say nothing much. Quite a dilemma about a baby who proved a hindrance to a mother's career.

By: TEKUI 002 2022-09-19 10:15:50
4 
A good discussion though some readers took a while to settle in to the 'style' of writing - others however loved it immediately. Lots to think about, and all still relevant today. A good read.

By: PALMN 013 2022-09-19 10:14:00
4.5 
What a story! We did love this book. Strong characters and good writing. We even started to 'write' what happened after the book finished! Good side discussion about marriage and motherhood.

By: AUCK 273 2022-09-19 10:12:22
3.5 
Good discussion afterwards, but we felt the author (older, male) had unrealistic views of women and how we think etc.

By: CULV 001 2022-09-19 10:11:21
5 
All members thoroughly enjoyed the read, and it led to a very long (!) and intense discussion! Brilliant author and brilliant read.

 
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