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By: KAIK 001
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2025-04-07 11:52:41 |
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Some really liked it, others didn't finish - a mixed bag. |
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By: MANGWH 004
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2024-08-21 12:29:57 |
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A beautifully written insight to the range of responses one can have to profound grief. |
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By: HAMIL 053
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2024-07-15 12:53:27 |
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'Billy Bird' sparked a lively discussion. The fact that the author is also known as a poet is not surprising, given the poetic prose throughout the book. Some people thought that Billy's bird-like behaviour was unrealistic, while others found it to be an engaging aspect of the novel. Some members really enjoyed the depictions of the family and the counselling sessions, while others thought it lacked depth. However, everyone agreed that the portrayal of the husband, who struggled to express his emotions until a critical moment, was representative of men in N.Z. society. |
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By: WAIKA 003
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2022-09-15 13:19:34 |
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A most delightful and beautifully written book. Loved it. |
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By: HAMIL 065
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2022-04-29 12:04:33 |
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Loved the NZ setting. Enjoyed the raw family dynamics. |
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By: FEILD 001
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2022-01-07 10:25:18 |
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Well-written, with interesting insights into a N.Z family, and its problems with tragedy, using humour etc in recovery. |
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By: ALEXA 004
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2021-09-08 13:36:17 |
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We had no meeting about this book but the feedback was very positive. |
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By: DUNED 058
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2021-06-30 12:02:58 |
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We thoroughly enjoyed this book: her excellent characterisations, her sensitive handling of the topics of anxiety and parenthood, and her laugh-out-loud jokes in the written/spoken language. A great read! |
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By: MATAM 001
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2021-04-21 12:42:47 |
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Our group all enjoyed 'Billy Bird', while several really loved it. We all felt that Emma Neale created a believable family and her portrayal of Billy was superb. There were many facets of the story which provoked in depth discussion e.g. marital infidelity, the value of counselling for children and/or couples, but mostly the way death and the resulting grief is handled. The writing was fresh, imaginative and funny! |
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By: NEWP 004
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2021-01-25 10:29:57 |
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This book elicited a mixed response. There were those who admired the clever writing, and others who thought the psychological currents were fanciful and not credible. |
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By: ASHB 022
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2020-10-20 12:42:05 |
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Interesting discussion as some members found it difficult to get into, especially with referencing to poetry. Most enjoyed the complexity of the family dynamics and dealing with anxieties via counselling. Made us realise how we should keep our communication going, especially men! |
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By: MAST 014
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2020-08-19 12:38:08 |
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Our group all had differing opinions regarding this book. Two people loved it, while two didn't bother to finish. The rest thought that while a well-written book, it was also not one of their best reads. |
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By: WELL 120
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2020-08-19 12:35:05 |
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One person "thoroughly enjoyed" the book, and another had appreciated the radio presentation. Some did not finish the book. One member with counselling experience, commented interestingly on the process the family experienced. |
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