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By: HUNTLY 001
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2024-12-16 14:33:32 |
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This book prompted a lively discussion about mental illness, and the toll it can take on the patient's family. Lots of well-drawn characters. We enjoyed the personification of inanimate things and places. |
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By: DUNED 118
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2024-10-14 19:41:39 |
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We all managed to finish reading this book. Whilst a bit depressing and parts were a struggle to read, it provoked discussion on the issues of mental health and how slow the community was in supporting Elise until later in the story. |
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By: NGARB 001
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2024-06-24 11:51:43 |
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Most of our group (8/10) thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a sad story, but it was a realistic portrayal of how bi-polar illness affects the entire family. We had an interesting discussion. |
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By: AUCK 389
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2024-05-09 09:58:39 |
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Everyone enjoyed the book and style of writing. There were a few that felt the ending of the novel was long winded. |
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By: AUCK 122
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2023-09-13 14:25:21 |
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Enjoyed by all. |
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By: DIAM 003
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2023-08-16 09:45:14 |
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This book touched everyone's heart. Such a well crafted story, beautifully written. The content of the book was bravely addressed and each character exquisitely described. All the personal trials of family life in such desolate conditions were addressed with understanding and compassion. It is the opinion of the group that perhaps a sequel will follow? |
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By: MAST 013
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2023-08-07 14:21:20 |
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We all "enjoyed" the book - if you can say that when it was very depressing! Beautiful writing and the descriptions put you there. We all remembered fancy dresses made from crepe paper. Mental illness is so sad. |
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By: NAP 030
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2023-06-28 09:54:37 |
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Most readers enjoyed this very much. |
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By: TAUR 018
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2023-06-26 12:00:26 |
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After a slow start the book took on more energy and extended more into the characters etc. All in the group agreed it was a lovely read, and would recommend it. The author painted lovely pictures with words. |
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By: ASHB 005
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2023-06-15 14:41:56 |
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Some thought it was a little slow to start but overall a powerful book that moved us to tears. Some wanted a more definite ending - a happy ending with Marjorie and Jesse together. I think the ending was best left as it was. |
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By: GOVER 005
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2023-03-11 20:30:11 |
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Mixed reviews from our group. Some didn't finish it. Most of us felt the Mallee was over worked and didn't add to the story. The story itself is sad and the explorations of relationship, duties and mental illness were interesting. |
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By: FEILD 005
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2023-02-22 19:16:23 |
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We thought it was very well-written and thought provoking. Being a Rural group we had lots to discuss mainly about being accepted and fitting into a new area. Some of us felt completely out of our depth too as young brides. Our group really enjoyed this book. |
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By: HAMIL 018
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2023-02-08 14:23:29 |
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Everyone really enjoyed this book - found it well written with believable characters and a great insight to outback life. Mental illness was well explored and explained with sensitivity. Definitely recommend. |
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By: NORTH 003
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2022-10-31 11:44:50 |
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Enjoyed by all. Loved the personification of lots of inanimate objects. The Mallee was very much a part of the story. Loved the humour and the community spirit coming through at the end, and the way the family stuck together. We wanted something more definite at the end with the renewal of the relationship/romance with Jesse and Marjorie. |
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By: MATAM 001
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2022-10-31 11:41:47 |
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We all thought this was an extraordinary book - on many levels. The descriptions of farming in the Mallee, and the effects of the area and its inhabitants on a creative woman. We realised that Elise was probably bi-polar, but the effect of this on her family was profound. The Mallee was treated as almost another character in the story, brilliantly told. |
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By: SOUTH 001
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2022-09-28 11:33:42 |
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We all loved this book, lots of depth to the story. It showed how hard it is to fit into smaller communities if the likes of Elise's type of woman don't fit the so called norm required. It gave us insight into mental health issues and the treatments of that era. |
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By: AUCK 279
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2022-08-03 11:22:36 |
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Enjoyed by every member of our Reading Group. Excellent writing. |
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By: MAST 007
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2022-07-21 10:25:21 |
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We look forward to her next book! Liked it very much. |
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By: DUNBA 001
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2022-05-06 13:26:06 |
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Overall, a positive review. Poetic language. Realistic portrayal of mental illness and how it impacts family. |
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By: CHCH 145
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2022-04-29 11:05:41 |
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We all felt it was a wonderful book that covered many issues, and left us thinking about - mental illness, mistakes, self esteem, resilience, survival, adapting to different worlds, city cultured Elise moving to Malee, Marjorie's voice as a child wanting to love and be loved by her mother, Jesse and Marjorie's love story... Beautiful. |
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By: CROMW 003
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2022-03-30 15:43:00 |
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We had big talks about mental health in the 1950s and 60s, and as we are all in our 70s - could relate to the stigma and expectations of our culture then. |
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By: GREYT 003
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2021-10-22 09:55:35 |
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Beautifully captures outback Australia. Most characters well drawn. Writing at times a bit floral. Title a bit misleading. Readers really enjoyed the book. |
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By: TAUP 009
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2021-06-20 22:44:27 |
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Only about half of us read this book as a busy time of year with school holidays. Those that did read it did appreciate the story, but some found it to be a very tense read, and very close to home for those that have dealt with mental illness in close family. We would have preferred a more definitive happy ending. |
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By: CHCH 506
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2021-04-22 21:44:27 |
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The group enjoyed the book. It is rather an intense read in parts, with the dry, inhospitable setting almost making up another character in this family drama. |
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