Aussie Author Challenge: Book Three

In the synopsis on Goodreads for This House of Grief by Helen Garner, this book is described as "utterly compelling".  It has been rated over 1600 times with an average score of a 4.03 book.  Maybe it was the "utterly compelling" description and the high review marks that caused me to expect more from this book.  Instead, I found it tedious and boring more often than I should. 

This is a true story.  I had to remind myself that a horribly tragic event occurred that caused the loss of life for three young brothers.  The author admits that some days in the courtroom the judge, jurors, and journalists appeared bored, nodded off, and distracted themselves to stay awake or keep focused.  So, why write and detail those days in the courtroom in a manner just as boring?  To be accurate?  I suppose.  I respect the fact that the author wasn't trying to sensationalize or write a piece for a gossip magazine.  She tells us of her own emotional reactions from time to time, but overall, it felt like an emotionless story too often than it should.  And, the loss of three young boys is far from an emotionless occurrence. 

I hate to admit this, due to the serious nature of the criminal trial examined, but I reached a point that I started skimming and just wanted the book to end.  2/5

It's the 7th year for the Aussie Author Challenge, and my 2nd year participating (click on the picture/link to take you directly to the site for more information).  My preliminary book list is as follows:

Female Authors:

• People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
• What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty 
• The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
• Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 17 January 2016

Male Authors:

• Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
• Life or Death by Michael Robotham
• Praise by Andrew McGahan
• Guilt by Matthew Nable - COMPLETED 3 February 2016

Authors New to Me:

•  Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett
• This House of Grief by Helen Garner (non-fiction) - COMPLETED 25 February 2016
• Thornwood House by Anna Romer
• The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman