Friday, February 26, 2016

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

http://bookloverbookreviews.com/reading-challenges/aussie-author-challenge-2016

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:

Male Authors:

Authors New to Me:

3 comments:

  1. I'm reading What Alice Forgot right now & am LOVINNNNGGGG it!

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  2. That sucks that you didn't like the book! I understand what the author was trying to do too, but the loss of life shouldn't be boring!

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  3. ugh that sucks. i do get why the author would try and make it more serious, but serious doesn't have to mean emotionless. i'll skip this one for sure.

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