Pageturners met for the first time since March on Wednesday evening. It was fantastic to catch up with everyone again. The group followed current NSW Health COVID-19 Guidelines with social distancing, hygiene and contact details.
They talked about the shortlisted books for the Miles Franklin Literary Award and the winner The Yield by Tara June Winch.
Here are some of the comments:
Exploded View by Carrie Tiffany – mixed feelings, impressed me, life in her own dysfunctional family, 1960s small town, exploded view is a symbol for her life, didn’t like it but was fascinated by it, about domestic violence and child abuse, very impressed, well crafted, critic said “superbly controlled”.
The White Girl by Tony Birch – can see why it made the list, lots of undercurrents, police officer tries to enforce the Aboriginal Act, loved the grandmother.
Islands by Peggy Frew – well written, overly poetic ending, about a missing girl and family.
The Returns by Phil Salom – loved it.
The Yield by Tara June Winch – three stories in one, Pop Albert’s story told through the dictionary most interesting, loved August’s sections, complex structure, enjoyed the Wiradjuri words, some parts confusing and slow, pushes the Aboriginal issues too far, interesting and unusual, Tara June Winch said ‘If you want a different story, change history,’ really loved it, everyone should read this book.
Ratings:
4 stars for Exploded View
5 stars for The Returns
4.5 stars The Yield
3.5 stars for The White Girl
5 stars The Yield
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th September 5.30pm – 7pm (second Wednesday of the month) to talk about The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams.
Book your place online via Eventbrite or call Jasmine on 6393 8132.
