I have read Margo Lanagan’s stories in a different order to most probably. I began with her second book, “Black Juice”, I then read her latest short story collection “Red Spikes” and I am currently reading “White Time”. I enjoyed every story and have had favourites but mostly loved them all amongst the stories. This book, so far, will be even more difficult to select a favourite. I don’t want to finish it. She says she was experimenting with a variety of styles in this first book. I have enjoyed them all. I especially loved the story about the kid with the weight problem caused by withholding his emotions. There feels to be some truth to that.
Flying South by L M Elliott
“Flying South” was a delightful read for young teenagers. It was set in America’s south in the 60s and was a tale about grief, discrimination and courage. It was light although covering serious topics. The protagonist is a young girl who through her social isolation has a close friendship with the aging gardener. The story shares the lessons she learns from him, importantly the letting go of him. It dealt with the death beautifully.
I have now began two other books as well as continuing with Linda Goodman’s Gooberz, which I am surprised by how enjoyable it is. I am becoming a fan of poetry, after disliking it for so long.
The Diviner’s Son Gary Crew
I know I have said it before, but I just love Gary Crew books. I have just finished ‘The Diviner’s Son’ I thoroughly enjoyed the both the setting and style of the book. Crew used actual historical articles throughout the novel about spritualism to enrich the setting of the novel. The characters were interesting and multiple perspectives were used. I like the ability to follow different characters and their point of view of what is occuring.
It was a good story too and although I considered the murderer at one stage as a suspect, I was totally surprised when the ending revealed him. I had been completely distracted by other events.
This novel was set in Tasmania. My parents are there on holidays right now.