The team at QBD Campbelltown have taken over the blog this morning with their fabulous reviews full of fictional goodness!
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell:
This is such a wonderful, delightful book; it recounts a childhood spent on the idyllic Greek island of Corfu with a warmth and humour that makes it a really feel-good read. Gerry spends his days exploring his surroundings like a young David Attenborough, along with his faithful four-legged companion, Roger, discovering and observing many small wonders of nature on these expeditions. The wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and people of the island are painted so vividly in the narrative, but these things share centre stage with Gerry’s eccentric family, whose wit and amusing verbal sparring perfectly complement the often absurd and hilarious situations (mostly caused by Gerry and his animals!) in which they find themselves. Durrell’s comic timing is impeccable, often leading me to emit loud chuckles whilst reading, even in public. It is, in it’s own sweet little way, an antidote to rushed modern life which reminds me to take notice of the fascinating and funny things around us. An absolutely charming and engaging story. – Marica (Store Manager)
Dexter is Dead by Jeff Lindsay:
The thrilling conclusion to the Dexter series has finally arrived and it does not disappoint. Book eight sees Dexter Morgan’s world crumble. Arrested, and – ironically – wrongly accused of three murders, the world’s favourite serial killer finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and police corruption. Expertly paced and well worth the wait, it will thrill any Lindsay fan. – Marcella
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery:
Anne of Green Gables is the first book in the Anne series by L. M. Montgomery, following young orphan Anne as she makes little Avonlea her home. Anne undergoes a series of trials and tribulations, from the moment she arrives in Avonlea. Not the boy Matthew and Marilla sent for, she is initially rejected but wins their affections and is kept on. Her huge imagination, cheery, and talkative nature often get her into scrapes, but these same traits endear her to Matthew, Marilla, and the rest of Avonlea. From dyeing her hair green, letting her imagination run wild with ghosts, accidentally getting her best friend drunk, breaking her school slate over Gilbert Blythe’s head, Anne has a fiery nature that is ultimately balanced by a number of redeeming qualities. Anne’s high spirited personality and funny episodes endear her to Avonlea folk and readers alike. I have found a kindred spirit in her. – Shannon
Cleopatra’s Daughter by Michelle Moran:
I have read a lot of historical fiction in my time, but no matter how many I read, I always return to Michelle Moran. Moran has a wonderful way of truly bringing these distant historical figures to life and is able to invigorate their stories is a way that allows modern day audiences to fall in love with these characters. My favourite novel of hers is Cleopatra’s Daughter. The novel offers a unique insight into the world of Rome and of Hellenistic Egypt, through the eyes of someone who was an enemy to Rome, but now is forced to live with the head of the Roman state. It also offers to the reader another perspective of the fall of Egypt by having the main character as Selene, rather than from the perspective of Marc Antony or Cleopatra. As an Ancient History student my favourite part is how truthful and factual she is throughout her novel. You can see in every word how much time and effort she puts in to prepare her novels, and I greatly appreciate it. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Rome or Cleopatra or just wants a solid introduction into the world of historical fiction. – Melissa
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman is the master of magic and mayhem. However, this is really an endearingly told story of a 7 year old boy’s first confrontation with the moral dubiousness of life. A charming read for both fantasy fans and otherwise. – Emily
