Book Review: Allegra in Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel

Allegra in Three Parts

by 

Suzanne Daniel

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 
Publication date: 28th May 2019 
Pages:  305
RRP: $29.99AUD
Format read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Eleven-year-old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde works all hours and instils discipline, duty and restraint. She insists that Allegra focus on her studies to become a doctor. Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. She is riding the second wave of the women's movement in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and live her 'true essence'. Rick lives in a flat out the back and finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He's trying to be a good parent to Al Pal, while grieving the woman linking them all but whose absence tears them apart.

Allegra is left to orbit these three adult worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until one day the unspoken tragedy that's created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most.

This is the most heartbreakingly beautiful story of a shattered family ripped apart by tragedy yet holding it together for one child, Allegra. They each live their separate lives, side by side, doing what they think is best for Allegra but in doing so they are breaking her down. She is Allegra, Ally, Al Pal torn between three adults, trying to please everyone.

“Their unspoken words bounce of each of them but chisel deep into me.”

The story is narrated by Allegra as she handles bullies at school, makes a new best friend and tries to find her place in the world listening at doors and under windows piecing together snippets of information to make her own naive conclusions.

Within this story about an unconventional family Daniel has managed to cover so many relevant issues without any of it feeling contrived. She explores feminism in the 70’s, the women’s movement, domestic violence, the need for women’s refuges, the far reaching and long term effects of the war, friendship, family and growing up.

I liked the inclusion of the positive influence of the Catholic schooling, and in particular Allegra’s teacher Sister Josepha, had on Allegra’s life. Many are quick to condemn the Catholic system but it has been nothing but positive for me and my children.

Allegra in Three Parts is a novel about family in all it’s complexities. The characters were real and the setting authentic with mentions of songs, fashion and phrases placing it solidly in its time frame. It explores innocence and girlhood. It is heartbreaking and uplifting, an original novel about a remarkable young girl. This pre-teen will steal your heart and remain with you long after the last page is turned.

Two defining moments in this family’s life; one tore them apart. Will the second reconcile them?

                                  🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 

My rating  5/5

*this review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge

and book #22 in the Australian Women Writers challenge

Letter 'A' in the 2019 A-Z challenge

 

Photo credit: Nick Epoff

Suzanne Daniel is a journalist and communications consultant who has also worked for ABC TV, the Sydney Morning Herald, the United Nations, BBC (London) and in crisis management and social services. For the past twenty years she has served on community, philanthropic and public company boards. Suzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and family. Allegra in Three Parts is her first novel.

Winners of Whisper Network by Chandler Baker announced

A big thank you to everyone who entered my giveaway for 1 of 3 paperback copies of Whisper Network  . I had a huge amount of entries once again.  The giveaway closed on 3rd June and the three winners were randomly selected (using Random org) from all correct entries. 

Congratulations to..

  Mel             Kathryn      &       Bec

You will receive an email shortly and have 7 days to provide a mailing address. I hope you enjoy your prize.

Please see my Giveaway tab for more chances to win great books.

Book Review: Gravity is the Thing by Jaclyn Moriarty

Gravity is the Thing

by

Jaclyn Moriarty

Publisher: Pan Macmillan Aust 
Publication date: 26th March 2019 
Pages: 480
RRP: $29.99AUD 
Format read: Paperback
Source: Courtesy of the publisher

Abigail Sorensen has spent her life trying to unwrap the events of 1990.

It was the year she started receiving random chapters from a self-help book called The Guidebook in the post.

It was also the year Robert, her brother, disappeared on the eve of her sixteenth birthday.

She believes the absurdity of The Guidebook and the mystery of her brother's disappearance must be connected.

Now thirty-five, owner of The Happiness Café and mother of four-year-old Oscar, Abigail has been invited to learn the truth behind The Guidebook at an all-expenses-paid retreat.

What she finds will be unexpected, life-affirming, and heartbreaking.

A story with extraordinary heart, warmth and wisdom.

Abigail is a single mum trying to get on with her life and recognise her desire for love whilst bringing up her child, as best she can. Always doubting herself. Everyone she had loved had left her.

Abi’s mind was always running around in circles and it always came back to Robert’s disappearance.

The mystery of Robert’s disappearance compelled me on until I discovered the relevance of the Guidebook and then this became another part of the story I was intrigued by and eager to find out where and if the two plots would join.

Moriarty’s writing is clever, witty, calm, erratic, whimsical and chaotic changing as the writing reflects Abi’s moods. She breaks all the rules of writing and pulls it off beautifully.

Gravity is the Thing is a story that explores grief and loss and just trying to do your best. It’s about human connection, coincidences and fate. Moriarty is a keen observer of people and their foibles.

This is a thought provoking read that will definitely open up more contemplation on a second reading.

I liked the double meaning in the title, which becomes apparent as the story progresses.

Gravity is the thing that prevents us from flying, literally.

Gravity is the thing that prevents our spirit from flying and attaining happiness.

Moriarty has written a story that is tender and uniquely original.

                           🌟🌟🌟🌟 

My rating   4/5

*this review is part of the Book Lover Book Review Aussie author challenge

and book #21 in the Australian Women Writers challenge

 

Jaclyn Moriarty is an Australian writer of young adult literature.

She studied English at the University of Sydney, and law at Yale University and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, where she was awarded a PhD.
She currently lives in Sydney.

 

 

Product Review & Giveaway: Writing Gloves @ Literary Book Gifts

I’m back once again to tell you all about Literary Book Gifts and a new product they have added to their collection.

Writing Gloves

Pictured colour: Light Heather Grey

With the weather cooling here in the Southern Hemisphere fingerless gloves are the perfect accessory.  These soft cashmere knit gloves are perfect for handwriting, typing, touch screens, and crafting. Warm up cold hands with this stylish accessory available in 13 different colours ranging from heather purple to blush pink.

Their gloves are made of a breathable knit of about 35% cashmere wool. Cotton, polyester, and microfiber are blended in for durability.



The Literary Book Gifts company also has a wonderful range of book themed T-shirts and tote bags. Below is a photo of the gorgeous tote bags I purchased on my last visit to their web store.

 
*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Literary Book Gifts and receive no commission on orders placed.

Giveaway:
Enter below to win a pair of cashmere writing gloves from Literary Book Gifts in the colour of your choice, valued at $52USD (plus free international shipping).
This Giveaway is open internationally.

This giveaway is now closed and the winner was - Claire Louisa.