Memoirs featured by our next reader included Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr. On the same day his wife gave birth to twins, Anthony received the Rome Prize – a year-long stipend and studio in Rome, causing much upheaval and the difficulty of language with babies and living in another country.
The memoir Turn Right at Istanbul: A Walk on the Gallipoli Peninsula by Tony Wright, speaks for itself and was enjoyed. Julia Baird wrote Phosphorescence which won the Australian Industry Book of the Year Award in 2021. Julia tells us how we can find `the light within’! Mrs Kelly by Grantlee Kieza, a good writer who researches well. Our reader had attended the play in Benalla the week before; the book was enjoyed, but a lot was written about Ned and Mrs. Kelly popped in every so often. Rosie Batty’s memoir ‘A Mother’s Story’ is a traumatic story from a very brave woman and highly recommended by our reader. Published in 2018, Danielle Steele wrote a heart-stopping thriller, Accidental Heroes. Our reader gave this a big tick for enjoyment. Muster Dogs by Alicia Grey, a well written book which follows the life of five kelpie puppies, was later made into an ABC TV Series.
Lorraine enjoyed and recommended a few books this month, among them The Search by Iris Johanson about a rescue dog, The Street Lawyer by John Grisham, The Holiday Home by Fern Britton set in Cornwall, The Match by Harlan Coben family secrets discovered and Dream Town by David Baldacci. The favourite of Lorraine’s reads, The Nurses’ War by Victoria Purman, a wonderful story.
A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles, was enjoyed by Corrie. Queen of our Time – Life of Elizabeth 11, appropriate at this time in history. A very satisfying read was While Paris Slept by Ruth Druart. Di Morrissey wrote her usual ripping story in Before the Storm, whilst Helen enjoyed The French Photographer by Natascha Lester. Last but not least, The Wild Wood by Posie Graeme-Evans, enjoyable historical fiction.
We look forward to meeting on the 1st Monday in August.
Geraldine McCorkell