Candelo Books' Blog

Foal’s Bread by Gillian Mears

candelobooks — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:37:16 +0000

Having loved Gillian’s previous novels, The Mint Lawn and The Grass Sister, I eagerly awaited this her third novel, now sixteen years later. I was not disappointed. Set in rural NSW, the novel begins pre world war II with 14year old Noah and her father droving pigs. They arrive at One Tree Farm where Noah gives birth alone by the creek to her uncle’s baby. A grim start and one that sets the tone for the book brilliantly. Though certainly it has its heart-rending moments, it’s not a grim book, but one that tells of the harsh realities of life on the land in an age where cars and technology were only just arriving.

The horses are central characters in this book, as is the landscape itself, their essence beautifully captured in Gillian’s prose. The world of country show high-jumping and it’s people do seem to jump out of the pages. It’s especially about the women of the land, two generations of high-jumpers. It also tells of the lore and myth of the country, tender love, families and their rivalries. She manages her themes beautifully, weaving them in and around the narrative and has a real talent for matching her writing style to the period, putting the reader right there. I loved this book.

review by Sue

Candelo Books Newsletter Oct/Nov

candelobooks — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 01:02:49 +0000

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Four Stories Event

candelobooks — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:59:25 +0000

Enjoy an evening hearing four perspectives on working with communities in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Timor Leste. Hear about the hardships, the joys, the personal challenges, inspirations and learn about what it’s like to submerge yourself in a totally different culture.

6pm Thursday 27th Oct @ Candelo Books

Last Man in the Tower by Aravind Adiga

candelobooks — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:33:49 +0000

Adiga’s first novel, The White Tiger won him the esteemed Man-Booker Prize in 2008. It was a compelling and confronting, cynical and violent portrayal of the caste system, corruption and business in modern India. This, his second novel embodies many of the same themes but with more gentleness and humour. His cast of characters are the inhabitants of the Vishram Society tower block of flats in Mumbai, scheduled for demolition. A hefty payout, and extra “sweeteners” are on offer from the ailing property developer who is determined to leave his mark and prove his rise from the poverty of his village birthplace before ill health carries him off. The “Last Man” is “masterji” a retired ”pucca” school teacher who is finally the only resident to refuse the enticements. This is a social satire and a grim portrait of the different reactions of basically good people to circumstance. Adiga’s writing has many moments of beauty and his depiction of his characters and the urban landscapes Mumbai is fascinating and memorable.

Review by Sue

Eona by Alison Goodman

candelobooks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:29:25 +0000

Alison Goodman’s sequel Eona continues the path readers were left with in the first novel Eon. Eona flows through a series of rapid events which leave you grasping for time in the real world as you are continually carried away throughout her journey to become the woman and dragoneye she longs to be. The character Eona is tested by every turn of the page as she finds herself in a desperate battle to control her abilities and discovers the consequences from the actions she makes with them. Eona is an extremely well written novel and highly anticipated after the nearly 2 year-long wait, but it is definitely worth it. It is full of magic, romance, fighting and surprises. Eona is not one to miss.

Review by Karine

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

candelobooks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:18:28 +0000

Yvonne Woon creates a mysterious mist-shrouded world out of Gottfried Academy where the story follows a teenage girl, Renée, who is forced to board there after the unfortunate death of her parents. Finding Gottfried peculiar and strange Renée finds herself in a tangling storyline where all the peices are scattered only to be put back again. This novel sets your mind on edge with riddles and languages as you follow Renée as you begin to suspect the supernatural. With the incorporation of elements of Latin and philosophy, Woon makes it all run smoothly and easy to understand and most importantly all the more enjoyable for the history lesson she subtly gives her readers.

Review by Karine

The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

candelobooks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:00:07 +0000

The Carrier of the Mark is Leigh Fallon’s first novel and it is most definitely promising! Set in Ireland Fallon incorporates the its history and legends throughout the novel. The story follows Megan Rosenberg who moves to Ireland with her father. While settling in, she hears whispers and experiences some odd occurrences all circulating around the mysterious family, the DeRises. One of the children, Adam DeRis captures her immediate attention with his gruff yet gorgeous exterior with Megan feeling an impeccable pull between them. Throughout the novel Megan discovers she is one of the ‘Marked Ones’, a group of four individuals who can harness the elements. With a mix of Twilight romance and Mortal Instruments action, The Carrier of the Mark takes you on a journey of a powerful and gifted person who will do anything to protect the ones she loves.

Review by Karine

Fateful by Claudia Gray

candelobooks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Fateful is a novel that constantly intrigues with the incorporation of the supernatural and a tragic historical event. This book really surprises me with its originality. The story follows a young servant girl who works for an extremely old and wealthy English family and their grand plan to go to America and start fresh aboard the RSS Titanic. With so much hope running through the novel and the knowledge that the titanic sinks, this is a bittersweet tale. The characters are strong and fiery with lots of old English intrigue scattered throughout, giving it a scandalous and historical feel. With the edge of the supernatural barging in and a little double-edged romance, Gray really reels you in making it so engaging that I even found myself hoping she would change her mind and let the ship meet its destination! Fateful is a unique and capturing read!

Review by Karine

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann

candelobooks — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:46:18 +0000

This haunting coming of age thriller is truly unique. Set in a small innocent town, the people of Cryer’s Cross go through everyday life with immense trust in their lives’ stability, until one summer when a girl goes missing. The town band together to find her with no luck and suddenly this little piece of their home doesn’t seem so trustworthy.

Set a few months later, this novel follows the story of Kendall, a 17 year old girl with ADHD, and her quest to find her friend. Along the way, she is tempted by love, courage and betrayal. This is a gripping read, one that will make you question your own reality and the fate of others. Overall, this is a clever piece of fiction mixed with the supernatural. Not to be read late at night.

Candelo Books' Blog

Foal’s Bread by Gillian Mears

Candelo Books Newsletter Oct/Nov

Four Stories Event

Last Man in the Tower by Aravind Adiga

Eona by Alison Goodman

Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon

The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Fateful by Claudia Gray

Cryer’s Cross by Lisa McMann

August Newsletter 2011