Book Bird rating: 5 Birds
5 words: Compelling story about people and place.
Who will love this: Readers of literary fiction, short stories and Australian historical fiction.
Favourite character and why: Hard to pick one as the story is told over four centuries, and by 5 different characters, but Bel’s innocence and Lola’s determination are favourites. The land itself, the NSW Lake Illawarra district, is a character in itself and a favourite.
Best bit: The clever way the different stories meld seamlessly together.
Last word: This fabulous novel is made up of a number of interwoven short stories that span four centuries. The stories are linked by the land, especially caves, the lake, and island and a fig tree. The writing is fresh and the story compelling. Loved it.
Reviewed by Sue
