Although I enjoyed this book, I didn't love it, primarily because it couldn't make up its mind what it wanted to be. Is it a romance? A mystery? A look at the bond between mothers and daughters? A social examination of the plight of the Aborigines? Just historical fiction about Australia? I'm still not sure what the central point was. Between the confusing, sometimes pointless side-plots, the random shifts in POV, the time jumps, and that rush job of an ending, it makes for a frustrating read, with spots of enjoyment along the way.

If you find yourself somewhat enjoying this book, I recommend Baz Luhrmann's epic film "Australia." It achieves what this book is trying to, or at least what I think it's trying to achieve. I know, books and movies are different- but trust me, where this book is pretty enough in its descriptions, the beauty of Australia shines even brighter in the film. Try both- see what you think. ( )

4.5 "Outback Dreaming" Stars for the story and narration!

Historical fiction lovers with elements of romance will love the Australian exploration of the late 1870s intermixed with the rich cultural history and interesting beliefs of the Aborigines of many decades before. From its portrayal of the cultural clashes between the "white man" and the Aborigines (the original inhabitants of Australia) to the lack of acceptance among the British gentry of the "nouveau rich" sheep farmers in Australia, The Dreaming: A Novel of Australia provides an interesting glimpse into what life was like for the inhabitants of Australia in this time of transition in its history.

Moreover, not only is the historical fiction aspect of this novel intriguing and mesmerizing, but the intersecting human relationships are also highly developed and addicting to unravel. From the two main characters, an innovative and successful sheep farmer (Hugh Westbrook) and the woman (Joanna Drury) who steals his heart when they meet by coincidence upon her arrival in Australia in search of her personal history (and a plot of land that was her inheritance), to the aspiring and jealous sheep farmer neighbors who are constantly affecting the main couple, to the Aborigine descending family friends who shape their beliefs and customs with the ways of the old, I loved learning about this colorful cast of characters.

Among the questions that you will find yourself asking are: was Joanna's family truly cursed by the Aborigines? What is the significance of her family's intense fear of dogs and nightmares filled with a serpent snake? Moreover, can Hugh and Joanna find a HEA under the constant trials and tribulations that seem to constantly plague them and those around them?

Sharyn Doolan delivers a talented narration in The Dreaming. From Ms. Doolan's creation of individual voices for each one of the many characters, to her attention to personality and accent specific nuances, Ms. Doolan delivers a narration that makes you feel like you are listening to the sound track of a movie, rather than someone reading a book.

Ms. Doolan's attention to these details make it effortless to follow along with the speaker in the dialogues immediately knowing who is speaking. Ms. Doolan also paces her narration so that it is easy to follow her: appropriately modifying the speed of her delivery depending on the tone and speaker of the particular scene.

All in all, if you're looking for something different, and love romances that also bare light on matters of historical significance, then The Dreaming is sure to provide hours of entertainment.

Source: Review copy provided for review purposes. ( )

two in ILL no CC

magical ( )

awsome book......one of my favourites.......well written. ( )