Kim Kelly (1)

Her Last Words is a stunning contemporary novel from author Kim Kelly, best known for her works of historical fiction.

Seven years after young aspiring writer Thisbe Chisholm stormed out of her boyfriend’s Bondi flat after a petty argument in the early hours of the morning, the coroner’s inquest into her murder decisively exonerates John, but does little else. Stuck firmly in the grip of guilt and depression, John’s bright future as an actor has long since dimmed, and even Penny, show more Thisbe’s best friend and his stalwart supporter, seems to have reached her limit. Perhaps it’s time to let go...

Kelly was inspired by personal events to create this literary gem. Her Last Words is a heartfelt, poignant story, which explores the themes of love, grief, release and redemption.

While unfolding from multiple perspectives, John and Penny are the central protagonists of the story. Since Thisbe’s tragic death the two have never quite been able to let go, of her, or each other. The coronial inquest serves as a catalyst as John contemplates ending everything, and Penny considers finally moving on.

Fate gives Penny, a book editor, a push when a local bookstore owner discovers Thisbe’s long missing bag and manuscript, prompting the unraveling of not one, but two crimes, and placing Penny on a deserved new path.

John comes very close to getting his wish, just as he realises it’s not really what he wants. Kelly’s insight into John’s depression is thoughtful and empathetic as he struggles both mentally and physically, haunted by his last moments with Thisbe.

With exceptional characterisation, eloquent prose, and raw emotion, Her Last Words is a compelling read this review can’t begin to do justice. show less

An engaging story set just after WWI in Australia in a small outback town called Sunshine on the banks of a river called Darling. Under the Soldier’s Settlement Plan, returning servicemen could apply for tracts of land to farm on. This tale is about two such soldiers, a soldier’s wife and an aborigine.

Sunshine is an enjoyable and well written story. There’s a good sense of time and place and the descriptions are very vivid - I could easily picture the setting in my mind. The characters show more are well drawn and interesting. Some of the events which happen to them are quite heartbreaking. It’s a short novel and a lot is crammed into it - I wish it had been a little longer. I read it via the Pigeonhole app and I looked forward to reading the staves every day. I was quite sad when it had finished, a sign of a good book! show less

The expanse of the glittering Sydney Harbour, known as The Blue Mile, is not all that separates Eoghan (Yo) O’Keenan and Olivia Greene. An unskilled Irish labourer escaping a poverty stricken, abusive home with his young sister in tow and the daughter of a Viscount and talented costumière making her name in Sydney society, seem an unlikely couple but a chance encounter in the Royal Botanical Gardens forges an unconventional and turbulent romance. Set against a period of great celebration show more and Depression, Kim Kelly's The Blue Mile is an engaging story of life and love.

Beginning in late 1929, the story of The Blue Mile unfolds through the alternate first person perspectives of Eoghan and Olivia.

Though The Blue Mile is definitely a love story, it is very low key. Olivia and Eoghan's attraction to each other is immediate and mutual, but the couple spend hardly any time alone together over the course of the novel. With the lack of emotional intimacy between the pair I found didn't really feel their connection even though I believed in the issues that divided them, including their differences in class, wealth and faith.

What I really loved about this story was the historical background to the novel, which is well integrated into the story. Set during the latter construction period of the Sydney Harbour Bridge I was fascinated by Yo's experience as a rivet catcher. The building of the 'Coathanger' was an extraordinary feat, taking 1,400 men, six million hand driven rivets and 53,000 tonnes of steel to build the the world's largest steel arch bridge over a period of eight years (1924-1932).
The period was also a time of social unrest in New South Wales due to high levels of unemployment as a result of Britain calling in war loans, and political scandal, when the Premier, Jack Lang, was dismissed from government by the governor-general for his 'socialist' leanings. The economic and political fluctuations of the state have an impact on both Olivia and Yo, though in different ways.

Just days before I read this novel I actually had dinner at The Rag and and Famish, a North Sydney pub mentioned several times in the story, with some fellow book bloggers, and that connection gave me a little thrill each time. Though I liked the protagonists of The Blue Mile, it was the period detail and the physical setting that appealed to me the most. show less

Set on Bondi Beach in Sydney, this is a moving story revolving around the circumstances behind the murder of a budding young author and the theft of her manuscript.

Her Last Words is a fabulous read. It’s beautifully written with some realistic and likeable characters. I was totally immersed in their lives, their trials and tribulations. I liked the engaging chapter headings which give little clues or hints to the content. This wonderful tale had me captivated from beginning to end. It’s show more an emotional rollercoaster of a story with a very touching ending. I loved every moment!

Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. show less