Vikram Seth is not the only excellent author and all round amazing person in his family. His mother was India's first High Court judge (India's High Court being the second most senior in the hierarchy of its courts.) This is the story of her life, and it is told with warmth and humour. The writing is clear and crisp, as you would expect a formidable lawyer's writing to be. She gives you insights into herself and her family, and the society in which she grew up. I thoroughly enoyed it.

This is a magical and heartbreaking book about the hypocrisy of society, within the microcosm of a relationship and from the perspective of a woman.

A densely written and evocative novel - very ably draws one into the sensual and strange humidity of North Qld.

Another great find in the remainders. An interesting and well written story about a Viet-French cook, traversing through France and Viet Nam and with mesmerising descriptions of food.

I have not finished this yet but find it pretty badly written. I will attempt to finish it and write a review - but at this point in time, I only recommend to those who are researching and / or writing Viet biography (as I am hoping to). Otherwise, it's a waste of precious reading time and does not appear to offer much insight.

Of the Unity Dow's I've read, this is by far my favourite; possibly because it was my first but maybe also because of the law aspect. Eye-opening, and beautiful and written with stark clarity.

My partner is wary whenever I start a Unity Dow book. I cry and cry and cry. Such clear writing, such evocative images and such awful stories.

My partner is wary whenever I start a Unity Dow book. I cry and cry and cry. Such clear writing, such evocative images and such awful stories.

Eva Sallis is a great writer and this is a well written work. I was a little disappointed - the story did not quite capture my heart. But perhaps I had my hopes too high.

Navigating cultures, a woman slowly goes mad and her madness is reflected by her location. I really enjoyed this book and found it very poetic.

Such a simple and heart-wrenching story, lyrically told

Lyrical & poignant.

My more lengthy review is here:-

http://bac-lieu.blogspot.com/2006/06/gangster-we-are-all-looking-for.html

My review is here:-

http://bac-lieu.blogspot.com/2006/10/full-story.html

My review is here:-

http://bac-lieu.blogspot.com/2006/05/love-vertigo.html

My lengthier reivew is here:-

http://thebookgroup.blogspot.com/2005/11/nov
el-without-name-oanhs-thoughts.html

I have confused this one with [Beyond Illusions]. This was my first of [[Duong Thu Huong]]'s books and I remember one image starkly: the young woman travelling on a train into Russia. I recall themes of family, and confusion and self-discovery.