Angel Puss

I must say, Dapto Tuesday Book Club ushered in 2007 with a great meeting! We started the year with a light read from Colleen McCullough's Angel Puss.
Set in 1960's King Cross, it tells the story of Harriet Purcell, a young nurse keen to get out of home and away from the clutches of her family and long time boyfriend. Training as a technician, and so armed with a coveted man's wage (rare for a young woman back then), Harriet begins her adventure into the world of prostitutes, gays, luscious doctors and crystal balls.

Although it was only released a few years ago, Nancy provided us with information that McCullough actually wrote it in the 70s, after penning the Thorn Birds. We all agreed that there are plenty of biographical aspects to show more this story, but most of our members found the story too fluffy, the characters not believable and the writing childish.

This is not to say some of us didn't enjoy the read. Carol, Denise and Sue thought it was a fun book - perfect summer reading. It produced a stimulating discussion on the place of women in the 50s and 60s and also Kings Cross itself. There were plenty of stories of personal experiences at the Cross in younger days, but admission that its hidden, seedier side was something they were mostly unaware of. Ahhh, the innocence of youth!

Eventually we did circle around to Angel Puss herself, the young autistic four year old from who the book takes its title, and the heartreaking aspects of autism. Personally I loved the book, as I do most of McCullough's work. I found it fun, full of humour and thoroughly entertaining, with all the wonderful Australian characters I've come to expect from her novels. She is a brilliant story teller, something that is truly in her nature. I met her many years ago and found her to be down to earth and completely unpretentious.

So although this book scored low with our group - due mainly to the writing style I presume, it did give us plenty of fodder for deabte and dialogue. Which is what we like to do most! Welcome back everyone. show less

Not sure how to rate this story of a young woman leaving her home and family to explore living a completely different kind of life than that which she's grown up with and been groomed to repeat. I couldn't recommend it as it explores so many aspects of life that I found distasteful to read about - prostitution, clairvoyance, adultery, homosexuality.
And yet there were also very touching, poignant and loving aspects too. Colleen McCullough has not lost her ability to draw a reader in and create colourful, engaging characters.

A lovely story, set in Kings Cross in 1960. A rooming house full of interesting characters set at a time when women were just breaking out of their man made prisons. When you consider the strides we have made since that time (and I remember it well) it really is amazing .. why did our Mothers put up with all that crap for so long 😉

I adored this book. It has something for everyone..
magic, love, family, brothels, hospitals, lawyers, and quirky but oh! so lovable characters.

If you can find it, read it!

A beautiful story of people who are different, individual and non-conforming. Set in 1960s Kings Cross.
Reread 5/11/21 and still found it a lovely story.

When 21 year old Harriet moves away from home to the passions of Kings Cross, she is learns about men, love and tarot cards. A moving story, I enjoyed immensely.

Great