The Daughters of Moab

Review by Stuart Mayne

Kim Westwood is a superior stylist. Her prose goes somewhat beyond the descriptive, adding a distinctly literary feel to her writing. And this is felt, at times, in her debut novel, The Daughters of Moab. It is certainly a beautifully written novel, but sometimes the story gets bogged down in the prose style. Nevertheless, the story is top rate – compelling, intriguing and unpredictable. Settle yourself down on the couch and let yourself fall into this bewitching novel by an exciting new Australian talent.

The world is torn asunder by geological and climatic disasters, but small pockets of Australia are changed beyond understanding. The Nathans have taken possession of governing the remnants of society. They show more begrudgingly take charge of the ravaged landscape and begin harvesting the genetically modified blood of the Daughters of Moab, who have an abundance of good health, unlike the majority of society. So the imperative to capture a Daughter who escapes is severe. Enter Assumpta Viali: assassin, protector, blood sister. Who will she give her loyalty to? Her employer, or her sister? show less

It took me a while to get through, not so much because I didn't like it, but because I found the style difficult to keep reading for too long in one go. It worked for me as a book to read a few (very short) chapters of before bed, but I can't help but think I might've enjoyed it more if I read it in larger chunks.