This Week In Books (& A Movie)

The Bird In The Bamboo Cage by Hazel Gaynor

Narrated from two points of view The Bird in the Bamboo Cage is a moving tale that shifts effortlessly from a missionary teacher’s perspective to that of a student in her care. The school in question is located in China and covers the period of the Japanese invasion during WW2 which means that all at the school are incarcerated at Weixian Concentration Camp for the duration.

I found this a fascinating coming of age story and with references to fellow POW and Olympian, Eric Liddell, and the teacher’s constant use of the Baden-Powell Girl Guide Program to maintain order amongst the girls, this historical fiction based on a true story encouraged me to pursue further research.

Heavenly’s Child by Brenda Reid

This is the story of two young women growing up in Crete in the 1960’s and ‘70s, best friends in the midst of challenging times, both politically and socially. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of the different families with their lifestyles in rural Crete of which I was totally ignorant.

This coming of age novel was also my introduction to the political upheavals of Greece during that period. This was fascinating and I need to read more on the topic. TIP : Totally ignore the woosy romance altogether.

And A Movie based on Jane Harper’s The Dry

Released in Australian cinemas on New Years Day THE DRY has taken audiences by storm making it one of the Top 5 Australian movies ever.

It hasn’t rained in Kiewarra for two years. Tensions in the farming community become unbearable when three members of the Hadler family are discovered shot to death on their property. Everyone assumes Luke Hadler committed suicide after slaughtering his wife and six-year-old son.

But is this what really happened?

Great movie and the cinematography captures the landscape beautifully in all its brutal, harsh glory.

Will overseas viewers enjoy? After events earlier this week I’m inclined not to give a rats.