Review: Sweet, family-based Aussie saga
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 21, 2014
This is a lovely book and I can see why so many reviews are glowing. It's the first of Cathryn Hein's books that I've read, and I won it via Goodreads earlier this year. (So thank you Goodreads!)What I loved: The setting. I lived in South Australia for 12 years. I've visited the South East and the Coonawarra wine region several times. It's a beautiful part of the country. My knowledge of SA also helped me when it came to the discussions and presumptions that enter the book, based on where the character of Felicity (Digby's fiance and the catalyst for much of the suspense in the story) hails from. They mention: "Elizabeth" for a suburb and my inner snob goes: 'aha, I get it.'Like other reviewers - I also enjoyed the character of Granny B... she's a tough old bird, and the author gives her some great lines.And I loved the food and wine... man these characters can cook!While my personal taste runs to books that are a little rougher or dirtier, in characters and language... which isn't to say Ms Hein doesn't drop the F-bomb here or there... I think I just like my books with a touch more 'mongrel' in them - so it's purely personal preference as to why this wasn't a 5-star read for me.If you enjoy sweet stories, particularly family-based sagas, I think this book would be a perfect choice.