Review: Slow going in parts but a strong finish
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2012
Overall I enjoyed this book but I found it a bit slow in places. The story starts in the past, during British Colonial days, then it moves to modern day Queensland and this is where it bogs down in parts. The interweaving of the life of Natalie and her family with the discovery of the Burmese relic seems awkward at times, but eventually the pace picked up, and I finally found the classic Di Morrissey magic that infuses all of her books and makes them so enjoyable.I think the reason the book is slow to build is that, uncharacteristically for this author, the introduction of the Burmese plight is heavier going than I would like to see. Don't get me wrong, the plight of ordinary Burmese people, particularly women, is dire indeed and I commend Di Morrissey for highlighting this issue in this book. However sometimes this topic overpowered the flow of the story and a couple of times I almost gave up reading it.I'm glad I persevered through those chapters because the rest of the book was delightful, especially once the story moved back to Burma. I loved the touch of mystery and the colourful setting. And when I reached the final page I had that wonderful sense of warm satisfaction that finishing a good book always brings to me.