Michael Noonan (1) (1921–2000)

Based on characters from Great Expectations, in this novel Pip tries to solve the mystery of what happened to Abel Magwitch's treasure. There are two ways in which a mystery can make me hate it. The first is by presenting clues that allow the reader to easily solve the mystery while the main character, who is presented with same clues, isn't able to solve the mystery and spends much time agonizing over it. The second is when the reader is presented with no clues and therefore doesn't have a chance to solve the mystery before the whole thing is solved in one fell swoop at the end. This book managed to do both of these things at once. On top of that the characters were flat and poorly developed and tended to do randomly unexpected things. While readable, I didn't enjoy this book very much.… (mere)

I thought this book was terrific, I want to see the movie on DVD to see how it was changed for the screen. Five(?) boys from an oorphanage go on a beach holiday with a foster family. The elderly foster parents leave the boys to their own devices and they discover the beach for the first time; just as they become immersed in the local towns cameraderie, they are returned. An amusing subplot runs through the novel, as each boy fantasises about being adopted by the whimsical Teresa and motorcycle riding Fearless. In order to be the lucky only one adopted, the child must form a strategy for getting rid of their other companions, or specialise in a skill that Teresa desires.… (mere)

This title is in the news big-time at the moment – made into a feature movie, it stars Daniel Radcliffe in his first non-Harry-Potter screen performance. Such an amazing choice of roles for him – this adaptation of an old Aussie novel!

The book itself was first published way back in 1963, and was Commended for the Miles Franklin Award. It’s a deeply moving story, tinged with humour and adventure, about four young orphans who have grown up in a Catholic orphanage. The boys are coming to realise that the possibility of them being chosen for adoption is starting to pass them by. They get to spend Christmas at the seaside, a treat that can’t even be diminished by their home-made, flour-sack converted, swimming costumes. At the beach they meet up with a childless couple who are planning to adopt, and the four boy’s bond of friendship is tested by their competition to be the one chosen.

This is a lovely snapshot of this time in Australian history – so many little details giving such an interesting feel to the story. The humour certainly helps to balance out the incredibly sad feeling I had for these orphan boys, so innocent of the poverty of their lives and experiences, and so full of hope and optimism for their futures. At times I found the language and style of the author quite dated, but in context this is not a major concern.

Well worth the read – a coming of age story, exploring themes of friendship, rivalry and belonging.… (mere)