Book review: Kim Lock The Other Side of Beautiful, HQ Fiction, an imprint of Harlequin Enterprises, Australia, 2021.
The preface to Kim Lock’s novel explains her preference for the term ‘nervous breakdown’ to describe depression in a way that anticipates the sufferer’s capacity to achieve a positive outcome: a ‘break through’. Mercy Blain accomplishes this in The Other Side of Beautiful, but not before the debilitating descriptions of her affliction become real, frightening, understandable and poignant to the reader. The journey to Mercy’s break though is undertaken from Adelaide to Darwin in a small vintage caravan with her dachshund, Wasabi. Books: Reviews
Presidential Address
I watched the full address on MNSBC, and wondered where Sky News finds its headlines about President Joe Biden. He was articulate, informative , empathetic, and obviously thrilled to see two women for the first time in the positions taken by Vice President Kamala Harris and Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.
The address covered the way in which his and the Vice President’s aspirations for the first 100 days have been fulfilled and their immediate future plans. President Biden’s overall theme was hope, something that most Facebook respondents have appreciated. Most are well aware that Biden spoke the truth when he said that he ‘inherited a nation in crisis’, citing the pandemic and the attack on democracy in the onslaught on the Capitol on January 6 2021. He said that ‘After just 100 days – I can report to the nation. America is on the move again. Turning peril into possibility. Crisis into opportunity. Setback into strength’.
The major announcement was a proposed expenditure of $2.3 trillion on items such as the beginning of a plan for free education for all Americans to be increased by four years, with the introduction of two years publicly funded pre-school and two years of funded community college; lower childcare costs for low to middle income families; jobs; and hope that Congress will take action on gun reform.
The address is available on YouTube.
Polling shows the following responses to President Joe Biden’s Address:
Steve Kornacki (MNSBC) provided the following information on President Biden’s ratings after 100 days:
Kornacki noted the change that has taken place in the response of the opposition party to the President i.e. the increase in polarisation in the electorate. The red figures (42% and 52%) in the bottom photograph show the disapproval amongst votes of the opposing party, in the cases of President Biden and former President Trump.
Romance Writing – some perspectives
Valerie Parv, a prolific romance writer (34 million books sold), has died, and The Conversation writer, Jodi McAlister, Deakin University, has written an article on her and her work. The Conversation, April 30, 2021 (the conversation.com). This is a fascinating article, and I have only resisted the temptation to reproduce it here under The Conversation’s generous policy because of its length. It does not deserve to be truncated, the many cover pictures of Parv’s work are as informative as the words written by McAlister, so even they must stand.
Instead, I recall a marvellous experience years ago at the Third Women and Labour Conference, held in Adelaide in 1982. A crowd of us had just left a serious talk, and upon walking past another lecture room with people still in attendance, were greeted with gales of laughter. The talk was about Mills and Boon novels and was obviously a hit with the audience. I have searched unsuccessfully for my papers and publications from the conference so cannot provide any information on the title or presenter of this obviously successful part of the program. A few years later, Mills and Boon novels were a topic in my Cultural Studies course at Murdoch University. Around the same time, a reader told me how sometimes what I would see as their sexist portrayal of relationships, only cemented her views on how she be treated – ‘much better than an M&B woman’. Although I did not write about romance novels as a genre in my cultural studies thesis, I did defend populist women writers – and what a great time I had reading their work.
Parv said, ‘I believe in romance’, and McAlister has mounted a lively discussion on how Parv projected this belief through her novels.
Populist Leaders Do Badly in Dealing with the Pandemic – see Ishaan Tharoor with Claire Parker writing on this topic in The Washington Post. You can sign up for the free newsletter. Other topics in this week’s edition cover the relationship between the US and Canada over oil; North Korea and Biden; Japan and the Olympic Games; Loyalty and Trump.
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Cindy Lou Reviews: Berrima café, hotel bistro and motel
The Magpie Café in Berrima is a wonderful stop over for morning or after noon tea, and lunch. There is outdoor seating as well as well spaced tables inside. White table cloths – delightful. The last time I saw cakes displayed in such luscious variety was in Lucca, Italy. Tea is served in pots – with a tea strainer: not a tea bag in sight. Service is prompt and charming. My palmier was crisp, with a lovely sugary crunch , and far too large to finish. In the past I have enjoyed the date scones with their generous serving of butter; and the warm and flavoursome pumpkin soup with a serving of crusty bread.
The Surveyor Hotel, Berrima, refers to itself as ‘A traditional 1834 pub offering modest guestrooms, plus a bistro and a beer garden. I was pleased to try the hotel for my last meal in Berrima on this occasion.
Although the ‘last barramundi’ available that night was tempting, I chose the grilled chicken, vegetables and choice of sauce (after I asked for the advertised chipotle to be served on the side). What a delightful response from the friendly staff member – I could have whatever I wanted! The chicken was so succulent I really needed nothing. The mash was smooth, the vegetables crisp and the chicken generous. Service was prompt and friendly. Seating was reasonably comfortable and the bistro spacious. A happy loud group at the front, and quieter couples in a warm space beyond the serving section, were easily accommodated.
Bakehouse Motel, Berrima.
In keeping with Covid restrictions, reception has changed its method of contacting guests. We received a text message with all the information we needed for our stay. We were also fortunate enough to see Natalie as we sat waiting for the 2.00 o’clock check in (in comfortable outdoor seating near our room) and were let in early.
I have always enjoyed staying in this motel in Berrima. This occasion was even better. The room, a courtyard queen, had been refurbished and was really lovely. The most basic features – comfortable bed, good linens, a clean bathroom with enough towels and nice toiletries (no horrid bottle on the wall, real soap, shampoo and conditioner, and even a shower cap) were appreciated. However, the extras for a motel accommodation really made this stay a pleasure. There is a full length mirror, good hanging space, a pleasant colour scheme, and lighting and a bedside table on both sides of the bed. The air-conditioning was quiet and effective. Furniture includes a table and chairs and sofa, there is a fridge, electric jug, cups and saucers as well as mugs, bowls and cutlery. Biscuits – including a short bread cream (which I do not dare buy as I would eat the whole packet immediately). Cereals and real milk are available in the guest kitchen where there are microwaves, and additional cutlery and crockery. The barbeque area was being used as we passed on our way to eat out , the joyful crowd with pleasant music lent a deservedly festive air to this very pleasant overnight stay.
Robin's Room 