Two fiction books are reviewed this week, Ilsa Evans, The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer and Miranda Rijks What She Knew; and one non-fiction, Rosemary Griggs’ A Woman of Noble Wit, Matador 2021. All of these books were provided to me by NetGalley, as uncorrected proofs, in exchange for honest reviews.
Ilsa Evans The Unusual Abduction of Avery Conifer, HQ Fiction, 2021.
There is so much to recommend this novel. The social comment around domestic violence is treated with sensitivity, drawing out the complexities, but acknowledging that whatever they may appear to be, action to prevent such violence is non-negotiable. Characters are flawed, but most have likeable qualities, or at least those that can be understood. Avery, the subject of the title, is appealing, carefully and realistically depicted, with none of the annoying qualities that so often hamper the characterisation of fictional children. The plot is a combination of fun and gravity. Overall, I found this a stimulating, and enjoyable read, laughing aloud at times, but always appreciating the seriousness of the motivation for two grandmothers, and a great grandmother to take their grandchild away on what could have been, in less able hands, a high-speed car chase or a similarly dramatic and unrealistic endeavour. Instead, Isla Evans opts for inadequate accommodation near an Australian country town. Books: Reviews
Miranda Rijks What She Knew Inkubator Books, 2021.
My first Miranda Rijks, and it shall not be my last. What She Knew is a satisfying read, with a title that resonates with the content, and a very smart combination of domestic drama and crime. The characters are believable, with no great potholes in their motivation and their representation. None made me wonder why they behaved as they did, each was devised to play his or her role with meticulous attention to the situation, event, or relationship.Books: Reviews
Rosemary Griggs A Woman of Noble Wit Matador, 2021.
Rosemary Griggs takes her title from the description of Katherine Champernownes (c1519-1594) in The Book of Martyrs, under her name upon her second marriage, Katherine Raleigh. The attributed phrase appears well into this fictional account of Katherine, ‘our heroine’ as Griggs designates her in the ‘cast list’ at the end of the book. However, it is used on several earlier occasions to emphasise one of the influential characteristics of the woman who wanted more from life than that determined by her gender and the times. Books: Reviews
Covid update in Canberra after lockdown lifted
New cases recorded on the 23rd December reflect the increases observed in most states of Australia since the advent of the Omicron variant. The eighty five cases is a record for the ACT. The number of Covid patients in hospital remains at three, and none is in intensive care or ventilated. Masks are being worn, as mandated, inside, and in the majority of cases I observed this morning, by choice in the street.
There have been 5215 negative tests received in the 24 hours to 9am on the 23rd.
Cases reported on 24th December – 102. People continue to wear masks where they are mandatory, but also on the street in shopping areas.
Cases reported on 26th, 27th and 28th December – 71 new cases, 189 new cases and 252 new cases. Testing Centres are now prioritising those at the highest risk of exposure to Covid 19. On December 29th , 138 new cases were recorded.
Cindy Lou reviews two Canberra restaurants – fortunately she was able to eat out on several occasions before the Omicron variant made doing so far less attractive.
Braddon Merchant is an attractive venue, a very short walk from the Eloura Street light rail station – just over the road. Taking advantage of this was a delight – two glasses of the champagne, sold by the glass. Although there was a high level of chatter and laughter, the noise level was moderated by the environment. It was easy to talk and hear each other despite reasonably large groups close by. Staff were pleasant, efficient, and informative. The menu provides for two or three courses to be ordered (with several choices in each course). When I was unable to order a dessert – yes, the first two courses were delicious and generous – the waitperson suggested that an option for our next visit would be to order a shared entrée and desert, and a main course: two courses, but even more choice. This sort of staff suggestion is such an asset to a restaurant – with this type of friendliness why would one not return?
My entrée was the asparagus with a luxurious egg on top of crisp asparagus, a delicious sauce and wasabi leaves.
The second entrée was pork neck, pork skin, beetroot and leaves, with mustard and jus.
Barramundi with artichokes. The skin was crisp and the fish succulent – some of the nicest fish I have been served recently.
My friend’s main course, with pasta, courgettes, and broth was also delicious.
Another visit to Tilley’s was fun with friends. My prawns in a light pastry with a sweet chilli dip, and a friend’s crisply battered fish were very good indeed. However, the courgette fritters (pictured a couple of weeks ago) won the day again for the other diners. A crisp colourful salad made an excellent accompaniment.
Last week’s delicious gelato was at Gelobar.
Northern Land Council 21 December 2021
David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu’s journey home begins.
On Saturday 18 December, Rirratjingu Clan Cultural Ambassador, Witiyana Marika, gathered local family and friends to mark the start of renowned actor David Gulpilil’s journey home.
Witiyana paid his respects to David Gulpilil, and sent him on his journey home by singing his story: his clan estate, his name, his land, his tree, his waterhole. Witiyana acknowledged the great mark David Gulpilil had made, his achievements as a Yolngu movie-star and his role in bringing greater understanding about Yolngu culture to wider Australia.
David Gulpilil Ridjimiraril Dalaithngu’s cultural funeral will be held on-country during the 2022 dry season.
Further details will be released in due course.
Exhibits at the Ian Potter Centre Melbourne
Items from A Possum Skin Cloak On Country Series by Lorraine Connelly -Northey
Robin's Room 
Braddon Merchant looks delicious, definitely keen to go and try that barramundi one day.
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Great, I thought that it could be something that appealed. The Burnt Mango dessert looked good as it was taken to other tables, too.
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