The book reviewed this week is Apple Tree Yard which has been offered on NetGalley together with Lousie Doughty’s latest novel, A Bird in Winter. I ended the earlier review, published in one of my first blogs, with the comment that I would look for more of Doughty’s work. I have been remiss in not doing so – and have missed such opportunities to read some engaging and thoughtful novels. I am pleased to have now read A Bird in Winter, and am looking forward to reading all the work before and in between these excellent novels.
Louise Doughty Apple Tree Yard Faber & Faber 2017.
Is this the story of an affair or a marriage? Ostensibly, the main protagonists are Yvonne Carmichael, eminent scientist and X, a spook. The novel begins with them in the dock, we are not sure why, but we do know that we feel afraid for them. The reader is then drawn into the first meeting and their relationship. Illicit sex is driving force for both, and this relationship becomes pivotal in the novel, with Yvonne’s nighttime letters to X, her meetings with him, some sexual and later, some caring. Throughout the novel other characters seemingly provide a backdrop, Guy, the husband and Carrie and Adam, Yvonne’s adult children. However, by the end of the novel, the resolution of the trial and affair, it is Yvonne’s marriage, troubled though it may be, that provides the focus of her thoughts. Books: Reviews
Covid in Canberra
There have been 244,173 cases since March 2020. This week (ending 14 July, 2023) there have been 204 new cases. Eleven people are in hospital with Covid with 2 in ICU and 1 ventilated. Three lives have been lost.
Cindy Lou eats at the coast
Berny’s Fish and Chips was a delightful find at Batehaven. The friendliness was only surpassed by the quality of the meal. The chips were crips and succulent and the fish with its light batter so much better than anything I have had since the Benito fish meals in New York and LA. There is outside seating and parking close by. The hamburger (complete with beetroot) was bought for the non- fish eater at the next-door cafe. They also provided the coffees pictured below.
The variety of pastries at Three 666 Espresso Bar is amazing. We had a splendid breakfast there with good coffees before beginning our travel homewards. This cafe has a large menu offering cooked meals, and a large range of sandwiches and rolls. A huge breakfast here is a must for each visit to Lilli Pilli (although we did not indulge on this occasion because we needed to be on our way, two might be needed on our next visit). The outdoor wood fire was a lovely touch.
Station Coffee House Mittergong
Arriving late in Mittergong we found that many eating places were closed. Fortunately, Station Coffee House remains open until 4.00 on Sunday, with its kitchen operating until 3.00. The beef salad and chicken salad were excellent – full of flavour, the meat beautifully cooked and the salad generous. The cakes we bought to have with the very good coffees had to be parceled up and taken back to the motel for supper.
The Mittergong Motel makes provision for dogs to stay. We were happy to take advantage of this opportunity to take Leah to the coast, through Wollongong to take a friend to the station for her train to Sydney, and to walk and sleep in Mittergong. What we did not expect was such a friendly and pleasant place to stay. The motel provides typical Australian country town accommodation. However, the room was particularly nice with a fantastic shower, comfortable bed and good air conditioning. Breakfast was complimentary and provided buffet style to be taken back to the room for cooking and eating -yoghurt, cereals, fresh fruit, fresh milk, white and wholemeal bread and orange juice. Coffee, tea and biscuits were provided in the room. There were pleasant walks in the vicinity, enjoyed by the three of us.
Australian National Museum
I was fortunate to have a reason to visit the museum recently, to introduce an American visor to its lovely location on Lake Burley Griffin and, of course, the exhibitions. There is such an improvement in the latter! Although I have visited on many occasions, this time I was most impressed, and happy to consider returning to enjoy more of what is now on show at the museum.
The museum is located in beautiful bushland.
There was a special exhibition which needed to wait for another visit. This exhibition from the British Museum explores how goddesses, demons, witches, spirits and saints have shaped our understanding of the world. Discover Feminine Power through the Ages. Until 27 August 2023, costs apply.
Some of the exhibits we did see are pictured below. The Indigenous Gallery is a joy to wander through, and there will be more photos from the portion I saw next week.
Robin's Room 