Recommendation 13+ A Distant Prospect
Quietly self-published in Australia in 2012, this richly-woven tale sees four school-age girls in 1928 Sydney overcoming the lasting impacts of the Great War on their families.
One girl is a childhood polio survivor, two have lost their mothers in tragic circumstances, and two their fathers, but music (they form a string quartet), friendship, and the sacrifices of adults reeling from war's effects, provide strength and support as they uncover a terrible secret, and ultimately find hope and identity, despite sadness and suffering yet to come.
Just selected for 2015 summer reading lists by a US education provider. Highly recommended for readers over 13.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0987435108
Video review from Good Reading Guide (2013):
https://youtu.be/NrBOMV57MO8
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Tiffany Swinton commented
A Distant Prospect is without a doubt one of the finest, most gripping novels I have read in a very long time. Annette has a profound ability to reach into the soul of her characters as they experience the trials and tribulations of adolescence. Using music and mathematics in a masterfully metaphoric way, Lucy and her friends come to life with a depth that I have only ever experienced from the great novelists of a bygone era such as Austen and Bronte. I could not put this book down – it brought tears to my eyes from both laughter and sadness as I followed Lucy’s journey from a troubled, frightened and angry teenager, grappling with the tragic loss of her mother and the affliction of polio, to a self-assured, audacious and witty young woman whose future knows no bounds. I can’t wait for the sequel.
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Anonymous commented
Thoroughly enjoyed this well written book. Momentum was maintained throughout the novel without any loss of sensitivity. I loved the way the main characters' personalilities developed through the novel amidst life's challenges and adversities. Highly recommended.
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laurie commented
I loved reading this very human dramatic yet lightly related tale of hearts as it mirrored my own search for closure in my battle with life and other bastsrds
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Jacinta commented
The characters in this story have such beautiful depth. They feel so real as we watch then make mistakes, grow, learn and love. It is a beautiful coming of age book, a great read for all mighty girls.
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Helen commented
A warm and moving story. You will laugh and cry with the characters. You feel their pains and struggles as well as their joys and achievements. Highly recommended reading.