This book is the story of the "Ticonderoga" an American clipper ship that set sail from Liverpool in August 1852 bound for the city of Melbourne, in tThis book is the story of the "Ticonderoga" an American clipper ship that set sail from Liverpool in August 1852 bound for the city of Melbourne, in the fledgling colony of Victoria, Australia. When the ship arrived three months later it was a veritable plague ship - typhus had broken out onboard.
This is the story of that voyage, but is is also a story about people. Those that survived the voyage from hell, and those that did not. It is also a sort of love story: to Dr. James William Henry Veitch, assistant ship's surgeon, and Annie Morrison, a woman from Scotland, who helped nurse the sick and dying. They became the great-great-grandparents of Michael Veitch, the author of the book.
The book is well researched and well written. The Ticonderoga's ill-fated passage is carefully documented, from the arrival of its passengers at the embarkation centre in Liverpool, until it's arrival in Australia, and beyond.
Powerful and moving, the book gives the reader a close look at what it was for poor immigrants in the middle of the 19th century.
Highly recommended for anyone interesting in Australian history, maritime history, 19th century history, or true stories of the human condition....more
In "The Spotted Dog" Corinna and Daniel have a new case: dognapping. The dog of a retired army veteranThe much awaited new novel from Kerry Greenwood.
In "The Spotted Dog" Corinna and Daniel have a new case: dognapping. The dog of a retired army veteran has been snatched from him, and he left battered. Someone has broken into the flat of Professor Dionysus Monk. There is a ransomware attack on the cafe. And worse is to come.
I admit to being a little wary as it has been a long time between the last Corinna and this one. I shouldn't have worried, "The Spotted Dog" is pure Kerry Greenwood snark from page one. I particular liked the exchanged about zebras and the "protective custard".
Hard to read without thinking of Mr Bumble's diatribe about the law in "Oliver Twist".
Depressing in a lot of parts. 2.5The memoirs of Bill Hosking QC.
Hard to read without thinking of Mr Bumble's diatribe about the law in "Oliver Twist".
Depressing in a lot of parts. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 on the basis of the courtroom humour section at the end that stopped the book from being a complete emotional bummer....more
Interesting anthology of stories that see Sherlock Holmes and John Watson investigating crimes in 19th century Australia.
Like all anthologies, some stInteresting anthology of stories that see Sherlock Holmes and John Watson investigating crimes in 19th century Australia.
Like all anthologies, some stories are better than others. Narrelle Harris' story was my favourite, but I mostly found that, for me, Holmes and Watson fit better in foggy London, not scorching Australia....more
Les Twentyman is well known to Melburnians as a man with a great heart, endless compassion, and a mouth that won't stop moving! He could talk underwatLes Twentyman is well known to Melburnians as a man with a great heart, endless compassion, and a mouth that won't stop moving! He could talk underwater with a mouth full of marbles!
Les is also a tireless worker for the battler, the underpriviledged, and those who generally get the short end of the stick.
"The Mouth that Roared" is his story. Not so much of his personal life, but of how he became the champion of the underdog that he is.
Fantastic book that is readable, enjoyable, and has Les' attitude stamped all over it.
I'd heard a lot about this book, but wasn't particularly interested, until I found a free copy deliberately left at a tram stop. Seeing as it was freeI'd heard a lot about this book, but wasn't particularly interested, until I found a free copy deliberately left at a tram stop. Seeing as it was free, I decided to give it a go.
I'm glad I did. It's a densely woven novel of the lives of women in a Sydney beachside suburb. All sweetness and light on the surface, but underneath it's like a duck frantically paddling, going nowhere, and churning up the pond weed.
The story circles around Madeline, Celeste, and Jane. Three very different women, with very different lives. Nothing that you see is the reality.
All the strands of the story zip about a timeline, converging on the events of a trivia night held at the school.
Brilliantly done. I am now going in search of other books by Liane Moriarty....more
Murray Whelan is a Victorian state MP in shadow government going nowhere fast.
Drought conditions mean the level of a lake drops enouAbsolute fun read.
Murray Whelan is a Victorian state MP in shadow government going nowhere fast.
Drought conditions mean the level of a lake drops enough for bones to be discovered. The possible bones of a trade unionist believed drowned years ago. Only problem is, this skeleton looks like its been shot!
A twitchy party apparatchik gets Murray to investigate.
Massively fun to read, especially for a Victorian like myself. When the state premier Kenneth Geoffries is mentioned in passing, and, by description, is obviously the then premier Jeffery Kennett.
The political machinations of the book are interesting too.
Possibly the best Murray Whelan novel of the lot. A rare 5 stars from me....more
Let's get one thing perfectly straight. John Farnham is nice. Really nice. I'm talking pictures of kittens on the internet nice.
However, nice does notLet's get one thing perfectly straight. John Farnham is nice. Really nice. I'm talking pictures of kittens on the internet nice.
However, nice does not make for a terrifically readable biography, for Jeff Apter had an uphill battle to start with.
Though by spicing it with the troubles of John's manager Glenn Wheatley, Apter managed to create an enjoyable read. Even if I did feel like I should be drinking cocoa and wearing warm fluffy slippers as I did so.
I do have one niggle. Over use of the expression "rusted-on" to describe John's fanbase got completely on my wick by the time I'd finished the book.
I learned some things about John I didn't know, and came away from the book with my regard for John Farnham higher than it was before.
Highly recommended to anyone who has an interest in John's career, or the Australian music industry, or just likes a feel good read....more
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