3.5 ⭐️(rnd down⬇️ — I wound-up reading this one — against the odds really — for two reasons; 1) My Mother wanted to know if it was any good to see if 3.5 ⭐️(rnd down⬇️ — I wound-up reading this one — against the odds really — for two reasons; 1) My Mother wanted to know if it was any good to see if she should invest her rare TV time in the show 2) acid I happened to have a copy I’d picked-up at a bargain for $4 as part of one of my customary yet continually absolutely ridiculously sized book-hauls a year or so ago. In any event I’m glad I did, as not only do I cherish every bit of Australian-Fiction I am able to read, but also because there were numerous moments and passages where LM landed a jab to the jugular — to the father of 4 in me — that gave me pause.
In her 2021 Family-focused mystery "Apples Never Fall," Liane Moriarty delves into the complex & somewhat clouded weave of familial relationships with her — apparent, or so I’ve read — trademark verve and a keen psychological eye. The narrative orbits around the Delaneys—Joy and Stan, a couple united by their past as tennis coaches, and their four adult children. The sudden disappearance of Joy serves as the catalyst that unravels the tightly knit family fabric, revealing fissures that time and outward appearances have masked. LM also manages to throw in some quite unusual humour that I found enjoyable and this felt worth throwing in.
Moriarty deftly alternates between past and present, weaving a rich tapestry of the Delaneys' collective and individual histories. This dual timeline is not merely a structural choice but a strategic one, illuminating the profound impact of long-held secrets and familial bonds on one's identity and choices. The narrative architecture she employs allows for a deep exploration of the characters' psyches, with each chapter peeling back layers to reveal deeper truths.
Her portrayal of Joy and Stan captures the complexity of a long marriage, highlighting both the tenderness and the resentments that can accumulate over decades. The children, characterized by their distinct personalities and life choices, reflect the varied ways individuals carry and reshape family legacies. Moriarty's skill in character development shines here, presenting characters that are flawed, relatable, and deeply human.
The insertion of Savannah, a mysterious figure with a troubled past, into the Delaney household introduces an element of suspense and serves as a mirror reflecting the family’s hidden fractures. While her role is pivotal, it occasionally feels contrived, as though her primary function is to propel the plot rather than to exist as a fully fleshed out entity within the story.
Moriarty’s prose is imbued with a sharp wit and a clear, resonant voice that captures the nuances of Australian suburban life. The dialogues crackle with authenticity, weaving humor and pathos seamlessly. However, the resolution of the narrative, while providing closure, seems overly tidy. The intricate setup promises a denouement that could potentially unsettle yet ultimately veers towards the conventional, slightly diminishing the novel’s otherwise acute questioning of the idealized family unit.
This novel really excels in its vivid and honest portrayal of modern life’s complexities, rendered with both precision & a genuinely adroit level of empathy. Moriarty offers not just a mystery but a profound commentary on the dynamics of love, rivalry, and redemption within a family. The novel is a compelling blend of suspense and deep emotional truth, confirming Moriarty's place as a masterful storyteller in contemporary fiction. Though its conclusion might not satisfy all, the journey there is richly rewarding, a testament to Moriarty’s prowess in dissecting the intricacies of the ordinary. So, yes — I told my mother to invest her soaring but dedicated TV time to the Sam Neill effort & suggested she stream it in good chunks, but with numerous sessions to ensure she soak-up what I hope to be a true to the novel portrayal that hits hard where it counts!
I may round this up to 4 ⭐️ — but I’ll have to review my marginalia, which ergo is very minimal in comparison to anything else I’ve read this year.. hmmm — but it is 3.5 rounded down for now (which is basically a 3.49, I’m annoying I know). Definitely one to read for anyone whom enjoys a family drama that’s got a hefty-mystery element....more
3.25 ⭐️ — This Aussie lark is close to being a truly good novel. It has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and the characters are themselves just so uni3.25 ⭐️ — This Aussie lark is close to being a truly good novel. It has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and the characters are themselves just so uniquely Australian in terms of their humour, it’s a book I read in many short sessions over a couple of months, wearing a smile each and every session I’m quite sure.
"Deadly Kerfuffle" emerges as a near brilliant, captivating, & delightfully humorous novel, drawing inspiration from genuine and absolutely hilarious letters to the editor in a local Aussie newspaper. With sharp wit, a memorable ensemble cast that are each able to hold their own, it offers a poignant commentary, without garrulity, on the peculiar brand of paranoia that truly thrives in seemingly tranquil & secure environments. Through biting, hardly sagacious yet still wonderful satire, the narrative sheds light on the absurdities of human nature and the bizarre scenarios that unfold in the most unsuspecting locales. As the plot unfolds, readers are treated to a rollercoaster ride of hilarity and intrigue, making "Deadly Kerfuffle" a must-read for fans of intelligent comedy and keen social observation.
Expanding on this, the novel skillfully navigates the fine line between humor and insight, offering not only laughter but also moments of introspection. The characters, with their eccentricities & uniquely Australian quirks, leap off the page, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Moreover, the exploration of paranoia in ostensibly safe environments serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of human psychology and the fragility of societal norms.
In saying all of the above, it can get a little bit one-paced at times, reading like a talk-show transcript of sorts, which is largely fine, if a tad one-dimensional. The novel does lack that final bit of polish, or more accurately perhaps would be to say, flexibility in its narrative, that is yearning for a slight diversion to help further highlight its commentary on racism, casual racism, odd social-norms we Aussies take as part & parcel of our culture. A single chapter that helps divert attention from the ongoing satire would’ve been highly welcomed here, serving to illustrate the authors point even more sharply, with a deft touch, a feather flap, in some subtly for potency. I found myself unable to read more than 20-pages without needing to put it down - which is the best way to read a book like this kind you - even if I didn’t want to, I just had to such was the one-paced narrative.
In its blend of comedy and social commentary, "Deadly Kerfuffle" stands as a testament to the power of literature to both entertain and provoke thought, leaving a lasting impression on readers long after the final page is turned....more
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