The Golden Land

by Di Morrissey

With a loving husband and two small children, Natalie is happy with her lot in life. While helping her mother move house, she finds a little box containing a Burmese artefact. When Natalie learns its unique history in a letter left by her great-great uncle, it sparks off an interest in its country of origin and her uncle’s unfulfilled plans.

Her investigations collide with her own rapidly changing circumstances and become the catalyst for a moral dilemma that challenges the foundations of her marriage as she finds herself immersed in two very different golden lands.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Audiobook

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2012

About the author

Di Morrissey (born 18 March 1943 in Wingham, New South Wales) is one of Australia's most popular female novelists. She grew up in the remote surrounds of Pittwater, north of Sydney, Australia.

Growing up she counted famous Australian actor Chips Rafferty as a close mentor and friend who helped provide for her and her mother after the death of her father as a child, sending them overseas to California to live with family.

In her later years, Di went on to become a journalist on London's Fleet Street, and worked for CBS in Honolulu, where she lived with her husband who was in the foreign service, and even had a small role in the series Hawaii Five-0, a guest role in season three, episode seven, 1970 starring as 'Alicia Anderson'.

After moving back to Australia, Di published her first book 'Heart of the Dreaming' which instantly became a bestseller. Since then Di has published another 17 bestsellers, her latest being 'The Silent Country'.

Reviews

[Suz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't recall ever reading a Di Morrissey book I didn't like, so I was surprised when almost straight away it didn't click with me. The dialogue between the main character and her husband was terrible, really wooden and extremely forced. This being the case, it made me be a harsher judge of everything else to come. It was good for me to come across a subject I did not know much about as I love learning, but it was told through a dull main character. Most of the dialogue was boring in fact, which is surprising to say the least! My opinion is that her earlier work is so much better. I was disappointed as through the entire read I wanted to stop, but didn't through loyalty I think!

[Sue Gerhardt Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐️s


I always come away a little more wiser after reading one of Di Morrissey’s books and this one was no different.

What a fantastic read! I was so riveted by the story of Burma and Natalie.

A moving tale.


Audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by: Bolinda audio
Read by David Tredinnick
Duration: 12 hrs, 17 min. 1.25x Speed

[Olivia Moore · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hated this novel. I was actually shocked about how badly this was written. I have never read a Di Morrissey book and when it was our next book in bookclub I thought I would put my book snobbery aside and read one of Australia's most famous modern authors. I wish I hadn't. The language was so wooden and lacklusture I skimmed through the last half of the book just so I could start my next novel in my "to read" pile.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

With the exception of The Opal Desert, I’m afraid the last few novels from Di Morrissey have not been for me. I adore all her older books though. The Golden Land is just an ok, easy read, and if you like learning about the political difficulties that are faced in Burma, you might enjoy it, but for me I was not gripped by this one. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, and felt at times it was a bit of a slog to keep going. Disappointing…….

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with previous reviewers that this book is not great literature, however, I do think it's a good vehicle for introducing Burma / Myanmar through the eyes of an Australian woman. Just reading guides books does not convey as much of the human warmth and special place Buddhism has in Burmese society - so despite the admittedly wooden prose, I still thought it was worth reading.

[Charmaine Whyte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I particularly liked discovering Myanmar, a country I know little about. I continued thinking about this book days after finishing it.

[Tina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, so where to start? This was much worse than I thought it would be. No idea why she is so popular. Kimberley Freeman does this sort of story so much better. But anyway....

Basic story is about a woman (married with 2 young kids and another on the way) who finds a kammavaca, a Burmese artefact with script and painting on it, in some of her great uncle's stuff that is to be thrown away. She rescues it and discovers it has some value and an interesting history. Right, so that sounds interesting. THAT is what the book should have been about. Instead there were 250 odd pages at the beginning that said basically nothing. She wonders around asking people about this artefact, discusses it with all and sundry. Then her husband loses his job and she thinks she should sell it so they can renovate their house. I was much more interested in the history of the artefact, maybe a bit of Burmese history. There was a fair bit of discussion about current events in Burma/Myanmar, but the history could have been interesting. And more about her uncle would have been good. He was a photojournalist in Burma in the 1920s - that had to be an exciting time, right?

And don't get me started on her husband. I feel like Morrissey can't really write male characters. He was pretty insipid. I actually thought he was going to come out as gay at one stage. He goes off the work in the mines (the job he later loses), then brings home one of his mining mates to stay with them. At that point I was sure he was going to tell her he was gay, but no... unfortunately.

The book picks up around page 250 when (spoiler, but it's an old book so keen fans will have already read it) she goes to Burma to return the artefact to the former princess of Burma. The description of Burma and feel of the country was great. I really enjoyed those last 100-150 pages. Though it did all wrap up a bit neatly in the end.

There is some suggestion that a secret might be hidden in the ancient Burmese text on the kammavaca. That could have also been a storyline. A bit of excitement around that, a bit of mystery. Then there is the dodgy art dealer following her and trying to get the kammavaca. Again, that could have been focused on more, built some tension and excitement. Instead it was all tedious domestic stuff about who got the kids breakfast.

I wonder where the editor was on this one. Or maybe it wasn't edited? So much superfluous text, dialogue that goes nowhere. At one stage I counted 10 pages of text that could have been cut down to a couple of sentences. Basically she goes and asks everyone she knows what they think about her selling the kammavaca. 10 wasted pages. No one tells her anything interesting, anything that moves the story along. Morrissey could have just written "Natalie discussed it with all her friends and family and no one gave her any useful advice". Done.

And then there is the layout of the book. The edition I read had good sized print - something my old failing eyes were very grateful for - but it also had dodgy, fuzzy black and white photos of temples and stupas at the beginning of every chapter. Really made it look like a self published book. And then there was the lack of breaks between scenes. One minute they're doing one thing, on the next line we've skipped a few days. Even an extra line between the paragraphs would have made it read more smoothly.

So, yeah, my first Di Morrissey book and I'm really not a fan. Maybe this is just not her best work? Not sure I have the time and patience to try another to find out though...

Read ahead of the Meet The Author event with Di Morrissey I'm running at Redcliffe Library on Thurs 19 Nov, 6.30pm - https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/sub...

[Jacquie South · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have not read anything by Di Morrissey before, and if this book is indicative of her work I probably won't bother reading another.
I conversations between characters were so forced and wooden it was painful. The characters were shallow and not particularly interesting or believable. The storyline veered between boring and rather unbelievable. Overall I felt like I was being force fed something (information about the plight of Burma and the Burmese people) I really wasn't interested in, in a way that just did nothing to stir my interest.
When you read some books you hardly feel as if you are reading. You are so absorbed in the life of the book you just live it. This was completely the opposite of that. I was aware with every word that I was 'reading a book'.
Disappointing.

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost gave up reading Di Morrissey’s The Golden Land but in the end I kept going. It wasn't a riveting read by any means but it was an interesting look at the Burmese community in Australia, of 21st century Myanmar (Burma), its people and political struggles. The story starts with the illustration of a special illustrated Kammavaca which is given to the last king of Burma, Thibaw, and is eventually sold by a member of the royal family under duress. When Natalie uncovers the kammavaca, she begins a journey of discovery and is challenged to return it to a descendant of King Thibaw.

Apart from the two prologues, the first 100 pages were very slow and painfully repetitive. Natalie does have to overcome some challenges - both on the home front and in Burma, but mostly what seems to drive the story is discoveries about Burma and (cultural) Buddhism and strong criticism of past British colonialism and current military junta.

While I do enjoy a familiar setting (the Gold Coast in this case), it felt more like a superficial backdrop with the focus always in faraway Burma. Maybe in part, this was due to vagueness in place names (in contrast to the Burmese section). The parts of the story in Burma were more interesting but often felt like a travelogue with cultural and political depth and it strongly pushed a particular point of view (not necessarily a wrong one, but without the nuances displayed in the other Di Morrissey book I've read.) Apart from holding on to a strong principled stand despite significant pressure and some hardship, Natalie is helped both others to achieve her goals - and the climax (the secret treasure) was a little underwhelming - not that I disagree with the ideas, just that it seemed somewhat contrived to support a certain position.

Overall, I did enjoy parts of this book but would have preferred a tighter and maybe more exciting read.

[Vikki Barker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first Di Morrissey novel. Perhaps I should have read an earlier one instead?
I found the dialogue between the husband and wife (Mark and Natalie) too lovey-dovey and wishy-washy. It was quite fake and annoying really.
Alot of the dialogue was repeated many times during the book.
None of the characters stood out and grabbed my attention. There were a few parts in the story that picked up pace a bit, but then it fell flat again.
Having said all this, I still finished the book, which means something got my attention to keep turning the page till the end. I'm just not quite sure what it was. It might have been that I wanted to know where the kammavaca ended up.

[Nadia Lynch · Rating 1 out of 5]

Half way through and finding this text excruciating. It is very slow and the character of Natalie is dull and boring. The conversational elements of the text with other key characters are extremely difficult to read as they just do not seem genuine-like a badly written play. Have given up on this one!

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm wondering if the editor went on holidays. The text was passive, dialogue used as information dumps and the characters incredibly one dimensional. I know this author is capable of better writing. Were the deadlines too strict? This story had glimpses of brilliance at the start and the end but the middle certainly sagged.

[Briony Sheather · Rating 2 out of 5]

The parts of the book that were set in Burma were interesting and insightful. Anything set on the Gold Coast seemed contradictory, like they were written by an amateur author rather than someone with Morrissey's vast experience. This was the first book of hers I have read and will probably be the last.

[Keren Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fact that when you read a Di Morrissey book, you will learn something! I loved reading about Burma, along with the story of Natalie and her family. My mother in law is from Burma, so this was particularly interesting for me. This is my favourite of Di's books so far.

[Kellie Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest edition to the Di Morrissey collection, I found this novel less engaging than others I have read by her. While the book was easy to read and similar to the journeys Di portrays in most of her books, it didn't captivate me this time around

[Catherine Fleming · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing , I have read all of Di's books and thought this particular book was without substance . :(

[D.A. Cairns · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first Di Morrisey novel and sadly, will most likely be my last. As Morrisey is a very well known and successful author, I'm hoping no offence will be taken by my negative review. There's nothing wrong with the writing, apart from being a little lacklustre, but the story simply failed to ignite. It was Better Homes and Gardens meets The Lonely Planet with too much mundane dialogue. The promising blurb mentioned, among other things, the main character facing great danger, but I did not feel any suspense. I was never concerned for her safety, and the mysterious artefact with a prophecy about a feminist revolution in Myanmar was a complete let down for me.

Whether I was wading through the characters' humdrum domesticity, or having a virtual tour of Myanmar, I felt like I was being asked, almost begged to support Myanmar's battle to restore democracy. Sure, it's a worthy cause but I think Morrisey crossed the line into preachiness.

In it's favour was very relatable characters and beautiful descriptions of what sounds like a wonderful country to visit. I did gain further insight into Myanmar's history and her political struggles as well.

[Kathy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not the best written book by di Morrissey. Quite simple language and naive in some ways. A bit of propaganda about Aung SAN Su Kyi and the pro democracy movement. However having recently visited Myanmar it was certainly interesting to read about the country and culture particularly as she mentions many of the places that we visited which are on the tourist route. Written in 2012 a lot seems to have changed in the country and whilst there is still undoubted poverty the country is moving ahead despite still strong influence by the military. It will be interesting to see how Aung SAN Su Kyi is viewed historically in relation to the treatment of the Rohingha people and their displacement. Our guide Nyni didn’t seem to want to talk too much politically.

[Carinya Kappler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a readable entertaining novel with quite a marked political message. Burma is a mysterious land, not a place where visitors or activists are welcomed. The author Di Morrissey uses her story of an inherited Burmese Artifact to illustrate the internal tensions and discrimination of minority groups which occur in Burma today.
Natalie is the Australian who makes the decision to return this treasure to its rightful owner. This is not a simple process. It is a decision that tests the will and integrity of Natalie and her family.
Interestingly with the benefit of hindsight the reader can see that political leaders weighed down with the onerous tasks of righting wrongs and curtailing corruption are not miracle makers.
Carinya

[Kerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read many other reviews of this novel and the ones that talk about lacklustre characters and being boring, pretty much sums it up for me. Some of the conversations between people were really not necessarily needed, it was just mundane family talk that we all have been through. I also found some parts very unbelievable and I love to learn while I read, but I certainly don’t want to ever travel to Burma as much as I feel sorry for its people. If this was a first novel for an author, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was not a follow through novel. At parts it didn’t even seem that Di Morrissey wrote it. I can’t recommend this book at all unless you want to learn a bit about the political and cultural side of Burma.

[Kerstin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ich weiß nicht, warum ich das Buch zu Ende gelesen habe. Vielleicht in der Hoffnung, es wird noch besser?
Anfänglich dachte ich, das Buch handelt in drei verschiedenen Zeitebenen. Das macht es nur auf den ersten Seiten. Ok... grundsätzlich kein Problem. Wären da nicht unaufgelöste Erzählstränge, die es wert gewesen wären, erzählt zu werden. Zum Beispiel: Was passierte mit Andrew? Was mit dem jungen Mönch?
Was mich aber noch mehr gestört hat, sind die wahnsinnig gestelzt klingenden Dialoge! Ich habe mich zeitweise fremdgeschämt.
Das war mein erstes Buch der Autorin und ich fürchte, auch das letzte.
Ein Stern dafür, dass ich etwas über die Geschichte Burmas/Myanmars gelernt habe.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. other reviews suggested it wasnt up to the authors usual writing but I love reading about Burmese culture. It was a good storyline, although different to what I expected from the blurb. I expected a marriage breakup which is why she went there- for self healing and a change in direction. Maybe that was my life! However the relationships were a sideline and not the main focus of the book which is fine. This was an easy book to read and I learnt a lot. I was left with the desire to help the Burmese so the novel achieved the aim of the characters in the storyline.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A gentle exploration of stressors in solid young marriages with children, dreams, health crises and financial disruptions to consider alongside the need for parallel individual growth of the adults.
The novel is used as a vehicle to set out some alarming concers regarding the history and modern genocide issues in present-day Myanmar (Burma) which ha e apparently become paramount to the author and her and her family.
Sincerely accomplished with the usual rounded finesse of this author. She is well able to blend the more usual with the unusual. The whole becomes an easily absorbed journey.

[Peter Boyd]

Started off reasonably interesting with the Uncle being based in Burma early during the last century.
Even then I detected strong anti British/Colonial slant. Which is OK in moderation.
Later on in the book the detailed history and the portrayal of the military junta as being brutal, particularly against women goes on and on.
I was wanting enjoy a work of fiction, well written with a good story.
If the author wants to make a political statement, fine, but don't suck me into reading work of fiction in the process.

[Joy Norman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It made me think of what we don't see until we are really inquisitive how fascinating it would be to fall upon this fascinating artefact!! The writing was clear, easy to read and also the black and white art that is it. Normally I would find this off putting however this added on the book . The family pulled together and participated in any they could.I think I might go and see if I have a kammavacas!. Great book great writer I would recommend this book to anyone

[Kat Ashworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A surprising and magical ending, worth getting through the middle. While well written and a necessary storyline of reality for many women with a growing family and day to day dilemma. It lacked the adventure and intrigue of the beginning and end. After finishing however I could very much see the import of the middle. And the satisfaction. It brings to think that such wonderful twists of fate can happen to almost anyone, if your willing to stay open, curious and kind.

[J S · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m no literature expert by any stretch of the imagination, but this book felt like someone trying to convey lots of interesting experiences and facts about Myanmar with a really shallow main character who went on about her renovations the whole time. The dialogue felt really unnatural. Disappointed as I wanted to enjoy learning about the culture and history. As others have said, the bits set in Myanmar are better.

[Jay Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book quite drawn out and lack luster to be honest. Enjoyed it to start with but half way through the book thought something exciting must happen soon but no, can't say I enjoyed it that much really I'm sorry to say but there was some general knowledge of Burma that I did gain. This author does do her ground work before writing her books so that part is good.

[Vicki Crossley · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first part of the book is rich in the history of Myanmar, which I enjoyed. But the story of Natalie and her home life was a bit drawn out. What made the book a little disappointing was the dialogue between characters. Di has not done this well. However it’s an easy read an an education in Myanmar history.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/10
It started out dead boring and I was close to not finishing it. All of the plot about her life in Australia was truly abysmal. But once she went to Burma it picked up quite a bit. While I enjoyed this latter part of the book it was not enough to overcome the issues of the former. If the first two thirds were condensed down to a single chapter the book would be much improved.