The Anatomy of Truth

by Kate Wild

When you've set your heart on something, imagined it's yours, do you just stand by and watch as someone takes it from you? And what if your rival is your best the virginal one, the ordinary one? What if you know you've been wronged? Janey Dwyer sits on a makeshift stage built in the centre of a tired Australian country town. Her hands and feet are bound; cars circle the platform, headlights acting as an interrogator's lamp. The town has come to witness the entertainment of justice delivered. On high, Janey tells a wild tale of power, friendship and revenge, ultimately driving the town's people and the reader to a desperate conclusion in this modern-day witch hunt. Sinister and provocative, The Anatomy of Truth is a compelling novel which explores both the nature of truth and power—who tells it and who uses it—and the darker places of the human soul.

250 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Zac Stojcevski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve got through this book on the third attempt. I had to pull away. People can be ugly, particularly in a mob and particularly in rural communities in Australia. At times, the sing song taunting, teasing, lack of boundaries and intertwining of everybody’s business was overwhelming. Gollum meets Misery at times in small town Lord of the Flies. It’s raw, ugly and brutal and not something you can really have Carpenters songs in the background. Low level revulsion pervades for the reader and the grimy loathing and self loathing of the characters. Nick Cave to do the soundtrack if ever dramatised.

A criticism is perhaps the author’s attempt to write THE NOVEL which may have drained her from subsequent substantial works - I hope not.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather weird book. Felt like the author wanted it to be really "shocking" and threw everything at it. It didn't really work for me. I did finish it though, just to see how it ended.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

How this book is not more popular, I do not know. I implore all people to read it.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so good. I'm so sad that there's not more from this author.