What do you think?
Rate this book
Infinite Splendours
The incandescent new novel from the acclaimed Miles Franklin winner author of The Eye of the Sheep and The Choke.WINNER OF THE 2021 COLIN RODERICK AWARDLONGLISTED FOR THE 2021 MILES FRANKLIN LITERARY AWARDLawrence Loman is a bright, caring, curious boy with a gift for painting. He lives at home with his mother and younger brother, and the future is laid out before him, full of promise. But when he is ten, an experience of betrayal takes it all away, and Lawrence is left to deal with the devastating aftermath. As he grows into a man, how will he make sense of what he has suffered? He cannot rewrite history, but must he be condemned to repeat it? Lawrence finds meaning in the best way he knows. By surrendering himself to art and nature, he creates beauty - beauty made all the more astonishing and soulful for the deprivation that gives rise to it. Infinite Splendours is an extraordinary novel, incandescent with love and compassion, rich in colour and character. The power and virtuosity of Laguna's writing make it impossible for us to look away; by being seen, Lawrence is redeemed. And we, as readers, have had our minds and hearts opened in ways we can't forget.'... deserves to stand beside David Malouf's Harland's Half Acre or Michelle de Kretser's The Lost Dog in that slender collection of brilliant Australian novels about art' - The Weekend Australian
Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2020
100 people are currently reading
1644 people want to read
About the author
Sofie Laguna
33 books386 followersSofie Laguna originally studied to be a lawyer at the University of New South Wales, but after deciding law was not for her, she moved to Melbourne to train as an actor. Sofie worked for a number of years as an actor at the same time as completing a Diploma in Professional Writing and Editing at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. Sofie is now an author and playright writing for both adults and children.
Her many books for young people have been named Honour Books and Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards and have been shortlisted in the Queensland Premier’s Awards. She has been published in the US and the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia.
Her picture book, On Our Way to the Beach, was included in the White Raven 2005 annual selection of outstanding international children’s books by the International Youth Library (Associated Project if UNESCO)
In 2008 Sofie released her first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong, to international acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award. Screen rights for the book have been optioned and Sofie has recently completed the screenplay.
Sofie continues to write for a wide readership, from picture books for very young children, to series for older readers, to novels for adults.
Sofie lives in Melbourne with her partner and their young son.
Her many books for young people have been named Honour Books and Notable Books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the Year Awards and have been shortlisted in the Queensland Premier’s Awards. She has been published in the US and the UK and in translation throughout Europe and Asia.
Her picture book, On Our Way to the Beach, was included in the White Raven 2005 annual selection of outstanding international children’s books by the International Youth Library (Associated Project if UNESCO)
In 2008 Sofie released her first novel for adults, One Foot Wrong, to international acclaim. It was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards and long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award. Screen rights for the book have been optioned and Sofie has recently completed the screenplay.
Sofie continues to write for a wide readership, from picture books for very young children, to series for older readers, to novels for adults.
Sofie lives in Melbourne with her partner and their young son.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
Read
November 18, 2020I'm am not in agreement with the blurb of this book. I love Laguna' writing and finished the book but I can't say that I enjoyed it. It felt creepy and I wish I hadn't read it.
December 6, 2020
In the first chapter Lawrence hides from his brother while playing hide and seek by hiding under a bunker door. The bunker has been filled with dirt and he lowers the heavy door on top of himself. For a while he is trapped under it until his brother Paul helps him lift the heavy door. Reminiscing about it later, he thinks that while he was under that door he ceased to exist, not belonging anywhere or to anyone. A premonition.
Lawrence is ten, two years older than his brother Paul. He is an intelligent child, his grades high and his mother proud. Lawrence never knew his father who was killed during World War Two when he was only two years old.
At school Lawrence finds out he has a natural gift for painting. After his first art class, he sees the world in a different way, noticing the different shades, the transition and nuances of the myriad of different colours he sees everywhere.
Life looks very promising for Lawrence, that is until his uncle comes to stay with them.
Laguna has written a dark novel here. One in which a patriarchal figure, one who is meant to help Lawrence grow, protect, and nurture him in those early years, betrays this trust, this duty, and changes a life forever.
With “Infinite Splendours” Laguna shows us the devastating results of what happens to the psyche of a child when that child is secretly abused. A child too young to understand fully what is going on. A child who is tricked into believing he is as much to blame as the abuser.
Laguna explores the never-ending debate about nurture over nature. What would Lawrence’s life have become, if his uncle had not come onto the scene? Did his uncle’s despicable actions nurture Lawrence into the damaged and broken adult he becomes, or was he naturally always going to turn out this way, the terrible desires of the uncle contained within the family’s genes.
Lawrence is not the only casualty. Paul his younger brother lives with the grief and guilt of knowing what was happening, trying many times, but ultimately failing to stop it. He spends his life in a feeble attempt at retribution by looking after Lawrence’s every need, a lifeline to the outside world. A world that Lawrence has lost contact with, retreating within himself.
In his later life Lawrence finds himself, with neighbors moving in next door, becoming close friends with David, a ten-year old boy. Will Lawrence follow the actions of his uncle? Have his uncle’s actions turned Lawrence into the same breed of monster?
This is not an easy read, and as I noted before quite a dark novel. But one that is well written, allowing the reader to experience life from a shattered mind. 4 stars!
Lawrence is ten, two years older than his brother Paul. He is an intelligent child, his grades high and his mother proud. Lawrence never knew his father who was killed during World War Two when he was only two years old.
At school Lawrence finds out he has a natural gift for painting. After his first art class, he sees the world in a different way, noticing the different shades, the transition and nuances of the myriad of different colours he sees everywhere.
Life looks very promising for Lawrence, that is until his uncle comes to stay with them.
Laguna has written a dark novel here. One in which a patriarchal figure, one who is meant to help Lawrence grow, protect, and nurture him in those early years, betrays this trust, this duty, and changes a life forever.
With “Infinite Splendours” Laguna shows us the devastating results of what happens to the psyche of a child when that child is secretly abused. A child too young to understand fully what is going on. A child who is tricked into believing he is as much to blame as the abuser.
Laguna explores the never-ending debate about nurture over nature. What would Lawrence’s life have become, if his uncle had not come onto the scene? Did his uncle’s despicable actions nurture Lawrence into the damaged and broken adult he becomes, or was he naturally always going to turn out this way, the terrible desires of the uncle contained within the family’s genes.
Lawrence is not the only casualty. Paul his younger brother lives with the grief and guilt of knowing what was happening, trying many times, but ultimately failing to stop it. He spends his life in a feeble attempt at retribution by looking after Lawrence’s every need, a lifeline to the outside world. A world that Lawrence has lost contact with, retreating within himself.
In his later life Lawrence finds himself, with neighbors moving in next door, becoming close friends with David, a ten-year old boy. Will Lawrence follow the actions of his uncle? Have his uncle’s actions turned Lawrence into the same breed of monster?
This is not an easy read, and as I noted before quite a dark novel. But one that is well written, allowing the reader to experience life from a shattered mind. 4 stars!
November 10, 2020
I see far more in the countryside than charm, I see infinite splendours.
Lawrence and Paul Loman were nine and seven respectively and lived with their mother on the isolated farm at the foot of The Grampians in Victoria. It was 1953 and Paul was good at sport, loved cricket and was looking forward to the upcoming game in Glenthompson, while Lawrence excelled at all his subjects. But Fridays with Mrs St Clair for art was his favourite of all – he loved losing himself in the pictures he drew, and his teacher was astounded at his talent. The boys enjoyed their freedom, and although their mother told them never to climb Mount Wallis, Lawrence knew one day they would do so…
When their mother, Louise, told Lawrence and Paul that their uncle was coming to visit - her brother Reggie - their reactions were different. Paul didn’t want a bar of this uncle whom they had never met – why was he coming now? But Lawrence could see that the father he’d lost when he was only two years old and Paul still in his mother’s stomach; this uncle might mean they’d have a man in their lives. The day Louise left to pick Reggie up was the day the boys decided to climb Mount Wallis. It was also the day their lives – especially Lawrence’s – changed forever.
As soon as I saw Aussie author Sofie Laguna had a new novel out, I knew I had to read it. I loved The Eye of the Sheep, as well as The Choke, so expected to love Infinite Splendours as well. And I did. The first half of the novel was breathtaking, mesmerising, poignant and heartfelt. I was heading for a 5 star + read and was enthralled. The second half though – it was just sad. Disturbing, distressing – sad. I was shocked at the direction Ms Laguna took the book; I absolutely wasn’t expecting it – it didn’t feel right to me. I still have no hesitation in recommending Infinite Splendours though, as the author writes with beauty and magic in her words. I’ve been to the Grampians, to Glenthompson, all those areas of Victoria, and Ms Laguna’s descriptions took me there. She’s a very talented writer.
With thanks to Allen & Unwin for my ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 8, 2021
Infinite Splendours by Aussie author Sofie Laguna is a wonderful, but also heartbreaking story. I’m quite familiar with this author having read her previous books which I thoroughly enjoyed. To say I really enjoyed this book seems to be the wrong words as the contents of this book are truly heartbreaking and some would say even quite disturbing at times. I need to warn readers if you don't like reading about child sexual abuse in books, this may not be a book for you.
The descriptions throughout this novel were so good and I think the author did an excellent job in writing these parts of the book. This is a book that some readers will enjoy while others will not because of the content. Overall for me it was a well-written book, but sometimes I felt as if my heart was really breaking and I was left feeling quite sad. Recommended.
The descriptions throughout this novel were so good and I think the author did an excellent job in writing these parts of the book. This is a book that some readers will enjoy while others will not because of the content. Overall for me it was a well-written book, but sometimes I felt as if my heart was really breaking and I was left feeling quite sad. Recommended.
November 29, 2020
I wish I could say Infinite Splendours is a story of triumph over trauma and breaking the cycle of abuse, but it takes a really concerning turn towards the end of the second act and the characters were never quite redeemed (in my eyes, anyway). Even now, I’m really not sure how I feel about Infinite Splendours – it will be churning inside my heart and stomach for a while yet before I make up my mind.
An extended review is available on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
An extended review is available on Keeping Up With The Penguins.
January 10, 2021
**Please note this review contains spoilers**
Up until this point, I wasn’t aware that you could be both captivated and repulsed by a book in equal measure. I’ve read all of Sofie Laguna’s novels so I’m no stranger to her writing and the themes she consistently gravitates towards. But this was hard going. Infinite Splendours, despite its evocative title and splendid cover, despite the indication within the book description that it is a novel about art and redemption, is actually a novel about child abuse that pushes the reader into a very uncomfortable and somewhat disturbing grey area that no one wants to consider. Redemption was absent, and to me, what inspired the art was disturbing.
The first and second parts of the novel were captivating, although, given I’ve read Laguna before, I was filled with a sense of foreboding. But the writing, as to be expected, is exquisite, so evocative and rich in the type of quiet detail that I love, characteristic of the very best literary talent. This is why I return to Laguna’s work with each new release. There were some pointed themes to rise out of these two sections, most interesting to me, was the exploration of the greater ripple effects of war on a nation. Lawrence’s mother, Louise, and his uncle, Reggie, were victims of this. Their mother dead from illness, their father unable to look after them, suffering from PTSD from serving in WWI. They are given to ‘friends’; the inevitable happens, and thus begins a cycle of child abuse that reverberates into the next generation. Louise’s husband in turn is killed while serving in WWII, leaving her a widow and her two young sons fatherless and unprotected.
It would be easy to demonise Reggie, the uncle that comes to stay, ingratiates himself into the family, beguiles a young Lawrence with praise and a nurturing of his artistic talents that was up until that point missing. Reggie’s interest seemed genuine; I feel it was, there was a reluctance within him and his hasty retreat from their lives, to me, indicates a deliberate removal from temptation. But the horror of what he did to Lawrence, physically, and emotionally; he not only stole Laurie’s innocence and trust, he stole the art right out of his life, the art that he himself had encouraged. He utterly ruined this ten-year-old boy, destroyed him completely.
‘I did not paint anymore, although I continued to see opportunities where the search for something unseen might begin. I saw it in chimney smoke, in fallen branches, in spider’s webs. In nests, in rain and in rainbows. I saw it in the range of mountains, in the movement of clouds, in sunlight, in flowers on the branch, the beaks of birds.’
Lawrence goes from being bright and involved to having a stammer, losing all social skills, afflicted by extreme trauma induced anxiety which manifested itself physically, in a most debilitating manner, whereby he relived his trauma each time he had to move his bowels, consequently leading to an eating disorder and bowel misfunction. His brother Paul knew that Reggie had done something to Lawrence, he had never trusted his uncle, but Lawrence couldn’t confide, Paul was eight, and what can a small boy do for another small boy? I believe the neighbour suspected as well, but again, Lawrence would not disclose what had happened, so all she could do was offer a quiet brand of support to him, a safe place for just being. Of course, Lawrence never told his mother. I couldn’t help but judge Louise harshly. Her son changed overnight, in the most dramatic way, and the timing was exact. She knew what her brother endured as a child; she endured it herself. Yet she chose instead to ignore and enable; she spoke for Lawrence, cutting off every stammer; she treated him like a child to the point where if you didn’t consider the trauma, you’d have believed that as an adult he was simple minded. She did more harm to him and created an adult that was ill-equipped for society.
Then, an adult Lawrence meets a ten-year-old boy and it all went south for me. Yes, I am aware of intergenerational abuse, the cycles that people and families get caught in, but it was just too much for me. It was the yearning that was the most unsettling of all, coupled with Lawrence’s inability to adult, and by this, I mean he was actually delusional. It wasn’t straightforward lust and desire or even a need to hurt; it was almost like Lawrence needed to inhabit a ten-year-old boy, to go back to that point in his life where it all changed. But this yearning was sinister, and even when he copped a hiding for it, years later, another ten-year-old boy comes along and it starts all over again, with the exact same outcome. Herein lies all that mucky grey matter we were forced as readers to wade through. Of course, I felt for Lawrence, but I felt for Lawrence the child. Lawrence the adult was too damaged for redemption. He was lost. And he was dangerous. I kind of couldn’t wait to finish this novel, to be honest. But I couldn’t stop reading it either. My only advice with this one is to not be drawn in by the cover and to proceed with caution.
Thanks is extended to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of Infinite Splendours for review.
Up until this point, I wasn’t aware that you could be both captivated and repulsed by a book in equal measure. I’ve read all of Sofie Laguna’s novels so I’m no stranger to her writing and the themes she consistently gravitates towards. But this was hard going. Infinite Splendours, despite its evocative title and splendid cover, despite the indication within the book description that it is a novel about art and redemption, is actually a novel about child abuse that pushes the reader into a very uncomfortable and somewhat disturbing grey area that no one wants to consider. Redemption was absent, and to me, what inspired the art was disturbing.
The first and second parts of the novel were captivating, although, given I’ve read Laguna before, I was filled with a sense of foreboding. But the writing, as to be expected, is exquisite, so evocative and rich in the type of quiet detail that I love, characteristic of the very best literary talent. This is why I return to Laguna’s work with each new release. There were some pointed themes to rise out of these two sections, most interesting to me, was the exploration of the greater ripple effects of war on a nation. Lawrence’s mother, Louise, and his uncle, Reggie, were victims of this. Their mother dead from illness, their father unable to look after them, suffering from PTSD from serving in WWI. They are given to ‘friends’; the inevitable happens, and thus begins a cycle of child abuse that reverberates into the next generation. Louise’s husband in turn is killed while serving in WWII, leaving her a widow and her two young sons fatherless and unprotected.
It would be easy to demonise Reggie, the uncle that comes to stay, ingratiates himself into the family, beguiles a young Lawrence with praise and a nurturing of his artistic talents that was up until that point missing. Reggie’s interest seemed genuine; I feel it was, there was a reluctance within him and his hasty retreat from their lives, to me, indicates a deliberate removal from temptation. But the horror of what he did to Lawrence, physically, and emotionally; he not only stole Laurie’s innocence and trust, he stole the art right out of his life, the art that he himself had encouraged. He utterly ruined this ten-year-old boy, destroyed him completely.
‘I did not paint anymore, although I continued to see opportunities where the search for something unseen might begin. I saw it in chimney smoke, in fallen branches, in spider’s webs. In nests, in rain and in rainbows. I saw it in the range of mountains, in the movement of clouds, in sunlight, in flowers on the branch, the beaks of birds.’
Lawrence goes from being bright and involved to having a stammer, losing all social skills, afflicted by extreme trauma induced anxiety which manifested itself physically, in a most debilitating manner, whereby he relived his trauma each time he had to move his bowels, consequently leading to an eating disorder and bowel misfunction. His brother Paul knew that Reggie had done something to Lawrence, he had never trusted his uncle, but Lawrence couldn’t confide, Paul was eight, and what can a small boy do for another small boy? I believe the neighbour suspected as well, but again, Lawrence would not disclose what had happened, so all she could do was offer a quiet brand of support to him, a safe place for just being. Of course, Lawrence never told his mother. I couldn’t help but judge Louise harshly. Her son changed overnight, in the most dramatic way, and the timing was exact. She knew what her brother endured as a child; she endured it herself. Yet she chose instead to ignore and enable; she spoke for Lawrence, cutting off every stammer; she treated him like a child to the point where if you didn’t consider the trauma, you’d have believed that as an adult he was simple minded. She did more harm to him and created an adult that was ill-equipped for society.
Then, an adult Lawrence meets a ten-year-old boy and it all went south for me. Yes, I am aware of intergenerational abuse, the cycles that people and families get caught in, but it was just too much for me. It was the yearning that was the most unsettling of all, coupled with Lawrence’s inability to adult, and by this, I mean he was actually delusional. It wasn’t straightforward lust and desire or even a need to hurt; it was almost like Lawrence needed to inhabit a ten-year-old boy, to go back to that point in his life where it all changed. But this yearning was sinister, and even when he copped a hiding for it, years later, another ten-year-old boy comes along and it starts all over again, with the exact same outcome. Herein lies all that mucky grey matter we were forced as readers to wade through. Of course, I felt for Lawrence, but I felt for Lawrence the child. Lawrence the adult was too damaged for redemption. He was lost. And he was dangerous. I kind of couldn’t wait to finish this novel, to be honest. But I couldn’t stop reading it either. My only advice with this one is to not be drawn in by the cover and to proceed with caution.
Thanks is extended to Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of Infinite Splendours for review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 8, 2020
If this review was only based on the first half, it would be 4 stars. However, I found the repeated description of childhood sexual abuse from the close first person, followed by the close first person description of the potential perpetuation of the cycle (in the second part), deeply confronting and disturbing. This novel has some stunningly beautiful moments, detracted from by the (at times) seemingly empathetic treatment of those who perpetrate. I am a fan of Laguna, and was excited by this novel, but find myself concerned on a different level of complexity than I felt following her other works. The novel started in one direction, then diverged in a way where, as a reader, I feel betrayed.
November 14, 2020
Beautiful writer, her style keeps you immersed and wanting more however this story wasn’t for me. I found myself dreading where the story was going, found many parts an uncomfortable read and overall, so terribly sad.
November 12, 2020
This novel feels so innocent at the start that you quickly become suspicious that something is going to go terribly wrong, and of course in true Laguna style, it does.
She captures really well the voice of a boy of a certain age in 1950s Australia. The mother has clearly had a difficult trot in life and has projected all her hopes and dreams for what her life should have been on to the memory of an almost mythical brother. When he finally visits, the protagonist Lawrence is enamoured but his brother Paul and elderly neighbour seem mistrustful. The feeling of foreboding for the reader increases; you find yourself reading more and more quickly to find out what will happen while simultaneously dreading getting there, and when it hits it's more and more devastating the further you read.
This novel touches on one of the most taboo subjects in our society, and it is not talking about it that ultimately fells Laurie. Laguna doesn't let the reader off easy at any point, leaving you to sit with the uncomfortable and unbearably sad reality. We, as a society, are largely still in the not-talking-about-it mindset, and while it's nice to think that this book is set in the '50s and things have changed (they MUST have, right?)...they really haven't that much. It is the ongoing suffering of people who cannot speak of the unspeakable that stays with me at the end of this book. Laguna portrays a family who cannot communicate (before or after That Day), of tremendous pain in a character who is too young to process it. He grows into adulthood with the emotional capacity of the boy he was, trapped by a debilitating but detached grief.
It's beautifully written but it is not an easy or pleasant read. Laguna shows once again her capacity to rip out your heart while simultaneously forcing you to keep turning page after page, desperate to know that everything is going to be okay while also knowing, dreading, that it won't be.
#allenandunwin #sofielaguna #aussiewriters
Please shop at your local indie bookstore.
Check out more reviews by me on Insta, https://www.instagram.com/avrbookstuff.
She captures really well the voice of a boy of a certain age in 1950s Australia. The mother has clearly had a difficult trot in life and has projected all her hopes and dreams for what her life should have been on to the memory of an almost mythical brother. When he finally visits, the protagonist Lawrence is enamoured but his brother Paul and elderly neighbour seem mistrustful. The feeling of foreboding for the reader increases; you find yourself reading more and more quickly to find out what will happen while simultaneously dreading getting there, and when it hits it's more and more devastating the further you read.
This novel touches on one of the most taboo subjects in our society, and it is not talking about it that ultimately fells Laurie. Laguna doesn't let the reader off easy at any point, leaving you to sit with the uncomfortable and unbearably sad reality. We, as a society, are largely still in the not-talking-about-it mindset, and while it's nice to think that this book is set in the '50s and things have changed (they MUST have, right?)...they really haven't that much. It is the ongoing suffering of people who cannot speak of the unspeakable that stays with me at the end of this book. Laguna portrays a family who cannot communicate (before or after That Day), of tremendous pain in a character who is too young to process it. He grows into adulthood with the emotional capacity of the boy he was, trapped by a debilitating but detached grief.
It's beautifully written but it is not an easy or pleasant read. Laguna shows once again her capacity to rip out your heart while simultaneously forcing you to keep turning page after page, desperate to know that everything is going to be okay while also knowing, dreading, that it won't be.
#allenandunwin #sofielaguna #aussiewriters
Please shop at your local indie bookstore.
Check out more reviews by me on Insta, https://www.instagram.com/avrbookstuff.
July 21, 2020
Well I just finished the Sofie Laguna. So many thoughts going through my mind. She has stunned me once again with her writing style and she really keeps you going right until the end. I found parts of it so beautiful, and her descriptions were quite reminiscent of Alex Miller for me in so many ways. But wow, does she also pack a punch, and I found it to be quite an uncomfortable read at times. There were parts that I was really reluctant to continue with because I really dreaded where the storyline was going. All in all, I absolutely loved and devoured it and cannot wait to handsell handsell handsell when it comes in. I felt really bereft when I finished it.. I truly wanted more. This book has shortlisted Miles Franklin written all over it.
July 23, 2021
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Infinite Splendours by Sofie Laguna. (2020).
Lawrence is a bright, caring, curious boy with a gift for painting. He lives with his mother and younger brother with a promising future ahead. But when he is 10, an experience of betrayal takes it all away and Lawrence is left to deal with the devastating aftermath. As he grows into a man, how will he make sense of what he has suffered? He cannot rewrite history, but must he be condemned to repeat it? He finds meaning in the best way he knows; creating beauty.
While I appreciated that the author has tackled a difficult topic, I didn't really like this novel much. I did start off enjoying it, and then by halfway I wasn't really into it. As a note, readers who find sexual child abuse shouldn't pick this one up. I think that the storyline does demonstrate the potential traumatic effects of such an abuse, and that can be both confronting and depressing to read. Later in the book the adult Lawrence displayed concerning and inappropriate behaviours towards young boys and it was difficult to feel empathy towards him by that point. I found some paragraphs overly descriptive and slightly repetitive, to the point where I was a bit bored and just skimming through so I could finish.
Overall: I didn't really like this one much and it's not one I'd personally recommend but that's not to say others wouldn't appreciate it.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Infinite Splendours by Sofie Laguna. (2020).
Lawrence is a bright, caring, curious boy with a gift for painting. He lives with his mother and younger brother with a promising future ahead. But when he is 10, an experience of betrayal takes it all away and Lawrence is left to deal with the devastating aftermath. As he grows into a man, how will he make sense of what he has suffered? He cannot rewrite history, but must he be condemned to repeat it? He finds meaning in the best way he knows; creating beauty.
While I appreciated that the author has tackled a difficult topic, I didn't really like this novel much. I did start off enjoying it, and then by halfway I wasn't really into it. As a note, readers who find sexual child abuse shouldn't pick this one up. I think that the storyline does demonstrate the potential traumatic effects of such an abuse, and that can be both confronting and depressing to read. Later in the book the adult Lawrence displayed concerning and inappropriate behaviours towards young boys and it was difficult to feel empathy towards him by that point. I found some paragraphs overly descriptive and slightly repetitive, to the point where I was a bit bored and just skimming through so I could finish.
Overall: I didn't really like this one much and it's not one I'd personally recommend but that's not to say others wouldn't appreciate it.
December 15, 2020
This Country must have it's own masters, I thought, to paint it's own infinite splendours.
Who were the masters of this country? I wondered. I thought then of all my paintings leaning against Beverly's walls. The sky at every time of day and night. If I did not paint the skies of Hughlon, they would not be recorded, known. Their uniqueness never captured. It had been up to me.
All the years...
Lawrence's life from the age of 10 is partly frozen in time by a traumatic betrayal. Keeping the secret of that trauma sets him apart from those he loves and his words are dammed up inside him. But not so with Laguna's use of poetic language to describe his life and inner thoughts. Lawrence also finds an outlet through his art and the natural world on the edge of the spectacular Grampian ranges and it's something to be easily swept up in.
An uncomfortable and tragic story, but rewarding in the beauty of the delivery.
Very pleased I finally was able to read one of Sofie Laguna's works, I've been meaning to read The Choke for ages and hope to get to it soon.
Who were the masters of this country? I wondered. I thought then of all my paintings leaning against Beverly's walls. The sky at every time of day and night. If I did not paint the skies of Hughlon, they would not be recorded, known. Their uniqueness never captured. It had been up to me.
All the years...
Lawrence's life from the age of 10 is partly frozen in time by a traumatic betrayal. Keeping the secret of that trauma sets him apart from those he loves and his words are dammed up inside him. But not so with Laguna's use of poetic language to describe his life and inner thoughts. Lawrence also finds an outlet through his art and the natural world on the edge of the spectacular Grampian ranges and it's something to be easily swept up in.
An uncomfortable and tragic story, but rewarding in the beauty of the delivery.
Very pleased I finally was able to read one of Sofie Laguna's works, I've been meaning to read The Choke for ages and hope to get to it soon.
December 17, 2020
I never write reviews, but I had to on this occasion. This book was just too hard to rate and I needed to put my thoughts down somewhere!
All of her books, including this, are so well crafted. The environment is so real, the changes in pace are so perfectly timed. On that level it's wonderful.
But other books that have dealt with this subject matter haven't unnerved me this much. I know it's splendid writing to have caused that reaction. But it doesn't necessarily mean I enjoyed the experience.
The 'will he' or 'won't he' moments were just so visceral, so challenging. I wanted to keep reading because I loved the writing, and I cared about the character. I wanted to throw the book away because I just really did not want to know the answer to the question it kept asking.
I guess this all means the book was great. But, boy, it was tough.
All of her books, including this, are so well crafted. The environment is so real, the changes in pace are so perfectly timed. On that level it's wonderful.
But other books that have dealt with this subject matter haven't unnerved me this much. I know it's splendid writing to have caused that reaction. But it doesn't necessarily mean I enjoyed the experience.
The 'will he' or 'won't he' moments were just so visceral, so challenging. I wanted to keep reading because I loved the writing, and I cared about the character. I wanted to throw the book away because I just really did not want to know the answer to the question it kept asking.
I guess this all means the book was great. But, boy, it was tough.
November 2, 2020
As usual, Sofie has woven a story around an important issue. But I didn’t like this book. I loved her Eye of the Sheep, & The Choke, in fact two of my very favourite books. But this one, despite some luminous passages, a clear sense of place & some sad, heartbreaking and realistic portrayals of characters, didn’t resonate with me. Perhaps some editing would have given the disturbing story more impact, instead of seeming repetitive & therefore lacking a punch such a story deserves.
November 15, 2020
Weep.
Weep for the children who are abused.
Weep for the adults they become.
This is an extraordinary piece of imagining, of creating some one so different to oneself. It puts paid to all the commentary that you can only write what you've experienced.
It's also a book full of beautiful writing about landscape (the Grampians area in Victoria, Australia).
Tears still rise when I think about the power and the pain of this book.
Weep for the children who are abused.
Weep for the adults they become.
This is an extraordinary piece of imagining, of creating some one so different to oneself. It puts paid to all the commentary that you can only write what you've experienced.
It's also a book full of beautiful writing about landscape (the Grampians area in Victoria, Australia).
Tears still rise when I think about the power and the pain of this book.
March 10, 2021
Having enjoyed The Eye of the Sheep and The Choke, I was looking forward to this. The first quarter was interesting with Laurence and his brother Paul being raised by their single mother near the Grampians North of Melbourne. Their uncle comes for a visit after years on their own, with their neighbour and her garden and their cow Gert. An interesting and lovely scenario. Laurence shows promise as an artist.
Then the bottom falls out of their lives. Laurence grows into a man who cannot cope with the world and developes a severe stutter. This ended up being one of the most depressing and hard to read books I have ever read. Ms Laguna write beautifully about place, but the sadness of human life as epitimised by Laurence is downright painful.
Only for the stoic.
Then the bottom falls out of their lives. Laurence grows into a man who cannot cope with the world and developes a severe stutter. This ended up being one of the most depressing and hard to read books I have ever read. Ms Laguna write beautifully about place, but the sadness of human life as epitimised by Laurence is downright painful.
Only for the stoic.
December 21, 2020
We need books like this. It explores not just child abuse but goes further, into imagining the mind of a paedophile. Did that make you flinch? Readers’ reviews commonly use ‘uneasy’, ‘creepy’ or ‘couldn’t finish’, or ‘first half ok not the rest’. These reactions from a world where the top selling genre is crime fiction, books full of most gruesome violence and cruelty. Yet as a society we reject even thinking about the subject of this novel.
It’s a very sustained development, an art work that goes on and on, in its beautiful descriptions of the natural world of the Grampians.
The plot jumps from 1953 to 1994. I found the blurb phrase ‘redemption through art’ hard to take, main character Lawrence’s life is hell, even if he gets purpose from his painting.
There’s nothing to fear in reading this book. It’s one writer’s work, there’s no suggestion it’s an explanation, more an exploration of possibilities.
It’s a very sustained development, an art work that goes on and on, in its beautiful descriptions of the natural world of the Grampians.
The plot jumps from 1953 to 1994. I found the blurb phrase ‘redemption through art’ hard to take, main character Lawrence’s life is hell, even if he gets purpose from his painting.
There’s nothing to fear in reading this book. It’s one writer’s work, there’s no suggestion it’s an explanation, more an exploration of possibilities.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2021
Afraid I need to retract what I said very recently about being okay with Sofie Laguna telling the same story over and over.
Laguna’s latest novel, Infinite Splendours , sticks to her formula of following the life of a traumatised child. In this case, it is a boy named Lawrence who is groomed and raped by his uncle. The story jumps forward decades, and we revisit Lawrence at different points in his life - at each he is disconnected, struggling to form relationships, and severely damaged.
I felt the novel ran into trouble from the outset. The decision to set the book in the fifties (albeit in the beautifully described southern Grampians) seemed to equate with a strained formality in the dialogue, with characters referring to each other by relationship rather than name - there were so many ‘Yes Mothers’ and ‘Hello Uncles’ and ‘Yes Sisters’ that it laboured, making long sections of dialogue incredibly stilted.
Likewise, details were repeated over and over - descriptions of Mount Wallis and the family home, referred to as Beverley; Lawrence's reading of a book about artists; and how Lawrence's brother Paul would not let him speak after he developed a stutter - nothing new was added, and the repetition was irritating.
In Laguna’s previous novels, she layered the heartbreak little by little and in doing so, exposed vulnerabilities piece by piece. Not so in Infinite Splendours. Lawrence suffers a trauma that has life changing consequences, and while the jumps in time demonstrate the long reverberations of trauma, there is no hint of healing. Instead, the story becomes progressively disturbing and sad.
I’ve ‘enjoyed’ disturbing and sad stories in the past. The reasons I did not enjoy this book were related to style - it lacked the simplicity and tenderness of The Eye of the Sheep ; and it lacked the emotional complexity and evocative sense of time and place of The Choke . Most of all, this book lacked warmth and hope, and that's what I have come to expect from Laguna, even when she creates the most dire of circumstances for her characters.
2/5 Disappointing.
Laguna’s latest novel, Infinite Splendours , sticks to her formula of following the life of a traumatised child. In this case, it is a boy named Lawrence who is groomed and raped by his uncle. The story jumps forward decades, and we revisit Lawrence at different points in his life - at each he is disconnected, struggling to form relationships, and severely damaged.
I felt the novel ran into trouble from the outset. The decision to set the book in the fifties (albeit in the beautifully described southern Grampians) seemed to equate with a strained formality in the dialogue, with characters referring to each other by relationship rather than name - there were so many ‘Yes Mothers’ and ‘Hello Uncles’ and ‘Yes Sisters’ that it laboured, making long sections of dialogue incredibly stilted.
Likewise, details were repeated over and over - descriptions of Mount Wallis and the family home, referred to as Beverley; Lawrence's reading of a book about artists; and how Lawrence's brother Paul would not let him speak after he developed a stutter - nothing new was added, and the repetition was irritating.
In Laguna’s previous novels, she layered the heartbreak little by little and in doing so, exposed vulnerabilities piece by piece. Not so in Infinite Splendours. Lawrence suffers a trauma that has life changing consequences, and while the jumps in time demonstrate the long reverberations of trauma, there is no hint of healing. Instead, the story becomes progressively disturbing and sad.
I’ve ‘enjoyed’ disturbing and sad stories in the past. The reasons I did not enjoy this book were related to style - it lacked the simplicity and tenderness of The Eye of the Sheep ; and it lacked the emotional complexity and evocative sense of time and place of The Choke . Most of all, this book lacked warmth and hope, and that's what I have come to expect from Laguna, even when she creates the most dire of circumstances for her characters.
2/5 Disappointing.
October 31, 2020
An unexpected delight was sitting on my to be read pile.
A beautiful etching of a yellow pea beckoned me and a ambiguous title intrigued.
Once I was immersed I couldn’t stop turning the pages and reflected how lucky I am to have exposure to such brilliant stories.
A treacherous incident casts a shadow bringing darkness to light and hope.
Extinguishing a bright future and scarring forever.
Lawrence and his journey through life puts the reader on edge as history has a way of repeating itself.
Set in the 1950’s in rural Victoria where the iconic Grampians serve as backdrop and the wounds of the war not forgotten.
An ordinary family and their neighbour live harmoniously and self sufficiently.
The boys always wrestling and off on outdoor adventures.
Lawrence was particularly gifted in art and special commendation and gifts from his teacher accelerated his passion.
A highly anticipated visit was looming, the boys not wanting their lives or status quo challenged.
Oddly the neighbour not keen on the visitor.
Instinct a powerful six sense.
Set in two parts I thoroughly enjoyed and lapped up this story with its eerie, confronting and spirited themes.
The bonds of brothers illustrated magically and how they evolve as life goes.
A good provokes after thought and this was achieved.
A beautiful etching of a yellow pea beckoned me and a ambiguous title intrigued.
Once I was immersed I couldn’t stop turning the pages and reflected how lucky I am to have exposure to such brilliant stories.
A treacherous incident casts a shadow bringing darkness to light and hope.
Extinguishing a bright future and scarring forever.
Lawrence and his journey through life puts the reader on edge as history has a way of repeating itself.
Set in the 1950’s in rural Victoria where the iconic Grampians serve as backdrop and the wounds of the war not forgotten.
An ordinary family and their neighbour live harmoniously and self sufficiently.
The boys always wrestling and off on outdoor adventures.
Lawrence was particularly gifted in art and special commendation and gifts from his teacher accelerated his passion.
A highly anticipated visit was looming, the boys not wanting their lives or status quo challenged.
Oddly the neighbour not keen on the visitor.
Instinct a powerful six sense.
Set in two parts I thoroughly enjoyed and lapped up this story with its eerie, confronting and spirited themes.
The bonds of brothers illustrated magically and how they evolve as life goes.
A good provokes after thought and this was achieved.
April 28, 2021
This was a really tough read. The writing is undoubtedly beautiful and Sofie is a skilled story teller. However, I was so stressed the entire book and so worried about what might happen. Getting to the end felt like a weight had been lifted and honestly I wanted to scrub my brain clean. 3.5 stars.
October 30, 2020
The most realistic characters, sense of place, rhythm and pace. Small quibble as to timelines.. Not sure I could say I enjoyed reading it, as I felt quite anxious as to the outcome. Could be very triggering, for some, so a word of warning. However, a relief to have a well written book from a favourite author. A year of letdowns, I've found.
November 20, 2020
This was an uncomfortable read. The main character is so well drawn that as a mother I felt a need to protect and heal him. The way that Laguna writes from a damaged soul's perspective and of the redemption of nature to heal is spellbinding. I couldn't give it 5 stars purely because I am still digesting the content and the alarming message. It is not for the faint hearted.
January 8, 2021
Infinite Splendours
by Sofie Laguna makes for desperately sad, ‘heart in the mouth’ reading. The glorious descriptions of the mountainous environment of the Grampians region of Victoria and the role it plays in the otherwise barren life of the novel’s protagonist Lawrence Loman do provide some relief to the narrative. As both child and adult, Lawrence is sustained by his connection with the mountain known as Wallace - the mountain is a welcome addition to the novel’s cast of characters. Lawrence is fortunate to have Wallace and the natural environment in his life because his saviours are few and far between.
Lawrence’s art is one of those saviours and it is through his creative endeavours that he can make some sense of his lonely, woeful life. This is an important theme in the novel and one which is echoed in Madeleine Thien’s 2016 novel, Do Not Say We Have Nothing. Like Lawrence, the young musicians in Thien’s novel are nourished by and find solace in the beautiful things they create amid trauma filled lives.
Although I did not admire Infinite Splendours as much as I did Sofie Laguna’s earlier novel The Choke, it is certainly a fine novel. Infinite Splendours has a more scholarly air to it courtesy
of its cleverly woven into the narrative references to classical art and music; they bring agreeable light and shade to an otherwise bleak novel.
Lawrence’s art is one of those saviours and it is through his creative endeavours that he can make some sense of his lonely, woeful life. This is an important theme in the novel and one which is echoed in Madeleine Thien’s 2016 novel, Do Not Say We Have Nothing. Like Lawrence, the young musicians in Thien’s novel are nourished by and find solace in the beautiful things they create amid trauma filled lives.
Although I did not admire Infinite Splendours as much as I did Sofie Laguna’s earlier novel The Choke, it is certainly a fine novel. Infinite Splendours has a more scholarly air to it courtesy
of its cleverly woven into the narrative references to classical art and music; they bring agreeable light and shade to an otherwise bleak novel.
May 3, 2021
2.5 stars. I found this a really disturbing read and I don’t think it needed to make me feel uncomfortable in the way it did to achieve a conversation about abuse. The first half of the book, about Lawrence’s childhood, was powerful and engaging. Lawrence, as the first person narrator and protagonist, allowed me to develop a sense of who he was and what a thoughtful young person he was becoming. While he suffered horrific abuse the writing still drew me in and I felt it would be a powerful book.
Unfortunately the second half of the book seemed to circle and repeat endlessly while not moving forward. While I understand that this trauma would have lifetime implications I didn’t think this would include him showing no intellectual growth (he was extremely bright). I accepted his choice for isolation and the physical changes that occurred to him. However despite being inside his head and thoughts his internal monologue revealed little. I also didn’t find the theme of art engaging. I just felt like I was reading an endless list of artists and their artwork without really understanding their connection to Lawrence or the moment he was mentioning them. The trajectory of Lawrence’s life took on such a disturbing path in the second half of the novel and his choices for pursuing secrecy with other young people repulsed me which also meant I lost all empathy for his character. While I accept that stories do not need a happy resolution this felt soulless.
.
The best moment in this novel was when the brothers climbed the mountain. The descriptions were lovely and the rising tension was crystal clear at this moment. By the way can anyone explain why he ended up hating his brother so much?
I’m sorry for the harsh review because I really liked Laguna’s previous novels
Unfortunately the second half of the book seemed to circle and repeat endlessly while not moving forward. While I understand that this trauma would have lifetime implications I didn’t think this would include him showing no intellectual growth (he was extremely bright). I accepted his choice for isolation and the physical changes that occurred to him. However despite being inside his head and thoughts his internal monologue revealed little. I also didn’t find the theme of art engaging. I just felt like I was reading an endless list of artists and their artwork without really understanding their connection to Lawrence or the moment he was mentioning them. The trajectory of Lawrence’s life took on such a disturbing path in the second half of the novel and his choices for pursuing secrecy with other young people repulsed me which also meant I lost all empathy for his character. While I accept that stories do not need a happy resolution this felt soulless.
.
The best moment in this novel was when the brothers climbed the mountain. The descriptions were lovely and the rising tension was crystal clear at this moment. By the way can anyone explain why he ended up hating his brother so much?
I’m sorry for the harsh review because I really liked Laguna’s previous novels
June 7, 2021
Proceed with caution. The writing is beautiful and the sense of place (the Grampians) is very well rendered but the subject matter is disturbing, verging on inappropriate, and—throughout the second half of the book—just not handled well enough to justify going into this subject matter at all.
Spoilers if you continue.
The decision to have Lawrence rendered into a permanent child by his trauma undercuts the whole project. He cannot ever reflect on his situation because he is rendered not just verbally unable to communicate but also unable to mentally progress (as far as we are aware, the story suggests Lawrence has more depth which he cannot express outwardly but we are never shown it, so for all intents and purposes it’s not there). There cannot be ultimate redemption through beauty and art because Lawrence never develops as a character. The mountains are reflected through art and become powerful entities in their own right; but the characters never develop or reflect and cannot achieve redemption.
As Lawrence continues the cycle of abuse into the future, the novel is deeply uncomfortable to read, unpleasant essentially. I could live with this but there is no purpose achieved by the time you get to the end—the novel is almost redeemed by a deus ex machina, but not quite. It’s too neat and doesn’t make up for what has been endured. We are left to wonder what was the point of enduring this difficult and distressing story. Nothing is learned or gained and the hope at the end feels false and tacked on.
Overall: not recommended.
Spoilers if you continue.
The decision to have Lawrence rendered into a permanent child by his trauma undercuts the whole project. He cannot ever reflect on his situation because he is rendered not just verbally unable to communicate but also unable to mentally progress (as far as we are aware, the story suggests Lawrence has more depth which he cannot express outwardly but we are never shown it, so for all intents and purposes it’s not there). There cannot be ultimate redemption through beauty and art because Lawrence never develops as a character. The mountains are reflected through art and become powerful entities in their own right; but the characters never develop or reflect and cannot achieve redemption.
As Lawrence continues the cycle of abuse into the future, the novel is deeply uncomfortable to read, unpleasant essentially. I could live with this but there is no purpose achieved by the time you get to the end—the novel is almost redeemed by a deus ex machina, but not quite. It’s too neat and doesn’t make up for what has been endured. We are left to wonder what was the point of enduring this difficult and distressing story. Nothing is learned or gained and the hope at the end feels false and tacked on.
Overall: not recommended.
November 9, 2020
There is no doubt in my mind that many will hear about Lawrence Loman - the character that is Infinite Splendours. This novel totally takes you to some dark places, resurfaces and heads back there again. Set amongst the stark but majestic landscape of the Grampians we once again witness the story through the eyes of the main character, first as the young caring questioning Lawrence and then as the confused, self-isolated Lawrence trying to make sense of it all and why life turned out the way it did. He is drawn to painting and it is through this creative outlet that helps him to find some solace and meaning.
This novel is a powerful and often confronting portrayal of a troubled soul and a very damaged man and it covers some pretty tough terrain. Yet there are so many passages that you just have to read aloud to fully appreciate the rhythm of the words, the way they tumble out is extraordinary and the heartbreaking uneasiness that lies beneath them is incredible.
I would not be surprised if this is nominated for the Miles Franklin and Stella -it is so worthy.
This novel is a powerful and often confronting portrayal of a troubled soul and a very damaged man and it covers some pretty tough terrain. Yet there are so many passages that you just have to read aloud to fully appreciate the rhythm of the words, the way they tumble out is extraordinary and the heartbreaking uneasiness that lies beneath them is incredible.
I would not be surprised if this is nominated for the Miles Franklin and Stella -it is so worthy.
November 22, 2020
There's no doubt that Sofie Laguna has a richness in weaving her stories and if the aim was to have the reader feel deeply disturbed and depressed, then she certainly succeeded with this reader.
Most definitely not an enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings for pretty descriptive, and repeatedly told, instances of child rape
Most definitely not an enjoyable read.
Trigger warnings for pretty descriptive, and repeatedly told, instances of child rape
January 23, 2021
I have never had such mixed reaction to a book .
Twice stopped reading it and was intending to take it back to library .
Very well written , harrowing at times , delves into human frailties which dominate the little rays of joy
Twice stopped reading it and was intending to take it back to library .
Very well written , harrowing at times , delves into human frailties which dominate the little rays of joy
February 2, 2021
Heartbreaking.
July 28, 2021
Having enjoyed the author’s previous novel, The Choke, I was looking forward to reading this one. Sadly, I was disappointed. The first third of novel worked well, slowly unfolding the awful chain of events that led to the 10-year-old boy, Lawrence, being sexually abused by his uncle. After that, it seemed to lose its way and veered into a discourse about art and the artistic process which I felt added nothing to the main story of the devastating impact of sexual abuse. I also felt many of the symbolic elements in the novel - the looming Mount Wallis, bowel motions and the outhouse, and the fire bunker - were heavy handed, overplayed and largely superfluous. Certainly we are given a stark picture of how a traumatic event can damage an individual for life but, even so, I felt aspects of this picture didn’t quite ring true. I was particularly disturbed when Lawrence the victim started to become Lawrence the perpetrator. Overall, I felt as if the author was trying to write a literary novel when, in fact, it would have been better to simply tell the story without all the repetitious symbolism and artistic references.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews