What do you think?
Rate this book
Paper Daisies
As 1900 draws to a close, Berylda Jones, having completed her university exams for entry to medicine is heading home to Bathurst for Christmas. Tragically, 'home' is where she and her beloved sister Greta live in terror, under the control of their sadistic Uncle Alec.
But this summer Berylda has a plan - borne out of desperation - to free herself and Greta from Alec for good, if she can only find the courage to execute it.
Then, on New Year's Eve, just as Alec tightens his grip over the sisters, a stranger arrives at their gate - Ben Wilberry, a botanist, travelling west in search of a particular native wildflower, with his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson.
Ben is at first oblivious to what depravity lies beyond this threshold and what follows is a journey that will take him and Berylda, Greta and Cosmo, out to the old gold rush town of Hill End - a tumbledown place with its own dark secrets - in search of a means to cure evil and a solution to what seems an impossible situation.
Against the tumultuous backdrop of Australian Federation and the coming of the Women's Vote, Paper Daisies is a story of what it means to find moral courage, of a crime that must be committed to see justice done and a sweet love that grows against the odds.
But this summer Berylda has a plan - borne out of desperation - to free herself and Greta from Alec for good, if she can only find the courage to execute it.
Then, on New Year's Eve, just as Alec tightens his grip over the sisters, a stranger arrives at their gate - Ben Wilberry, a botanist, travelling west in search of a particular native wildflower, with his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson.
Ben is at first oblivious to what depravity lies beyond this threshold and what follows is a journey that will take him and Berylda, Greta and Cosmo, out to the old gold rush town of Hill End - a tumbledown place with its own dark secrets - in search of a means to cure evil and a solution to what seems an impossible situation.
Against the tumultuous backdrop of Australian Federation and the coming of the Women's Vote, Paper Daisies is a story of what it means to find moral courage, of a crime that must be committed to see justice done and a sweet love that grows against the odds.
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2015
4 people are currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Kim Kelly
14 books188 followers‘Why can’t more people write like this?’ – The Age
‘colourful, evocative and energetic’ – Sydney Morning Herald
Kim Kelly is author thirteen novels. Among them are the bestselling, The Blue Mile, and critically acclaimed, Wild Chicory. Her novella, The Rat Catcher, was longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize, and her latest, Ladies' Rest and Writing Room, was awarded the Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Prize.
Also a well-known book editor, Kim has a Master of Creative Writing from Macquarie University, for which she earned the Fred Rush Convocation Prize for writing. She is currently undertaking a PhD in literature at Macquarie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 23, 2015
Berylda Jones should be happy seeing as she has just finished her university exams and the year of 1900 was coming to an end and she would be heading home to Bathurst to see her beloved sister Greta. But in fact Berylda was dreading it, just thinking about having to be under the same roof as her cruel, savage and brutal Uncle Alec made her feel sick.
Berylda knows that she must try and do what she can to change things, merely knowing that her uncle has such a strong hold over her and Greta this won't be easy. Berylda and Greta had been under the care of their Uncle Alec and Aunty Libby since they'd lost their parents. The time when their Aunty contracted a horrible disease and passed away was the time their Uncle became unbearable to be with. At least Berylda had time off from his sadistic ways whilst at university unlike her poor sister. Will Berylda and Greta find a way to live a happy life or will they continue living in fear with their Uncle?
Paper Daises was a really enjoyable read. If you like reading historical fiction, then you will love this book. A beautifully written story which I highly recommend.
Berylda knows that she must try and do what she can to change things, merely knowing that her uncle has such a strong hold over her and Greta this won't be easy. Berylda and Greta had been under the care of their Uncle Alec and Aunty Libby since they'd lost their parents. The time when their Aunty contracted a horrible disease and passed away was the time their Uncle became unbearable to be with. At least Berylda had time off from his sadistic ways whilst at university unlike her poor sister. Will Berylda and Greta find a way to live a happy life or will they continue living in fear with their Uncle?
Paper Daises was a really enjoyable read. If you like reading historical fiction, then you will love this book. A beautifully written story which I highly recommend.
December 9, 2015
The time is 1900 and Berylda is on her way back from the University of Sydney to Bathurst. Although she longs to see her sister Greta, it also means dealing with Uncle Alec who is a cruel and evil tyrant.
Meanwhile Ben Wilberry, a botanist, is summoned home from Melbourne as his mother is dying. The story is told in alternating chapters between Berylda and Ben and you know that at some point the two are going to connect.
This story is set amid the Federation of Australia and the push for women to be given the vote. Hard to think that was only 115 years ago. Harder still to think that some of the abuse suffered by Berylda and Greta behind closed doors and unseen by many, still exists in society today. Yet we know it is. Parts of this story are not easy to read. But neither is the book easy to put down.
Berylda comes up with a desperate plan to stop the abuse suffered at the hands of Uncle Alec. Will she be able to carry it through? This creates a tension that runs through the book.
Having lived in the Central West for a number of years, the setting as it travels from Bathurst to Hill End, was very familiar and well portrayed. It is obvious a lot of research went into the novel. At times I felt I could have done with a little less botanical information but maybe that’s just me. All in all, an interesting read with well-developed setting, fully fleshed out characters, and historical information woven through it.
Meanwhile Ben Wilberry, a botanist, is summoned home from Melbourne as his mother is dying. The story is told in alternating chapters between Berylda and Ben and you know that at some point the two are going to connect.
This story is set amid the Federation of Australia and the push for women to be given the vote. Hard to think that was only 115 years ago. Harder still to think that some of the abuse suffered by Berylda and Greta behind closed doors and unseen by many, still exists in society today. Yet we know it is. Parts of this story are not easy to read. But neither is the book easy to put down.
Berylda comes up with a desperate plan to stop the abuse suffered at the hands of Uncle Alec. Will she be able to carry it through? This creates a tension that runs through the book.
Having lived in the Central West for a number of years, the setting as it travels from Bathurst to Hill End, was very familiar and well portrayed. It is obvious a lot of research went into the novel. At times I felt I could have done with a little less botanical information but maybe that’s just me. All in all, an interesting read with well-developed setting, fully fleshed out characters, and historical information woven through it.
April 1, 2015
Berylda Jones was a medical student at the University of Sydney; on completion of her exams she was due to head back home to Bathurst for the Christmas break and the celebrations at the end of 1900. But instead of feeling joy at going home, she was feeling a mixture of sickness and horror. She had no choice but to go home though, as her sister Greta was there; the beloved sister who hadn’t been able to escape the clutches of their cruel and barbaric Uncle Alec. She dreaded to think what poor Greta had been going through…
But her determination and anger at the situation had reached new heights and she was going to remove both Greta and herself from Uncle Alec forever, if it was the last thing she did. Having lost both their parents at a tender age, they found themselves in the care of Uncle Alec and his wife Aunt Libby (their mother’s sister) – moved from the only home they had known in Katoomba to Bathurst. But then Aunt Libby had been struck down by disease and died – never did they anticipate the depraved ways of their Uncle.
Ben Wilberry was a botanist who was grieving deeply over the loss of a loved one – after a falling out with his father he took leave from his position in Melbourne and travelled west from Sydney, out through the mountains in search of a paper daisy while accompanied by his best friend and artist Cosmo Thompson. The day that Ben wandered up to the fence line of a property in Bathurst, having spotted a particularly delightful flower, was a day that would change his life forever. For Berylda the arrival of Ben literally on her doorstep would have a profound impact as well.
When Berylda organised for Greta and herself to be accompanied by both Ben and Cosmo on a buggy ride where they would picnic then arrive in Hill End fully chaperoned, she knew Uncle Alec would do his best to stop them. But she won as she knew she would. Her reason to visit Hill End she told no-one – her plan was in motion…
I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Daisies by Aussie author Kim Kelly. Deeply entrenched in Australian Federation with the lead up to women being given a vote, this heart wrenching but wonderful novel is told with compassion and depth. Narrated by both Berylda and Ben the gradual blending of their stories is beautifully done. The Author Note at the end of the book explains how the author came to write Paper Daisies, and is very interesting. Kim Kelly’s story telling abilities are astounding – this historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s is her best yet in my opinion, and I’ve loved them all. I have no hesitation in recommending Paper Daisies highly.
With thanks to the author and Pan MacMillan for my copy to read and review.
But her determination and anger at the situation had reached new heights and she was going to remove both Greta and herself from Uncle Alec forever, if it was the last thing she did. Having lost both their parents at a tender age, they found themselves in the care of Uncle Alec and his wife Aunt Libby (their mother’s sister) – moved from the only home they had known in Katoomba to Bathurst. But then Aunt Libby had been struck down by disease and died – never did they anticipate the depraved ways of their Uncle.
Ben Wilberry was a botanist who was grieving deeply over the loss of a loved one – after a falling out with his father he took leave from his position in Melbourne and travelled west from Sydney, out through the mountains in search of a paper daisy while accompanied by his best friend and artist Cosmo Thompson. The day that Ben wandered up to the fence line of a property in Bathurst, having spotted a particularly delightful flower, was a day that would change his life forever. For Berylda the arrival of Ben literally on her doorstep would have a profound impact as well.
When Berylda organised for Greta and herself to be accompanied by both Ben and Cosmo on a buggy ride where they would picnic then arrive in Hill End fully chaperoned, she knew Uncle Alec would do his best to stop them. But she won as she knew she would. Her reason to visit Hill End she told no-one – her plan was in motion…
I thoroughly enjoyed Paper Daisies by Aussie author Kim Kelly. Deeply entrenched in Australian Federation with the lead up to women being given a vote, this heart wrenching but wonderful novel is told with compassion and depth. Narrated by both Berylda and Ben the gradual blending of their stories is beautifully done. The Author Note at the end of the book explains how the author came to write Paper Daisies, and is very interesting. Kim Kelly’s story telling abilities are astounding – this historical fiction novel set in the early 1900s is her best yet in my opinion, and I’ve loved them all. I have no hesitation in recommending Paper Daisies highly.
With thanks to the author and Pan MacMillan for my copy to read and review.
October 24, 2018
Since the tragic separate deaths of their parents some years earlier, Greta Jones and her younger sister Beryhlda have been living in their family home under the guardianship of their tyrannical Uncle Alec who has always treated them very badly.
Because the girls were still minors, Uncle Alec laid claim to the estate and all of the assets along with being charged with the responsibility of the care and education of the two sisters.
He ruled with an iron fist and made their once perfect lives a misery, depriving them of any and all social activities or entertainments. He was cruel and abusive in many ways, both emotionally and physically.
Both of the girls would conspire to get away from him just as soon as they could. Berylda was first to leave home and go on to university to study medicine.
Her plan was that she would study very hard for her medical exams and get herself set up so that she could come for her sister.
It is the end of the year of 1900 and Berylda is travelling home for Christmas after having completed her exams for entry to medicine.
She is so excited and can't wait to see her sister and tell her of the plans that she has hatched to free her sister and herself from the clutches of their cruel and sadistic uncle...she only hopes that she has the courage to follow them through.
Since being back at their home, Berylda has come to realize just how desperate her sister's situation has become during her absence, and is fearful of not being able to carry out her plans, because her new understanding of the circumstances has made her realize the situation has become even more dire.
Berylda was getting desperate to put her plans together as quickly as she could as her uncle's temper began to escalate.
Then, on New Years Eve, just as things appeared to be taking a turn for the worst, fate seems to have intervened when a stranger arrives at their doorstep, and Berylda finds herself infused with renewed hope as her plans suddenly take on a more positive shape. She can see their dreams of a better future becoming more and more possible.
The stranger is a visiting botanist in search of an elusive wildflower he believes might be growing on their property.
If Berylda can set some plans into action before this stranger disappears as easily as he appeared, then it is quite possible that he might hold the key to their freedom.
Here begins another story as we follow the progress of Berylda's plans and how she goes about executing them.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read which kept up a steady pace of intrigue and ire making it a real page turner.
There were also moments of sheer poetry and beauty, as Kim Kelly's detailed observations of the surrounding bushland and its terrain, managed to transport the reader to that place and time.
Most enjoyable for me, (as a gardener) were the detailed and accurate descriptions of the Australian native bush and its flowers, described in all their glory from the perspective of the botanist's keen eye...I could easily envisage the picture and almost smell that beautiful Australian bush scent of eucalyptus and tea trees and various gum trees.
Kim Kelly sure knows how to tell a great story, and this is one I would have no qualms about recommending 4★s
*edited by myself to correct an error with ages of sisters.
Because the girls were still minors, Uncle Alec laid claim to the estate and all of the assets along with being charged with the responsibility of the care and education of the two sisters.
He ruled with an iron fist and made their once perfect lives a misery, depriving them of any and all social activities or entertainments. He was cruel and abusive in many ways, both emotionally and physically.
Both of the girls would conspire to get away from him just as soon as they could. Berylda was first to leave home and go on to university to study medicine.
Her plan was that she would study very hard for her medical exams and get herself set up so that she could come for her sister.
It is the end of the year of 1900 and Berylda is travelling home for Christmas after having completed her exams for entry to medicine.
She is so excited and can't wait to see her sister and tell her of the plans that she has hatched to free her sister and herself from the clutches of their cruel and sadistic uncle...she only hopes that she has the courage to follow them through.
Since being back at their home, Berylda has come to realize just how desperate her sister's situation has become during her absence, and is fearful of not being able to carry out her plans, because her new understanding of the circumstances has made her realize the situation has become even more dire.
Berylda was getting desperate to put her plans together as quickly as she could as her uncle's temper began to escalate.
Then, on New Years Eve, just as things appeared to be taking a turn for the worst, fate seems to have intervened when a stranger arrives at their doorstep, and Berylda finds herself infused with renewed hope as her plans suddenly take on a more positive shape. She can see their dreams of a better future becoming more and more possible.
The stranger is a visiting botanist in search of an elusive wildflower he believes might be growing on their property.
If Berylda can set some plans into action before this stranger disappears as easily as he appeared, then it is quite possible that he might hold the key to their freedom.
Here begins another story as we follow the progress of Berylda's plans and how she goes about executing them.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable read which kept up a steady pace of intrigue and ire making it a real page turner.
There were also moments of sheer poetry and beauty, as Kim Kelly's detailed observations of the surrounding bushland and its terrain, managed to transport the reader to that place and time.
Most enjoyable for me, (as a gardener) were the detailed and accurate descriptions of the Australian native bush and its flowers, described in all their glory from the perspective of the botanist's keen eye...I could easily envisage the picture and almost smell that beautiful Australian bush scent of eucalyptus and tea trees and various gum trees.
Kim Kelly sure knows how to tell a great story, and this is one I would have no qualms about recommending 4★s
*edited by myself to correct an error with ages of sisters.
December 14, 2017
"Vengeance has come. And so it must be made gone too. Somehow."
The story is set in Australia, in 1900 and is narrated alternately by Berylda, a medical student and Ben, a botanist. The book is well written, and the characters are well developed. It covers many issues namely racism, women's rights and abuse. The writer's observations are poetic and imaginative though sometimes too sentimental, which renders it a bit difficult to read.
How far would you go to protect the people you love? What would you do to stop evil, when you are standing alone against it and have no one to turn to? These are the questions i asked myself while reading the book, and i didn't like my answers one bit.
The story is set in Australia, in 1900 and is narrated alternately by Berylda, a medical student and Ben, a botanist. The book is well written, and the characters are well developed. It covers many issues namely racism, women's rights and abuse. The writer's observations are poetic and imaginative though sometimes too sentimental, which renders it a bit difficult to read.
How far would you go to protect the people you love? What would you do to stop evil, when you are standing alone against it and have no one to turn to? These are the questions i asked myself while reading the book, and i didn't like my answers one bit.
May 18, 2017
I’m in 2 minds about this book. I thought some parts were great - the author’s note at the end was very interesting, regarding where Kim Kelly gathered the inspiration for the book, and some of the information regarding women’s rights at the turn of the century, and this aspect of the book was well done, with the main female character, Berylda, studying medicine and wanting to be a surgeon even though job prospects for women were slim to none, and her female best friend at university studying law and both interested in matters of politics in the new Federation, especially as they pertain to women.
Without going into detail to avoid spoiling the story, it raised a dilemma of whether two wrongs make a right under situations of extreme duress, and I guess it is hard to comment unless you are in that situation yourself, however I am still inclined to hold fast to truth and say that a second wrong won’t make a first wrong right. Although I guess in such a high pressure situation, it could be argued that the character involved in the second wrong may have undergone a temporary insanity while considering whether to take action. But it felt a little like right and wrong were being watered down to suit the author’s needs (although she did clarify in her note at the end that the course of action being considered is not something she would ever personally condone), so I took a star off for that.
And I took half a star off for being a bit over sentimental at times. At first it was the man’s point of view that was a bit soppy, but then Berylda’s point of view took a turn and slid down the slippery slope into over-sweet and soppy phrases.
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was read well by the male and female narrators.
Without going into detail to avoid spoiling the story, it raised a dilemma of whether two wrongs make a right under situations of extreme duress, and I guess it is hard to comment unless you are in that situation yourself, however I am still inclined to hold fast to truth and say that a second wrong won’t make a first wrong right. Although I guess in such a high pressure situation, it could be argued that the character involved in the second wrong may have undergone a temporary insanity while considering whether to take action. But it felt a little like right and wrong were being watered down to suit the author’s needs (although she did clarify in her note at the end that the course of action being considered is not something she would ever personally condone), so I took a star off for that.
And I took half a star off for being a bit over sentimental at times. At first it was the man’s point of view that was a bit soppy, but then Berylda’s point of view took a turn and slid down the slippery slope into over-sweet and soppy phrases.
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was read well by the male and female narrators.
November 30, 2024
2.5 ⭐️s
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Johnny Carr, Rebecca Macauley
Duration: 14 hrs, 3 min. 1.50x Speed
Listened to the audiobook via BorrowBox
Published by Bolinda audio
Read by Johnny Carr, Rebecca Macauley
Duration: 14 hrs, 3 min. 1.50x Speed
January 11, 2016
This was a somewhat random purchase made one day, and surprisingly I read it straight away rather than let it languish on my shelves for ages. It turned out to be a thoroughly engaging novel that had me caught up in its web of wonderful characters, beautifully-rendered history and often nail-biting tension.
Set in rural New South Wales in 1900, the story takes place over just a few days. Berylda Jones and her sister Greta live with their Uncle Alec at his house, Bellevue, in Bathurst. Berylda has been away, studying, but returns now for Christmas. What she learns devastates her. Always aware that Uncle Alec is a misogynistic bastard who takes every delight in putting his nieces down, verbally and physically, she now discovers that he has been raping her sister. Greta is a shadow of herself, and Berylda fears she will vanish altogether. Berylda concocts a plan to travel to Hill End where there lives a Chinese herbalist, Dr Ah Ling, to buy poison from him to put in Alec's tea. But first she must find a way to make Uncle Alec give his permission to a three-day absence, something he isn't likely to do.
The unexpected arrival of botanist Ben Wilberry and his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson, create a good opportunity. Himself looking for a particular kind of native daisy, Berylda arranges for them all to go together, along with Buckley, an old manservant, and makes it hard for Uncle Alec to refuse. But the journey is just the first step: putting a stop to Uncle Alec is something Berylda is determined to do, even if it means becoming a murderess.
There is something delightfully gothic about this novel, that I relished. I loved the setting, the atmosphere, the landscape, the characters and especially the ending. I loved that Kelly didn't hold back, that she doesn't Austen-ise the world (my way of combining 'prettify' and to turn a blind eye to social problems, domestic abuse etc.), that she didn't make the sisters sound provincial or naive in a misguided belief that such things didn't exist back then. It was refreshing as well as riveting, and - while I read this before I watched the TV show - settings like Hill End and the herbalist's abode now remind me of True Detective (the first series). It's not the swampy American south that does it, but that isolated, almost suffocating atmosphere coupled with a kind of inbred mentality - by that I mean that it's as if the world outside it doesn't exist, and weird shit can happen.
Uncle Alec was a boldly drawn, nasty piece of work. He had married their aunt, whose death is pretty clearly suspicious to readers much sooner than it is to Berylda. A hatred of women is at his core, but this is exacerbated by his racist attitudes as well: Greta and Berylda have a Chinese grandmother (the Chinese were early settlers in Australia, though they weren't welcome at the time or for a long time after), and it's as if this incites his malice. Both misogyny and racism are at the secret heart of Australian culture, and Kelly makes a brave, intelligent foray into this manly web, which affects men as well as women - men like Ben, whose father is a prick who, as you can imagine, hardly respects his son for becoming a flower-gazer. I have huge respect for Kim Kelly, for aside from Paper Daisies being a wonderful story well told, it carries this strong sense of social justice throughout. The ending surprised me, but in a good way, and it was a true climax, releasing a great deal of tension that had been building up for quite some time. Fantastic read!
Set in rural New South Wales in 1900, the story takes place over just a few days. Berylda Jones and her sister Greta live with their Uncle Alec at his house, Bellevue, in Bathurst. Berylda has been away, studying, but returns now for Christmas. What she learns devastates her. Always aware that Uncle Alec is a misogynistic bastard who takes every delight in putting his nieces down, verbally and physically, she now discovers that he has been raping her sister. Greta is a shadow of herself, and Berylda fears she will vanish altogether. Berylda concocts a plan to travel to Hill End where there lives a Chinese herbalist, Dr Ah Ling, to buy poison from him to put in Alec's tea. But first she must find a way to make Uncle Alec give his permission to a three-day absence, something he isn't likely to do.
The unexpected arrival of botanist Ben Wilberry and his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson, create a good opportunity. Himself looking for a particular kind of native daisy, Berylda arranges for them all to go together, along with Buckley, an old manservant, and makes it hard for Uncle Alec to refuse. But the journey is just the first step: putting a stop to Uncle Alec is something Berylda is determined to do, even if it means becoming a murderess.
There is something delightfully gothic about this novel, that I relished. I loved the setting, the atmosphere, the landscape, the characters and especially the ending. I loved that Kelly didn't hold back, that she doesn't Austen-ise the world (my way of combining 'prettify' and to turn a blind eye to social problems, domestic abuse etc.), that she didn't make the sisters sound provincial or naive in a misguided belief that such things didn't exist back then. It was refreshing as well as riveting, and - while I read this before I watched the TV show - settings like Hill End and the herbalist's abode now remind me of True Detective (the first series). It's not the swampy American south that does it, but that isolated, almost suffocating atmosphere coupled with a kind of inbred mentality - by that I mean that it's as if the world outside it doesn't exist, and weird shit can happen.
Uncle Alec was a boldly drawn, nasty piece of work. He had married their aunt, whose death is pretty clearly suspicious to readers much sooner than it is to Berylda. A hatred of women is at his core, but this is exacerbated by his racist attitudes as well: Greta and Berylda have a Chinese grandmother (the Chinese were early settlers in Australia, though they weren't welcome at the time or for a long time after), and it's as if this incites his malice. Both misogyny and racism are at the secret heart of Australian culture, and Kelly makes a brave, intelligent foray into this manly web, which affects men as well as women - men like Ben, whose father is a prick who, as you can imagine, hardly respects his son for becoming a flower-gazer. I have huge respect for Kim Kelly, for aside from Paper Daisies being a wonderful story well told, it carries this strong sense of social justice throughout. The ending surprised me, but in a good way, and it was a true climax, releasing a great deal of tension that had been building up for quite some time. Fantastic read!
April 14, 2017
"I am a small boy balancing along the top of a wall, risking all with every step and wilfully. Because I am alive. I am so alive with her."
This story was beautiful.
I loved the characters and I loved the writing.
The description of Australia in the early 20th century was wonderfully done.
It was as though I was there with them.
❤️
Ben is a caring, good hearted botanist on his way to retrieve a beloved flower only located in a certain part of the Central West, for his late mother.
Berylda is a stubborn, wilful student who wishes to practice medicine and free her and her sister Greta, from the clutches of their abusive and cruel Uncle.
Mixed with romance, the magic of the Australian country, and the unfortunate ways women were treated at this time.
It wound up being a story that touched me and one of my favourites of this year.
This story was beautiful.
I loved the characters and I loved the writing.
The description of Australia in the early 20th century was wonderfully done.
It was as though I was there with them.
❤️
Ben is a caring, good hearted botanist on his way to retrieve a beloved flower only located in a certain part of the Central West, for his late mother.
Berylda is a stubborn, wilful student who wishes to practice medicine and free her and her sister Greta, from the clutches of their abusive and cruel Uncle.
Mixed with romance, the magic of the Australian country, and the unfortunate ways women were treated at this time.
It wound up being a story that touched me and one of my favourites of this year.
February 2, 2016
I bought this book when I attended an author event at my local library. I had never heard of her before then and listening to her speak I wanted to love the book so much I was hesitant to read it at first. Once I started I couldn't stop and it's opened me up to Australia. She is absolutely fantastic I have gone and bought more of her work and can't wait to see what else she brings out
June 14, 2017
I have never read a Kim Kelly novel before, but now that I've read Paper Daisies, I intend to read them all. Paper Daisies is one of those novels that quietly stuns you with the importance of its story. There is an undercurrent of suppression and desperation with both of the main characters, despite their status as high achieving individuals. Kelly doesn't draw out the reasons for this either, she divulges quite early on, and the focus of the novel shifts to that of escape, and freedom, for both Berylda and Ben, although they are each escaping different things. The novel switches between Berylda and Ben quite frequently, yet the changes are seamless, quite often within the same scene. The perspectives of both characters are offered in the first person, not a favourite of many readers, but in this case, I can't see the novel having been written in any other way with success. This is a very internally focused story and the use of first person brought this to life with perfection. Kim Kelly is quite skilled as a writer though, because she managed to create a convincing and engaging world from the perspectives of only two people. I never felt as a reader that I was missing out on anything. It was very well done.
There was a distinctly Australian tone to this novel that I appreciated. The language and setting was all true to the era. I particularly enjoyed the little insights into Australian life at the time of federation. The competitiveness of the states and the struggle for a national identity, a White Australian identity, were woven into the story intricately.
As to the story itself, the depravity that Berylda and Greta were living in, by the hand of their uncle, and the path to escape devised by Berylda. This was by no means a pretty historical about damsels in distress being rescued by progressive and considerate men. And therein lies its strength, because if that's all it was, I probably wouldn't have bothered with it. This is a story that will make some readers uncomfortable; its honesty and frank introspection gives you much to dwell on. The story may be set in 1900, but it could be from any era, right up to the modern day. It is a novel that examines the suppression of women on a number of levels. But it is also a celebration of taking control and earning your own freedom. There are good men within the pages of this novel, as well as bad. And there are good women who find themselves compelled to do bad things to survive. It walks a fine line often, this internal struggle between good and evil particularly pertinent for Berylda, a woman with quite literally, the world on her shoulders. Her self depreciation and unshakeable bond with her sister, along with her yearning for pure love, made Berylda Jones a worthy heroine, deserving of only the happiest of endings. Ben was of course a darling right from the start, so his ending was particularly satisfying all round. I loved this book and was hard pressed to put it down. #AWW2017
There was a distinctly Australian tone to this novel that I appreciated. The language and setting was all true to the era. I particularly enjoyed the little insights into Australian life at the time of federation. The competitiveness of the states and the struggle for a national identity, a White Australian identity, were woven into the story intricately.
As to the story itself, the depravity that Berylda and Greta were living in, by the hand of their uncle, and the path to escape devised by Berylda. This was by no means a pretty historical about damsels in distress being rescued by progressive and considerate men. And therein lies its strength, because if that's all it was, I probably wouldn't have bothered with it. This is a story that will make some readers uncomfortable; its honesty and frank introspection gives you much to dwell on. The story may be set in 1900, but it could be from any era, right up to the modern day. It is a novel that examines the suppression of women on a number of levels. But it is also a celebration of taking control and earning your own freedom. There are good men within the pages of this novel, as well as bad. And there are good women who find themselves compelled to do bad things to survive. It walks a fine line often, this internal struggle between good and evil particularly pertinent for Berylda, a woman with quite literally, the world on her shoulders. Her self depreciation and unshakeable bond with her sister, along with her yearning for pure love, made Berylda Jones a worthy heroine, deserving of only the happiest of endings. Ben was of course a darling right from the start, so his ending was particularly satisfying all round. I loved this book and was hard pressed to put it down. #AWW2017
October 26, 2016
Kim Kelly has written an intriguing story. She manages to capture the backdrop of early Australian federation without being overly heavy-handed. The difficulties facing people of non-white racial origins, the differences in societal class, and women’s roles were handled well.
The characters were vivid, even if they weren’t all likeable. Berylda is a strong female protagonist and she doesn’t always do what you expect or want her to. I love that for once the male protagonist wasn’t an “alpha”. Ben is an irregular man, a flower lover, with regular fear, concerns, wants, and goals of his own. Cosmo, as the comic relief (although it wasn’t his only role and he raised some very important points), was by far my favourite character. I wasn’t sure about Greta until the end of the novel, although I felt, given what happened to her, that she and her sister should have talked more – especially given they were meant to be so close. I understand why this wasn’t done, but it did mean that I felt there was something missing throughout the story.
I felt the romance was a little light, given the events that happen towards the end of the novel, but as historical fiction, this was an enjoyable read.
The characters were vivid, even if they weren’t all likeable. Berylda is a strong female protagonist and she doesn’t always do what you expect or want her to. I love that for once the male protagonist wasn’t an “alpha”. Ben is an irregular man, a flower lover, with regular fear, concerns, wants, and goals of his own. Cosmo, as the comic relief (although it wasn’t his only role and he raised some very important points), was by far my favourite character. I wasn’t sure about Greta until the end of the novel, although I felt, given what happened to her, that she and her sister should have talked more – especially given they were meant to be so close. I understand why this wasn’t done, but it did mean that I felt there was something missing throughout the story.
I felt the romance was a little light, given the events that happen towards the end of the novel, but as historical fiction, this was an enjoyable read.
July 18, 2017
Wonderfully intense! Rage, hope, love of discovery, love of learning, sisterly love...
Kim Kelly packs so much into her novels - believably complex characters, Australian history, local colour, psychology, botany, grief, fear, revenge, romance, friendship, politics...
and it all fits together perfectly.
This is the fourth of Kim Kelly's novels, and the second I've read. I admire and enjoy her writing - her use of language, language that suits the time and place, the class and culture of the characters, and also conveys so well the individual voice of the central characters - their thoughts and feelings, and the words they speak.
Kim Kelly packs so much into her novels - believably complex characters, Australian history, local colour, psychology, botany, grief, fear, revenge, romance, friendship, politics...
and it all fits together perfectly.
This is the fourth of Kim Kelly's novels, and the second I've read. I admire and enjoy her writing - her use of language, language that suits the time and place, the class and culture of the characters, and also conveys so well the individual voice of the central characters - their thoughts and feelings, and the words they speak.
April 26, 2015
I struggled a bit with the writing style but it was interesting to read about Australia at the time of Federation.
July 1, 2015
Berylda Jones wants to become a doctor. It's 1900 and it isn't common for women to study. She's done all the exams she needs to do to be able to start and is heading home for the holidays. She dreads going there as it means she'll have to be under the same roof as her uncle Alec. Alec has Berylda and her sister Greta in his power. He's in charge of everything and has the authority to make all the decisions. Unfortunately he's creepy and mean. Berylda can escape in her studies, but it means she has to leave her sister behind with a psychopath. It's something she keeps struggling with, because she doesn't want to do that.
When she meets botanist Ben Wilberry and invites him and his travel companion to spend New Year's Eve with them Berylda sees a great opportunity. She asks Ben to accompany her and her sister to a Chinese doctor who has miraculously cured a man who had cancer. Ben and his friend Cosmo are traveling with the sisters. Ben wants to find rare daisies and he's excited about the trip. Not only because of the flowers, but also because it gives him the chance to spend time with Berylda. Only Berylda finds herself in an impossible situation and she only sees one solution...
Paper Daisies is a beautiful story about a woman who wants to have the freedom to do what she likes. She wants to be able to study and she also thinks it's unfair that an evil man has so much control over her and her sister simply because they are women and they can't have access to their own money. Berylda is smart, she's really smart, and she comes up with a plan, but it's something that will destroy her inside if it will ever be carried out.
Ben is such a sweet man. He has a good heart and he's loving and caring. He's awkward around women, but for Berylda he's doing his very best. He wants her to like him and hopes they will have a future together. Berylda doesn't want to depend on a man and she doesn't want to fall in love. Ben is a good man, but will she see it? I couldn't wait to find out. I loved this story, it's got a wonderful setting, a little bit of mystery, great main characters and a lot of fantastic descriptions. Kim Kelly has done her research so well. I was transported to a different time and it was like I could see the whole story, it felt like I was there. I think authors who are able to write like that have an amazing gift. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
January 5, 2016
Finished this wonderful book this morning and read the author's note at the end with much delight as I still think about Julia Gillard's misogyny speech and this book really made me ponder the question as to whether much has changed since 1901. My father was born in 1903 and his political dialogues with his cronies mirrored the political discussions by the men gathered at the dinner party although I don't know whether they were coloured by the presence of a man like Cos. It is interesting that they revolved around race, class, gender and worker's rights and I remember my father sitting on the front fence with his friend discussing the same issues in the 1950's and of course in my student days discussing them with my friends.
I also felt that Kelly really understood the characters she created on the page and although sadistic Uncle Alec's actions are difficult to comprehend I believed she managed to give us some insight into that despotic creature. These monsters do exist even today.
I know that area of NSW fairly well which was a bonus reading this book. The visuals of the landscape really stood out.
I also felt that Kelly really understood the characters she created on the page and although sadistic Uncle Alec's actions are difficult to comprehend I believed she managed to give us some insight into that despotic creature. These monsters do exist even today.
I know that area of NSW fairly well which was a bonus reading this book. The visuals of the landscape really stood out.
December 23, 2019
This is a great story, I wasn't overly keen on the female narrator, but it was still great to listen to. Maybe if I hadn't already read it, I wouldn't have been as adverse to the female narrator's interpretation. Kim Kelly always tells a wonderful story, this time she brings in the issues of women's rights, domestic abuse and rape. I love Ben, the main male character, he is such a great and genuine guy.
June 20, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the moral complexities of powerless and vulnerability, and the control of women at the turn of the 20th century. I also liked the author's revelation of the Australian bush and flora. I'll be looking to borrow more of her books.
January 10, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)
It's December, 1900, and Berylda Jones is heading home to Bathurst for Christmas. Tragically, 'home' is where she and her beloved sister Greta live in terror, under the control of their sadistic Uncle Alec.
But Berylda has a plan, borne out of desperation, to free herself and Greta from Alec for good - if she can only find the courage to execute it.
Then, on New Year's Eve, just as Alec tightens his grip on the sisters, a stranger arrives at their gate - Ben Wilberry, a botanist in search of a particular native wildflower, with his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson.
Ben is oblivious to what depravity lies beyond this threshold and what follows is a journey that will take him and Berylda, and Greta and Cosmo, out to the old gold rush town of Hill End in search of a means to cure evil and a solution to what seems an impossible situation.
Against the tumultuous backdrop of Australian Federation and the coming of the Women's Vote, Paper Daisiesis a story of what it means to find moral courage, of a crime that must be committed to see justice done and a sweet love that flourishes against the odds.
I will start this review by saying that Kim is a good friend of our business - she has been to our store a few times for signings and it is always an absolute pleasure to have her there.
That said, I don't normally read this genre - not to say that I don't, and I have been told that I need to expand my reading horizons, I decided to give this one a go. And was quite pleased that I did.
Without going over the plot - it's at the top of this review if you need to know - I just want to mention the things that I really loved about this book.
When I read a book - any book - I am a big fan of plot. A story that moves along in the great ebb and flow of plot is the most magical thing for me. This book does just that. With the story being told from both viewpoints of Berylda and Ben alternately, the story moves along at a good pace that keeps the pages turning and the interest high.
Speaking of Berylda and Ben, the characters that Kim has created are ones that you fall in love with. THey have their own quirks and foibles (like all of us) and are easy to identify with. Even nasty Uncle Alec is a well-drawn character - my desire to see him fall on his sword, so to speak, was a good indication of how well Kim has created this guy. My favourite, though, was Cosmo. Although he played second fiddle to Ben, he was almost the quintessential Australian in this story and I really did enjoy a lot of his dialogue and actions.
The time period was interesting - start of the new century and all the issues that existed at the time were quite interesting. Kim has done some great research delving into our past as a nation and the feelings that existed at the time.
Finally, the "romance" - while I am okay with romance in stories, I didn't feel like this was overdone but suited the story completely. I think the resolution to their story is very good and fits the story as told.
Ultimately, this was a very good read and I do recommend it for anyone who has an interest in our country's history, Australian romance novels and great story telling.
Paul
ARH
It's December, 1900, and Berylda Jones is heading home to Bathurst for Christmas. Tragically, 'home' is where she and her beloved sister Greta live in terror, under the control of their sadistic Uncle Alec.
But Berylda has a plan, borne out of desperation, to free herself and Greta from Alec for good - if she can only find the courage to execute it.
Then, on New Year's Eve, just as Alec tightens his grip on the sisters, a stranger arrives at their gate - Ben Wilberry, a botanist in search of a particular native wildflower, with his friend, the artist Cosmo Thompson.
Ben is oblivious to what depravity lies beyond this threshold and what follows is a journey that will take him and Berylda, and Greta and Cosmo, out to the old gold rush town of Hill End in search of a means to cure evil and a solution to what seems an impossible situation.
Against the tumultuous backdrop of Australian Federation and the coming of the Women's Vote, Paper Daisiesis a story of what it means to find moral courage, of a crime that must be committed to see justice done and a sweet love that flourishes against the odds.
I will start this review by saying that Kim is a good friend of our business - she has been to our store a few times for signings and it is always an absolute pleasure to have her there.
That said, I don't normally read this genre - not to say that I don't, and I have been told that I need to expand my reading horizons, I decided to give this one a go. And was quite pleased that I did.
Without going over the plot - it's at the top of this review if you need to know - I just want to mention the things that I really loved about this book.
When I read a book - any book - I am a big fan of plot. A story that moves along in the great ebb and flow of plot is the most magical thing for me. This book does just that. With the story being told from both viewpoints of Berylda and Ben alternately, the story moves along at a good pace that keeps the pages turning and the interest high.
Speaking of Berylda and Ben, the characters that Kim has created are ones that you fall in love with. THey have their own quirks and foibles (like all of us) and are easy to identify with. Even nasty Uncle Alec is a well-drawn character - my desire to see him fall on his sword, so to speak, was a good indication of how well Kim has created this guy. My favourite, though, was Cosmo. Although he played second fiddle to Ben, he was almost the quintessential Australian in this story and I really did enjoy a lot of his dialogue and actions.
The time period was interesting - start of the new century and all the issues that existed at the time were quite interesting. Kim has done some great research delving into our past as a nation and the feelings that existed at the time.
Finally, the "romance" - while I am okay with romance in stories, I didn't feel like this was overdone but suited the story completely. I think the resolution to their story is very good and fits the story as told.
Ultimately, this was a very good read and I do recommend it for anyone who has an interest in our country's history, Australian romance novels and great story telling.
Paul
ARH
February 9, 2017
This was quite a painful read. It was like wading through mud.
[Does contain a few spoilers]
Firstly, I found it very badly written. Kim Kelly appears to abandon all good grammar and in some places I had to go back and re-read sections because they were confusing.
Secondly, it was SO SLOW... We have pages on Berylda just hanging around in Sydney, and the best drama we get is her having to return a library book she had stolen. Then she heads home and we get a new year's eve dinner for half the book, and it is all just the same two monologues repeated over and over. Berylda: I need to kill my uncle. I am so angry with him etc etc etc. Ben: Berylda is so beautiful. We get the point, move on. Then we get a long trip to the Hills End, with the same monologues and some flower descriptions thrown in. Then we get there and again we have pages of very little swamping the few good things that happen. By then I just wanted to finish so as to put myself out of my misery.
Thirdly, a few bits surrounding her sister's rape annoyed me. Berylda claims to know nothing about sex except from a medical book, and yet she can sit in another room and hear some sounds and say "my sister is getting raped". Not believable. Also, she spends half the book in complete rage over what her uncle did, to the point of having to leave the room to ride her emotions, and yet when it is happening she just sits in her room and says "my sister is being raped" before thinking about her university results. Again, not believable.
Fourthly, I never really liked Berylda's character. She spends the whole book pushing Ben away and being rude to him, ignoring him etc (even right at the end) and no matter how many times Ben tells us she is so beautiful and that he loves her, I just failed to really see how that was possible. I wanted her to start treating him better but she never does. In her monologues she says how she appreciates all Ben has done for her, but she never tells him that. She just keeps using him to recover and then pushes him away.
Sorry, but the book just didn't do it for me.
[Does contain a few spoilers]
Firstly, I found it very badly written. Kim Kelly appears to abandon all good grammar and in some places I had to go back and re-read sections because they were confusing.
Secondly, it was SO SLOW... We have pages on Berylda just hanging around in Sydney, and the best drama we get is her having to return a library book she had stolen. Then she heads home and we get a new year's eve dinner for half the book, and it is all just the same two monologues repeated over and over. Berylda: I need to kill my uncle. I am so angry with him etc etc etc. Ben: Berylda is so beautiful. We get the point, move on. Then we get a long trip to the Hills End, with the same monologues and some flower descriptions thrown in. Then we get there and again we have pages of very little swamping the few good things that happen. By then I just wanted to finish so as to put myself out of my misery.
Thirdly, a few bits surrounding her sister's rape annoyed me. Berylda claims to know nothing about sex except from a medical book, and yet she can sit in another room and hear some sounds and say "my sister is getting raped". Not believable. Also, she spends half the book in complete rage over what her uncle did, to the point of having to leave the room to ride her emotions, and yet when it is happening she just sits in her room and says "my sister is being raped" before thinking about her university results. Again, not believable.
Fourthly, I never really liked Berylda's character. She spends the whole book pushing Ben away and being rude to him, ignoring him etc (even right at the end) and no matter how many times Ben tells us she is so beautiful and that he loves her, I just failed to really see how that was possible. I wanted her to start treating him better but she never does. In her monologues she says how she appreciates all Ben has done for her, but she never tells him that. She just keeps using him to recover and then pushes him away.
Sorry, but the book just didn't do it for me.
December 4, 2017
Paper Daisies tells the story of two sisters, Berylda and Greta, and is set at the beginning of 1900 in Australia.
The theme is gripping, and when the author wants to move the story along, she really does move it along. However, there are too many times that she shows no inclination toward crafting a taut script.
The digressions are not just in the descriptions of the scenery, the vegetation, and the like; those serve to set the scene, and do add value to the story. What I found particularly painful is the way in which the male protagonist, Ben, goes on and on about Berylda's beauty, her frown, and her "perfectness". This detracts from both, the story's progression as well as its realness, and was very difficult to endure. To make matters worse, after a few chapters, Berylda returns the favour and starts describing Ben at great length.
Another aspect I found problematic was that Berylda repeats what she intends to do countless times before actually doing it. As a reader, I felt like yelling at her in exasperation to go ahead and do whatever she had to instead of saying so over and over. Moreover, although the book attempts to build itself up as a suspense which resolves itself at the end, there really isn't much of a suspense, seeing as Berylda has by then, told the reader about a thousand times what she would do anyway.
Personally, I liked the book for bringing out the setting of Australia at the turn of the century, and painting a detailed picture of the race relations, gender equations, and way of life at the time. From the perspective of pure story however, it falls short as it doesn't do justice to the element of suspense, nor does it sustain narrative focus.
The theme is gripping, and when the author wants to move the story along, she really does move it along. However, there are too many times that she shows no inclination toward crafting a taut script.
The digressions are not just in the descriptions of the scenery, the vegetation, and the like; those serve to set the scene, and do add value to the story. What I found particularly painful is the way in which the male protagonist, Ben, goes on and on about Berylda's beauty, her frown, and her "perfectness". This detracts from both, the story's progression as well as its realness, and was very difficult to endure. To make matters worse, after a few chapters, Berylda returns the favour and starts describing Ben at great length.
Another aspect I found problematic was that Berylda repeats what she intends to do countless times before actually doing it. As a reader, I felt like yelling at her in exasperation to go ahead and do whatever she had to instead of saying so over and over. Moreover, although the book attempts to build itself up as a suspense which resolves itself at the end, there really isn't much of a suspense, seeing as Berylda has by then, told the reader about a thousand times what she would do anyway.
Personally, I liked the book for bringing out the setting of Australia at the turn of the century, and painting a detailed picture of the race relations, gender equations, and way of life at the time. From the perspective of pure story however, it falls short as it doesn't do justice to the element of suspense, nor does it sustain narrative focus.
September 16, 2019
Paper Daisies
by
Kim Kelly
I must confess to having read Paper Daisies earlier in the year and have only just decided to write about it…or rather not write about it.
I have read The Blue Mile and This Red Earth, both authored by Kim Kelly. Both were enjoyable books and I rated each books as four star read.
Paper Daisies commenced at Christmas 1900, whereas This Red Earth was set at the end of World War I and The Blue Mile in the 1930s and World War II
As I said it has been some time since listening to Paper Daisies and I had forgotten the story. I was beginning to think that I may need to re-read it. Then in Goodreads blurb I spied those two words. Berylda Jones. With just those two words enough of the story came back to realise why I had not previously reviewed Paper Daisies.
This audio version will go down as not my favourite Kim Kelly book. From memory, the story seemed disjointed and I simply could not get into to it. After a few chapters I put it away.
Unfortunately I am one of ten readers who have rated Paper Daisies one star book. For me that is an unfinished book. Considering around 75% of readers have rated Paper Daisies as with three (or more) stars, it may a better read than an audio book.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers have rated Paper Daisies an averaged 3.7 stars from 166 ratings and 45 reviews
by
Kim Kelly
I must confess to having read Paper Daisies earlier in the year and have only just decided to write about it…or rather not write about it.
I have read The Blue Mile and This Red Earth, both authored by Kim Kelly. Both were enjoyable books and I rated each books as four star read.
Paper Daisies commenced at Christmas 1900, whereas This Red Earth was set at the end of World War I and The Blue Mile in the 1930s and World War II
As I said it has been some time since listening to Paper Daisies and I had forgotten the story. I was beginning to think that I may need to re-read it. Then in Goodreads blurb I spied those two words. Berylda Jones. With just those two words enough of the story came back to realise why I had not previously reviewed Paper Daisies.
This audio version will go down as not my favourite Kim Kelly book. From memory, the story seemed disjointed and I simply could not get into to it. After a few chapters I put it away.
Unfortunately I am one of ten readers who have rated Paper Daisies one star book. For me that is an unfinished book. Considering around 75% of readers have rated Paper Daisies as with three (or more) stars, it may a better read than an audio book.
At the time of writing my review, other Goodreads readers have rated Paper Daisies an averaged 3.7 stars from 166 ratings and 45 reviews
June 5, 2016
Australia's answer to Sara Gruen. Kim Kelly writes in the present tense which gives the prose a hypnotic edge. The subject matter of misogyny, sexual abuse and murder does not make for easy reading; the reader is drawn into the world beyond that of a spectator. One feels more than empathy for the female protagonist, the reader sides with her and barracks for justice begging that all will end well. Kelly delves under the skin of the characters suffering from abuse and the character who commits a murder, so much that the reader feels the tension and the relief in the situations that hopefully most readers will not be able to relate to first hand.
July 11, 2015
I've never really been a lover of historical fiction. Then I read This Red Earth, By Kim Kelly. I've been looking forward to another novel and the name Paper Daisies really grabbed my attention. Then I saw the author's name. Kim Kelly writes beautiful books, steeped in historical fact skillfully fused with fiction. You can definitely judge a book by its cover when it comes to Kim Kelly. Truly wonderful covers. And with a setting around an area I'm familiar with I found the detail from an earlier period fascinating.
February 28, 2016
My kind of novel - based on Australian history, a strong woman, mixed cultures. Kelly's writing style and her tale had me under the spell, cheering along Berylda and though I anticipated a disappointing end, I was wrong. I was delighted to read that this story was triggered by Julia Gillard's famous misogyny quote and hope Julia has read Paper Daisies. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 3, 2016
Felt compelled to complete this book out of respect for those women who face this abuse and struggle today. Writing style was different and a little modern for me I think? Enjoyed reading about one of my favourite places in Australia; the central west if NSW.
Read
August 5, 2016This is a genre I didn't think would interest me that much, but this book kept me on a knife's edge as I journeyed with these two beautiful sisters...and reduced me to tears. Totally absorbing. Check it out!
February 5, 2015
Easy to read but not an easy story by any measure. Federation saw a changing landscape, politically, economically and socially - what a pity some of those changes are still needing to be made...
August 22, 2015
Felt it was a bit slow at the start... But half way through I couldn't stop turning the pages to see what happened.
June 20, 2016
I enjoyed the story, but a bit too much soppy romance for my liking.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews