Bush Oranges

by Kay Donovan

"My mother and her sisters still live in this town where they were born and grew up. The next generation has long gone to live in places as far apart as any cyclone could scatter them."Kate has escaped from the place she still calls home, but when her infertility forces her to confront the fears driving her, home and family beckon with deceptive promises of comfort and answers. The Mintons are a family of women shaped by the details of domestic life in their provincial town, where secrets are best kept hidden. But secrets have a sway of forcing themselves through the cracks and reverberating soundlessly across generations.Set in the brooding, tempestuos climate of North Queensland from the 1920's to 1990's "Bush Oranges" is a beautifully understated and insightful novel. A contemporary story of love and mothering, loyalty and respectability, and the gentle rub of life that can polish one person as it grinds another down.

Genres: Audiobook

220 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Antonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I grew up in Townsville, and actually lived on Magnetic Island as well. The older women were quintessential North queensland women, stoic, hard working and stood for no nonsense. The relationship between Kate and her mother was complicated (as most relationships between mothers and daughters are). This book was easy to read, not quite a page turner, but it kept me engaged.

[Ariella · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sweet and clumsy.

[Bronwen Whyatt · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was a bit hard to follow the many characters in this story, and to try to keep track of their relationships to each other, as they all spoke in 1st person.
I was always wanting something exciting or at least interesting to happen, but it never did. There were so many contemporary issues that the author could have delved into much deeper than she did.
It surprises me what gets published sometimes, but the fact this book exists in the world would give any aspiring writer several ounces of hope.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Prodigal daughters are not received in the same way as prodigal sons’

I enjoyed Donovans vivid imagery and her writing. Her tone was soft and warm. I loved the web of women family members, each with their own flaws, wishes, traumas, expectations and connections. Donovan creates a clear physical environment, the tides, the heat, the breeze and flora. The ending was satisfying but perhaps a little hollow. Nevertheless, Kates internal musings and conclusions at the end were hopeful.

[Kel Sta · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read most of this book some months ago, but it was put-downable and I didn't read the end until the festive break afforded me a little extra R 'n' R time (although I should have been clearing out the front room or oiling the deck, of course). The cliche would have it that you can't judge a book by its cover, but the cover and presentation of this hardcover edition deserve mention, as they're very classy. A pleasing, classic lichen-coloured hardcover with a quality dustcover with agreeable fonts and lovely art, with a ribbon sewn/glued into the binding for a bookmark (there's probably a technical term for such a thing, and if Linda Reynolds is reading this, she'll perhaps be able to tell me what it is).

There's nothing wrong with the content of the book itself, and I didn't dislike it, but it just didn't grab me. The blurb describes it as 'understated and insightful' and it is probably those things. It's certainly gentle and honest-seeming. But riveting and spellbinding are not adjectives I'd apply to it. There was also the hint of other or further story within what was shared (never action adventure!), which intrigued me; I felt disappointed that these suggestions weren't followed up. It makes a restful holiday read, clearing the noise and clutter from the mind.

[Bronwyn Rykiert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kate and her partner Dan have been trying to have a child through in vitro and are not having much luck. She hears word from her mother who lives on Magnetic Island that her Aunt Maud has had a stroke and may not live much longer. Kate decides to go to visit her mum and relatives in North Queensland. The story told in bits by the Kate's mum Nell and her sisters Iris and Phyll along with Kate and her cousin Gayle. We get to hear how they feel about particular things and hear about their lives.

Nothing too exciting, probabaly a lot like a normal family. It was interesting enough.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first got this book at Vinnies for $1. I don't know why I got it but it seemed like a beautiful book. I tried reading the book many times before but it just seemed so boring. However, finally, I gave it another try and I was astounded. Bush oranges is a beautiful book. By the end of it, I thought it was so beautiful, so sweet, full of love and mothering. I'm not an adult I am still a child but I found this book utterly wonderful and a delight to read. Now I'm rereading.