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Allegra in Three Parts
I can split myself in two . . . something I have to do because of Joy and Matilde. They are my grandmothers and I love them both and they totally love me but they can't stand each other.
Eleven-year-old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde works all hours and instils discipline, duty and restraint. She insists that Allegra focus on her studies to become a doctor. Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. She is riding the second wave of the women's movement in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and live her 'true essence'. Rick lives in a flat out the back and finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He's trying to be a good parent to Al Pal, while grieving the woman linking them all but whose absence tears them apart.
Allegra is left to orbit these three adult worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until one day the unspoken tragedy that's created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most.
Eleven-year-old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde works all hours and instils discipline, duty and restraint. She insists that Allegra focus on her studies to become a doctor. Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. She is riding the second wave of the women's movement in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and live her 'true essence'. Rick lives in a flat out the back and finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He's trying to be a good parent to Al Pal, while grieving the woman linking them all but whose absence tears them apart.
Allegra is left to orbit these three adult worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until one day the unspoken tragedy that's created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2019
54 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Daniel
3 books31 followersSuzanne Daniel is a journalist and communications consultant who has also worked for ABC TV, the Sydney Morning Herald, the United Nations, BBC (London) and in crisis management and social services. She holds a Bachelor degree in Communication, a Masters degree in Journalism and was awarded a Vincent Fairfax Fellowship for ethical leadership. For the past twenty years she has served on community, philanthropic and public company boards. Suzanne lives in Sydney with her husband and family.
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February 7, 2020
"Sometimes I split myself in two...
It's not really a trick, it's more my inside out secret something I have to do because of Joy and Matilde..."
Set in North Bondi, Sydney in the 1970s, this was a lovely snippet down memory lane. In the days before the internet, when people went shopping at the local greengrocer, milk was still delivered for primary kids to drink at school and they played on monkey bars without fear (gasp!) of falling onto the concrete playground below. I had to smile at the mention of "Perkins Paste" *. I wonder what happened to it? I loved that stuff! In class we were obsessed with stirring & squelching it around the little container it came in. It must have driven our teachers to distraction. Never mind actually glueing anything with it. Simpler times for sure, even though it wasn't that long ago.
Allegra "Ally" is 11 & 3/4s. This is her story. She's an empathetic, perceptive child, who has come to an age where she realises that the complexities that exist in her family's dynamic are unusual. She's starting to feel the cracks in the relationships between them. And it hurts her. All she wishes for is that they care for each other as much as she loves each of them. She feels her heart is always being torn in different directions. That showing love and affection to one, somehow meant she loves the other less…which results her always feeling “split in two” emotionally.
"I am Allegra on one side and Ally down the other."
Joy and Matilde are her Grandmas, and they are like oil & water. They live next door to each other, at No.s 23 & 25.
Joy is glamorous, spiritual, free spirited and quite forward thinking. She is into the burgeoning women's movement and meets regularly with like-minded "sisters" who are all part of The Liberty Club. Her garden is full of wind chimes, colourful glass bottles filled with tears from momentous events and pretty flowers. She has a penny turtle named Simone de Beauvoir. Joy gives Ally words of wisdom about men, and she stresses the importance of female friendship and enjoying life. Joy does not cook. There is no food in her home.
Matilde is of Hungarian origin and has survived the holocaust. She keeps her cards close to her chest. She is a hardworking traditionalist. Pragmatic. A seamstress who does piece work from home. Matilde is serious, stern even. Her garden is filled with herbs and vegetables. She shows her love for Allegra by cooking her delicious Hungarian meals, such as goulash. And paying for her piano and swimming lessons. She tells Allegra not to worry whether the popular girls at school like her or not.
Joy and Matilde do not see eye to eye. In fact, they don't speak to each other at all. But they both love Ally/Allegra fiercely. Each in their own very different way. It's so telling by how they address her as either Ally or Allegra, as to the type of relationship they have with her.
Rick is Allegra's Dad. He lives in a flat out the back of No.25. He keeps mainly to himself and likes to surf. Water washes away all manner of worry. He's a quiet bloke, a man of few words, and tends to hover in the background. He leaves most of Allegra's care to her Grandmas. It's quite an unusual family setup. Which Allegra is slowly discovering.
But what is the unspoken tragedy that has caused so much hurt to build up over the years?
This story is told from Allegra's eyes. Her descriptions of school and the "popular" group are so achingly spot on. The spitefulness, the jealousy, the pithy comebacks. Lining up for food at the tuck shop. Her talk of lessons & daily school life brought back lots of memories for me. The friendship groups and the pure happiness of finding a best friend who truly has your back, are a delight to read. Allegra becoming old enough to start making choices, while trying not to hurt people's feelings, I could absolutely relate to. Wise beyond her years. She's such an empathetic, aware character! I loved her. She acts from her feelings. And as I said earlier, it upsets her to think that while giving her love to one family member, this is taking it away from another...
There is the most beautiful scene where Allegra decides it's time to learn to make cherry strudel (to her Grandma Matilde's delight). Together, with a Franz Liszt symphony playing in the background, they embark on this task. It's truly something special. Magical.
Against the schoolyard occurrences, a very serious, difficult story is slowly revealed as Allegra's relationships with Joy, Matilde & Rick evolve. There is a shift as they realise she's no longer a little girl. Though it’s more that Ally forces them to see this by her actions and her questions. Allegra's eyes open to the world around her, and the difficult situations people find themselves in. The choices they make. And how they cope. Or don't. Feelings that are bottled up over years, ready to explode like a shaken soft drink bottle. There are serious themes of abortion, workplace equality, bullying, women's domestic violence & the setting up of women's refuges, all of which lend a gravitas to Allegra's awakening on the brink of womanhood.
There are so many themes running through this book, and they are all beautifully threaded together. All told with Allegra's voice. With depth and emotion. Love, love, love.
This is an utterly gorgeous book. I cannot stress this enough. I loved the Aussie-ness of it: the sayings, the brand names I haven’t heard in years, the locations. There are sad parts, funny parts, laugh out loud parts, and an overall feeling of viewing life from another's perspective. And why they behave as they do. About giving them a bit of leeway. Scratch beneath the surface and you'll discover depths about people that you didn't realise exist...what makes them tick.
Suzanne Daniels has the uncanny ability to really capture the mindset and voice of Allegra with realism. This book will hug its' arms around you. And might even get you to recall what it was like to be 11 & 3/4s.
This was my first audio book! It's simply been too humid recently here in Sydney for me to focus much on reading. So on a whim, I decided to see what my local library had by the way of audio books. I hit jackpot with this gem. It joined me on many walks along the beach on those hot summer evenings. Thank you Randwick City Library!
I adored this book, and found the ending with Ally’s thoughts on destiny and generations gone by with generations to come particularly poignant. It's beautifully put. This will definitely stay in my mind for a long time.
Shout out to the wonderful Collin who has also read this book. Make sure you check out his review, for the male perspective of what I feel is a very feminine book. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
And another shout out to Vanessa, whose review from a while back was always stuck in my mind. After reading it, I knew I'd have to befriend Allegra at some point.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
* Perkins Paste: a glue (adhesive) which was sold in a nifty bright purple tub with a mini spatula attached to the lid. The smell of it was amazing....
February 6, 2020
The greatest praise I can give this novel is that at times I felt like I was reading Tim Winton.
If you are a fan of Tim Winton, Aussie family dramas, and characters that feel like they walked out of Cloud Street, then you will love this novel.
Allegra is a an eleven-year-old catholic girl being raised by her two grandmothers. Allegra informs the reader that she has the ability to split herself in two. Not physically, but two different personalities. This splitting is more of a necessity than a frivolous ability and the reason she needs to do this is her grandmothers.
Both of her grandmothers love her dearly and that love is reciprocated by Allegra. The problem is that Matilde and Joy, the two grandmothers, who live right next door to each other, will not even speak to each other.
Firstly, you could not find two more different women if you tried. Matilde is practical. She works as a seamstress from home scrimping and saving every red cent to enable Allegra to go on and become the doctor that Matilde wants her to be. Her garden is all vegetables, every different variety being used nothing is wasted.
Next door Joy, very aptly named, instead of practical and spartan, is emotional and spiritual. Heads to Matilde’s tails. No vegetables in her garden, it overflows with a myriad of flowers, colours bursting forth everywhere. She collects her tears, and she cries a lot, in bottles and then dates and labels them. Allegra loves to listen to Joy tell her the story of each bottle even though she has heard them all many times. The sound of the wind chimes hanging from Joy’s frangipani tree warms Allegra’s heart, that is until Matilde hears them and promptly shuts all the windows.
Matilde is a Jew who has survived the holocaust, set in her ways, forged from a different era. Joy is a modern feminist fighting for women’s rights and trying to set up a refuge for victims of domestic abuse.
However, there is something more sinister hiding away beneath the surface of these obvious differences and both grandmothers are determined to let this something remain hidden and continue along in the odd lifestyle they have created.
Allegra’s father, Rick, lives with her and Matilde in a flat above the garage and seems content with the situation as well. He is almost a ghost in Allegra’s life, working as a carpenter, surfing and betting on the horses.
All three of them love Allegra immensely, and yet they don’t seem to realise the danger they are inflicting on her young impressionable mind. A mind that is fragile and still developing. Allegra, just about every day of her life, is torn between them. Fighting each day to try to keep both grandmothers happy, increasingly blaming herself for the rift.
From the first chapter we are shown how deeply Allegra loves both grandmothers. While reciting a prayer to her school assembly she watches both women sitting distant from each other.
“Making Joy focused makes me feel alive”, Allegra thinks as she notices Joy concentrate on her prayer.
“Making Matilde exhale makes me calm”, she thinks as her glance slides over to her other grandmother.
When Allegra finds out that she must choose a sponsor for her confirmation, and that she may only choose one person, she becomes distressed, torn between her two grandmothers, knowing that choosing one will hurt the other. However, when she finds out that Matilde is Jewish, and Joy catholic, the decision is taken out of her hands. Joy is overjoyed but Allegra is sad, once again torn in half.
“Usually when I make Joy happy the right side of my heart pumps little pulses of thinned blood to my head, sharpening colour and sweetening sound. But today, even though Joy is tickled pink, I know that Matilde is bruised blue, and the left side of my heart is pumping hardened blood to the back of my throat. All colour seems muddier, and sound seems duller.
I realise something for the first time, the way you can at eleven and three quarters when suddenly you feel twenty-two. Joy and Matilde make up my right and left side. But now I’ve put them out of balance, and I don’t know how I can feel right again when I’m leaving one of them feeling wronged.”
It doesn’t take the reader long to work out that the whole problem revolving around this little family is Allegra’s missing mother, but what is the secret that the three of them are keeping from Allegra and will they come to their senses and tell her everything before it is too late.
Daniel has breathed life into a simply amazing character with young Allegra and spending the novel in her mind and viewing the world from her eyes is an absolute joy!
I may be a little bit biased being an old surfer and the beach is my favourite place on the planet, but I think this book is a cracker! 5 Stars!
Here is a link to my blog where Suzanne answers ten terrifying questions on Booktopia - https://www.collinsbookblog.com/post/...
If you are a fan of Tim Winton, Aussie family dramas, and characters that feel like they walked out of Cloud Street, then you will love this novel.
Allegra is a an eleven-year-old catholic girl being raised by her two grandmothers. Allegra informs the reader that she has the ability to split herself in two. Not physically, but two different personalities. This splitting is more of a necessity than a frivolous ability and the reason she needs to do this is her grandmothers.
Both of her grandmothers love her dearly and that love is reciprocated by Allegra. The problem is that Matilde and Joy, the two grandmothers, who live right next door to each other, will not even speak to each other.
Firstly, you could not find two more different women if you tried. Matilde is practical. She works as a seamstress from home scrimping and saving every red cent to enable Allegra to go on and become the doctor that Matilde wants her to be. Her garden is all vegetables, every different variety being used nothing is wasted.
Next door Joy, very aptly named, instead of practical and spartan, is emotional and spiritual. Heads to Matilde’s tails. No vegetables in her garden, it overflows with a myriad of flowers, colours bursting forth everywhere. She collects her tears, and she cries a lot, in bottles and then dates and labels them. Allegra loves to listen to Joy tell her the story of each bottle even though she has heard them all many times. The sound of the wind chimes hanging from Joy’s frangipani tree warms Allegra’s heart, that is until Matilde hears them and promptly shuts all the windows.
Matilde is a Jew who has survived the holocaust, set in her ways, forged from a different era. Joy is a modern feminist fighting for women’s rights and trying to set up a refuge for victims of domestic abuse.
However, there is something more sinister hiding away beneath the surface of these obvious differences and both grandmothers are determined to let this something remain hidden and continue along in the odd lifestyle they have created.
Allegra’s father, Rick, lives with her and Matilde in a flat above the garage and seems content with the situation as well. He is almost a ghost in Allegra’s life, working as a carpenter, surfing and betting on the horses.
All three of them love Allegra immensely, and yet they don’t seem to realise the danger they are inflicting on her young impressionable mind. A mind that is fragile and still developing. Allegra, just about every day of her life, is torn between them. Fighting each day to try to keep both grandmothers happy, increasingly blaming herself for the rift.
From the first chapter we are shown how deeply Allegra loves both grandmothers. While reciting a prayer to her school assembly she watches both women sitting distant from each other.
“Making Joy focused makes me feel alive”, Allegra thinks as she notices Joy concentrate on her prayer.
“Making Matilde exhale makes me calm”, she thinks as her glance slides over to her other grandmother.
When Allegra finds out that she must choose a sponsor for her confirmation, and that she may only choose one person, she becomes distressed, torn between her two grandmothers, knowing that choosing one will hurt the other. However, when she finds out that Matilde is Jewish, and Joy catholic, the decision is taken out of her hands. Joy is overjoyed but Allegra is sad, once again torn in half.
“Usually when I make Joy happy the right side of my heart pumps little pulses of thinned blood to my head, sharpening colour and sweetening sound. But today, even though Joy is tickled pink, I know that Matilde is bruised blue, and the left side of my heart is pumping hardened blood to the back of my throat. All colour seems muddier, and sound seems duller.
I realise something for the first time, the way you can at eleven and three quarters when suddenly you feel twenty-two. Joy and Matilde make up my right and left side. But now I’ve put them out of balance, and I don’t know how I can feel right again when I’m leaving one of them feeling wronged.”
It doesn’t take the reader long to work out that the whole problem revolving around this little family is Allegra’s missing mother, but what is the secret that the three of them are keeping from Allegra and will they come to their senses and tell her everything before it is too late.
Daniel has breathed life into a simply amazing character with young Allegra and spending the novel in her mind and viewing the world from her eyes is an absolute joy!
I may be a little bit biased being an old surfer and the beach is my favourite place on the planet, but I think this book is a cracker! 5 Stars!
Here is a link to my blog where Suzanne answers ten terrifying questions on Booktopia - https://www.collinsbookblog.com/post/...
December 6, 2019
This is the most heartbreakingly beautiful story of a shattered family ripped apart by tragedy yet holding it together for one child, Allegra. They each live their separate lives, side by side, doing what they think is best for Allegra but in doing so they are breaking her down. She is Allegra, Ally, Al Pal torn between three adults, trying to please everyone.
“Their unspoken words bounce off each of them but chisel deep into me.”
The story is narrated by Allegra as she handles bullies at school, makes a new best friend and tries to find her place in the world listening at doors and under windows piecing together snippets of information to make her own naive conclusions.
Within this story about an unconventional family Daniels has managed to cover so many relevant issues without any of it feeling contrived. She explores feminism in the 70’s, the women’s movement, domestic violence, the need for women’s refuges, the far reaching and long term effects of the war, friendship, family and growing up.
I liked the inclusion of the positive influence of the Catholic schooling, and in particular Allegra’s teacher Sister Josepha, had on Allegra’s life. Many are quick to condemn the Catholic system.
Allegra in Three Parts is a novel about family in all it’s complexities. The characters were real and the setting authentic with mentions of songs, fashion and phrases placing it solidly in its time frame. It explores innocence and girlhood. It is heartbreaking and uplifting, an original novel about a remarkable young girl. This pre-teen will steal your heart and remain with you long after the last page is turned.
Two defining moments in this family’s life; one tore them apart. Will the second reconcile them?
*I received a copy from the publisher for review
“Their unspoken words bounce off each of them but chisel deep into me.”
The story is narrated by Allegra as she handles bullies at school, makes a new best friend and tries to find her place in the world listening at doors and under windows piecing together snippets of information to make her own naive conclusions.
Within this story about an unconventional family Daniels has managed to cover so many relevant issues without any of it feeling contrived. She explores feminism in the 70’s, the women’s movement, domestic violence, the need for women’s refuges, the far reaching and long term effects of the war, friendship, family and growing up.
I liked the inclusion of the positive influence of the Catholic schooling, and in particular Allegra’s teacher Sister Josepha, had on Allegra’s life. Many are quick to condemn the Catholic system.
Allegra in Three Parts is a novel about family in all it’s complexities. The characters were real and the setting authentic with mentions of songs, fashion and phrases placing it solidly in its time frame. It explores innocence and girlhood. It is heartbreaking and uplifting, an original novel about a remarkable young girl. This pre-teen will steal your heart and remain with you long after the last page is turned.
Two defining moments in this family’s life; one tore them apart. Will the second reconcile them?
*I received a copy from the publisher for review
July 13, 2019
So many parts of me adored this book! Actually all of them. I love this book!! It’s like all the bests bits of growing up in Australia came flooding back and it was like a little stroll down memory lane. A touching tribute to childhood and all it’s simplicity except when the adults are involved. Allegra is stuck between her warring Grandmothers, she lives with one and lives next door to her other. Although Allegra grows up without her mother the loss is cushioned by the overwhelming love of her Grandmother’s, her father is around but distantly and pretty much let the Grandmother’s run the show. Life is wonderful for the most part until she realises the predicament of having to choose between them time after time and she does it always with a heavy heart until it all comes to a head.
This book is simply a joy start to finish. Heartwarming, tender, sweet and filled with endearing moments. The Grandmother with the bottled tears of emotions, the tortoise named Simone De Beauvoir, the Ladies of Liberty who fight for the sisterhood. It’s a book that has instantly become dear to my own heart. I’ve been sick with a cold while reading this book and it was just the tonic to lift my spirits and fill me with heartwarming emotions. I even enjoyed reading the acknowledgements of the making of Allegra In Three Parts. I am so happy I found this author and it’s made even sweeter that this is her debut novel!
This book is simply a joy start to finish. Heartwarming, tender, sweet and filled with endearing moments. The Grandmother with the bottled tears of emotions, the tortoise named Simone De Beauvoir, the Ladies of Liberty who fight for the sisterhood. It’s a book that has instantly become dear to my own heart. I’ve been sick with a cold while reading this book and it was just the tonic to lift my spirits and fill me with heartwarming emotions. I even enjoyed reading the acknowledgements of the making of Allegra In Three Parts. I am so happy I found this author and it’s made even sweeter that this is her debut novel!
June 9, 2019
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The childlike script that adorns the front cover of Allegra in Three Parts poses the question, ‘She knows her family loves her, but why can’t they love each other?’. This is an emotionally fraught and complex question. It is hard to imagine as just a wee eleven year old girl having to split yourself into three even segments. For Allegra, the voice of Suzanne Daniel’s debut novel, this is the cold hard truth. A book of love, family bonds, confusion, reality and loss told with plenty of heart, Allegra in Three Parts is a crowd-pleaser.
Dividing her love between the two prominent grandmothers in her life, eleven year old Allegra moves between Matilde and Joy, sometimes with ease, other times with difficulty. As different as chalk and cheese, there is no denying the love they both have for their grandchild. While one grandmother is determined and steadfast, encouraging Allegra’s academic studies, the other grandmother is much more relaxed, hoping to instill a sense of natural curiosity in the world. The times these women are living in is a time of great flux and women’s positions are changing. With the women’s movement gaining momentum, Allegra is growing up in the face of changed possibilities for women. The person who orients Allegra is her father Rick, a man consumed by grief and loss, who is unable to connect with those around him. Things come crashing down when this family must confront and reconcile with a tragedy that strikes at the heart of their fold.
‘I am Allegra on one side and Ally down the other.
And sometimes I can split myself in two’.
I am sure we can all relate to this self perception – no matter your age or place in life. I often feel like I am split in every which way, from a mother, daughter, teacher, friend and so on! For an eleven year old this is an incredibly astute observation. It is also the opening sentence of the debut novel from Suzanne Daniel. It is a powerful way to open a first novel in my eyes. The trend continues for the rest of this novel. I was taken aback by how refined and perceptive this book was for a first time writer. It can be tricky to embody the voice of an eleven year old, a child almost teetering on the world of adulthood, but Suzanne Daniel takes this narration in her stride. The results are very pleasing indeed.
For me, I loved the nostalgic step back into simpler times, the 1970s, recreated by Suzanne Daniel in Allegra in Three Parts. Although I am a child of the eighties, I was able to reach right in and connect with Allegra. Recently the loss of the last grandparent in my life has really made me sit back and recall plenty of fond memories of my childhood. I was able to use this book as another vehicle to re-examine my childhood, a time where life was definitely less busy, complicated and stressful. I loved the inclusion of references such as popular songs of the time, cassette tapes and the like. Daniel shows excellent attention to detail in relation to her setting base.
I found Allegra in Three Parts to be an intriguing family mystery of sorts. I worked hard to try and understand why these family members who all love dear Allegra, were not able to connect, embrace and support one another. Disconnection is an overarching theme in this novel. This accompanies loss and heartbreak. However, the news isn’t all bad, each character encourages Allegra in their own unique way, which helps to offset the darker moments. I also enjoyed the friendship sequences Allegra had with Patricia, this was a nice touch.
As a passionate activist, Suzanne Daniel has utilised this mindset to her advantage. Within this pages of this moving coming of age story is a strong recreation of 1970s Australia with particular focus on the emerging women’s social movement. ‘I am Woman’, the anthem of the 1970s for women seeking to liberate themselves from the chains of ongoing oppression, sings through this book. I think this aspect of the book will help young women of today to understand a little more about their sisters from decades past. If you are looking for a comprehensive social history of 1970s Australia, with a particular focus on feminism, in its glorious but also ugly moments (domestic violence was rife at this time) Allegra in Three Parts is a good starting point.
A time of great flux and gains for women were just beginning as Allegra, the innocent but effective voice in this new novel from Suzanne Daniel, is learning to negotiate the world around her. Allegra in Three Parts is about learning to accept your family, the past and the future despite life’s knocks. Allegra in Three Parts is a tender-hearted debut from Australian author Suzanne Daniel that I highly recommend.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Allegra in Three Parts is book #80 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
The childlike script that adorns the front cover of Allegra in Three Parts poses the question, ‘She knows her family loves her, but why can’t they love each other?’. This is an emotionally fraught and complex question. It is hard to imagine as just a wee eleven year old girl having to split yourself into three even segments. For Allegra, the voice of Suzanne Daniel’s debut novel, this is the cold hard truth. A book of love, family bonds, confusion, reality and loss told with plenty of heart, Allegra in Three Parts is a crowd-pleaser.
Dividing her love between the two prominent grandmothers in her life, eleven year old Allegra moves between Matilde and Joy, sometimes with ease, other times with difficulty. As different as chalk and cheese, there is no denying the love they both have for their grandchild. While one grandmother is determined and steadfast, encouraging Allegra’s academic studies, the other grandmother is much more relaxed, hoping to instill a sense of natural curiosity in the world. The times these women are living in is a time of great flux and women’s positions are changing. With the women’s movement gaining momentum, Allegra is growing up in the face of changed possibilities for women. The person who orients Allegra is her father Rick, a man consumed by grief and loss, who is unable to connect with those around him. Things come crashing down when this family must confront and reconcile with a tragedy that strikes at the heart of their fold.
‘I am Allegra on one side and Ally down the other.
And sometimes I can split myself in two’.
I am sure we can all relate to this self perception – no matter your age or place in life. I often feel like I am split in every which way, from a mother, daughter, teacher, friend and so on! For an eleven year old this is an incredibly astute observation. It is also the opening sentence of the debut novel from Suzanne Daniel. It is a powerful way to open a first novel in my eyes. The trend continues for the rest of this novel. I was taken aback by how refined and perceptive this book was for a first time writer. It can be tricky to embody the voice of an eleven year old, a child almost teetering on the world of adulthood, but Suzanne Daniel takes this narration in her stride. The results are very pleasing indeed.
For me, I loved the nostalgic step back into simpler times, the 1970s, recreated by Suzanne Daniel in Allegra in Three Parts. Although I am a child of the eighties, I was able to reach right in and connect with Allegra. Recently the loss of the last grandparent in my life has really made me sit back and recall plenty of fond memories of my childhood. I was able to use this book as another vehicle to re-examine my childhood, a time where life was definitely less busy, complicated and stressful. I loved the inclusion of references such as popular songs of the time, cassette tapes and the like. Daniel shows excellent attention to detail in relation to her setting base.
I found Allegra in Three Parts to be an intriguing family mystery of sorts. I worked hard to try and understand why these family members who all love dear Allegra, were not able to connect, embrace and support one another. Disconnection is an overarching theme in this novel. This accompanies loss and heartbreak. However, the news isn’t all bad, each character encourages Allegra in their own unique way, which helps to offset the darker moments. I also enjoyed the friendship sequences Allegra had with Patricia, this was a nice touch.
As a passionate activist, Suzanne Daniel has utilised this mindset to her advantage. Within this pages of this moving coming of age story is a strong recreation of 1970s Australia with particular focus on the emerging women’s social movement. ‘I am Woman’, the anthem of the 1970s for women seeking to liberate themselves from the chains of ongoing oppression, sings through this book. I think this aspect of the book will help young women of today to understand a little more about their sisters from decades past. If you are looking for a comprehensive social history of 1970s Australia, with a particular focus on feminism, in its glorious but also ugly moments (domestic violence was rife at this time) Allegra in Three Parts is a good starting point.
A time of great flux and gains for women were just beginning as Allegra, the innocent but effective voice in this new novel from Suzanne Daniel, is learning to negotiate the world around her. Allegra in Three Parts is about learning to accept your family, the past and the future despite life’s knocks. Allegra in Three Parts is a tender-hearted debut from Australian author Suzanne Daniel that I highly recommend.
*Thanks extended to Pan Macmillan for providing a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Allegra in Three Parts is book #80 of the 2019 Australian Women Writers Challenge
August 12, 2019
*www.onewomansbbr.wordpress.com
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Allegra in Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel. (2019).
11 year old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde is traditional, hard-working and wants Allegra to become a doctor. Joy is free-spirited, stores her tears in little glass bottles, is heavily involved in the women's movement and wants Allegra to live her 'true essence'. Allegra's father Rick lives out the back, is a surfer and is trying to be a good dad while also still grieving the woman who connects them all.
Allegra moves between these three adult worlds until one day it becomes too much and it all explodes.
This is a very moving novel that has many touching parts along the way. There is a scene near the beginning where Matilde teaches Allegra to make a cherry strudel and it's simply beautiful. I don't often enjoy adult fiction books that are set from a child's perspective, but this book was different. Allegra is an extremely intelligent and mature young lady yet is also a very believable roughly 12 year old.
The quote on the front cover of the book is poignant, tender and really sums up what's happening for Allegra: "She knows her family loves her, but why can't they love each other?". Some would assume this quote would refer to parents but in Allegra's case it refers to her grandmothers who live next door to one another and are 'chalk and cheese', and her father Rick who when the book begins doesn't seem to have much of a parenting role. The storyline explores Allegra's struggles moving between the three most important people in her life while also navigating the end of primary school and beginning of high school, her only real friend moving away, meeting and learning about women and children who need refuge from violent men and finally, learning what actually happened to her mother.
A stunning debut from this author, this book speaks straight to the reader's heart and is one I'd happily recommend.
*www.facebook.com/onewomansbbr
Allegra in Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel. (2019).
11 year old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde is traditional, hard-working and wants Allegra to become a doctor. Joy is free-spirited, stores her tears in little glass bottles, is heavily involved in the women's movement and wants Allegra to live her 'true essence'. Allegra's father Rick lives out the back, is a surfer and is trying to be a good dad while also still grieving the woman who connects them all.
Allegra moves between these three adult worlds until one day it becomes too much and it all explodes.
This is a very moving novel that has many touching parts along the way. There is a scene near the beginning where Matilde teaches Allegra to make a cherry strudel and it's simply beautiful. I don't often enjoy adult fiction books that are set from a child's perspective, but this book was different. Allegra is an extremely intelligent and mature young lady yet is also a very believable roughly 12 year old.
The quote on the front cover of the book is poignant, tender and really sums up what's happening for Allegra: "She knows her family loves her, but why can't they love each other?". Some would assume this quote would refer to parents but in Allegra's case it refers to her grandmothers who live next door to one another and are 'chalk and cheese', and her father Rick who when the book begins doesn't seem to have much of a parenting role. The storyline explores Allegra's struggles moving between the three most important people in her life while also navigating the end of primary school and beginning of high school, her only real friend moving away, meeting and learning about women and children who need refuge from violent men and finally, learning what actually happened to her mother.
A stunning debut from this author, this book speaks straight to the reader's heart and is one I'd happily recommend.
October 13, 2021
A really sweet historical fiction coming of age story set in 1960s Australia. This one is flying under the radar and I genuinely believe people would enjoy this one a lot.
Watch me discuss this book in my September wrap up: https://youtu.be/NVZlVL9wuzw
Watch me discuss this book in my September wrap up: https://youtu.be/NVZlVL9wuzw
June 9, 2019
What a wonderful voice this narrative has - loved loved loved it!
My View:
I am sitting here in my flares, a recent “op shop” purchase, I love flares, I am searching for the musical references mentioned in this novel; I love the music of the seventies.
At the time (the 70’s) I was too young to appreciate that I was growing up female in the middle of the Women’s movement, the liberation. The movement was happening around me and I largely benefited from the struggles of my peers. Helen Reddy’s powerhouse song “I am Woman” was the anthem we all sang. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptW7...
But I digress. I am meant to be reviewing Allegra in Three Parts – and in a roundabout way I am.
Allegra in Three Parts has many story arcs – the Women’s Liberation movement being one of them; the setting up of women’s safe houses/refuges from family violence, the challenge of attaining equal pay and conditions, education for women, the harnessing of trade unions to improve work conditions…so much more is introduced to us by the characters of grandmothers Joy and Mathilde. Joy is at the forefront of the movement, with her Liberty Club. Mathilde clearly feels that education and a good job are the key to a woman’s success and independence and she is determined that Allegra will have those opportunities. They both want the best life possible for Allegra.
Suzanne Daniel also creates a space here to discuss the role of fathers in family and in particular as role models for their daughters when we are introduced to Rick – Allegra’s father. As the narrative progresses his influence on the family and Allegra increases – in a positive way.
The characters of Rick and the grandmothers are great devices to open up discussion surrounding grief, loss and resilience.
There are so many more social issues subtly probed in this novel – so gently are they introduced that you hardly are aware of the lessons being shared; on racism, multiculturalism, on being different, of bullying, of class and privilege…
More than issues this is a book about growth and healing, forgiveness, families and love and the importance of being loved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omrGB...
“There’s no formula for happiness that’s guaranteed to work
It all depends on how you treat your friends and how much you’ve been hurt
But it’s a start, when you open up your heart
And try not to hide, what you’re feeling inside
Just open up your heart.” (p249, ‘Open Up Your Heart’ G W Thomas)
I loved this book!
My View:
I am sitting here in my flares, a recent “op shop” purchase, I love flares, I am searching for the musical references mentioned in this novel; I love the music of the seventies.
At the time (the 70’s) I was too young to appreciate that I was growing up female in the middle of the Women’s movement, the liberation. The movement was happening around me and I largely benefited from the struggles of my peers. Helen Reddy’s powerhouse song “I am Woman” was the anthem we all sang. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rptW7...
But I digress. I am meant to be reviewing Allegra in Three Parts – and in a roundabout way I am.
Allegra in Three Parts has many story arcs – the Women’s Liberation movement being one of them; the setting up of women’s safe houses/refuges from family violence, the challenge of attaining equal pay and conditions, education for women, the harnessing of trade unions to improve work conditions…so much more is introduced to us by the characters of grandmothers Joy and Mathilde. Joy is at the forefront of the movement, with her Liberty Club. Mathilde clearly feels that education and a good job are the key to a woman’s success and independence and she is determined that Allegra will have those opportunities. They both want the best life possible for Allegra.
Suzanne Daniel also creates a space here to discuss the role of fathers in family and in particular as role models for their daughters when we are introduced to Rick – Allegra’s father. As the narrative progresses his influence on the family and Allegra increases – in a positive way.
The characters of Rick and the grandmothers are great devices to open up discussion surrounding grief, loss and resilience.
There are so many more social issues subtly probed in this novel – so gently are they introduced that you hardly are aware of the lessons being shared; on racism, multiculturalism, on being different, of bullying, of class and privilege…
More than issues this is a book about growth and healing, forgiveness, families and love and the importance of being loved.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omrGB...
“There’s no formula for happiness that’s guaranteed to work
It all depends on how you treat your friends and how much you’ve been hurt
But it’s a start, when you open up your heart
And try not to hide, what you’re feeling inside
Just open up your heart.” (p249, ‘Open Up Your Heart’ G W Thomas)
I loved this book!
March 29, 2024
I've had this one for years but it hasn't really interested me, but I wanted a quick read to tick off and this one was better than expected!
It's a moody, feminist kinda story set in 1970s Sydney, so there's a big nostalgia factor here for Aussies. Allegra is 11, and I'm not really a fan of stories told by kids but this wasn't too bad. There were still some frustratingly stupid moments (such as Allegra wondering what a Riff Raff is) but overall Allegra is an endearing protagonist and relatively switched on for her age.
The story revolves around the love she has for her two grandmothers, who hate one another. It's a joyful sort of story with dark undertones, but ultimately it's about love and family in all its forms.
I did end up enjoying it more than anticipated, and the themes are serious without being overbearing. I found it to be well-balanced and an easy read.
I'd recommend this one for women and Aussies who grew up in Australia prior to 2000, as well as anyone looking for a heart warming story that's easy to get through.
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC
It's a moody, feminist kinda story set in 1970s Sydney, so there's a big nostalgia factor here for Aussies. Allegra is 11, and I'm not really a fan of stories told by kids but this wasn't too bad. There were still some frustratingly stupid moments (such as Allegra wondering what a Riff Raff is) but overall Allegra is an endearing protagonist and relatively switched on for her age.
The story revolves around the love she has for her two grandmothers, who hate one another. It's a joyful sort of story with dark undertones, but ultimately it's about love and family in all its forms.
I did end up enjoying it more than anticipated, and the themes are serious without being overbearing. I found it to be well-balanced and an easy read.
I'd recommend this one for women and Aussies who grew up in Australia prior to 2000, as well as anyone looking for a heart warming story that's easy to get through.
With thanks to Macmillan for an ARC
June 26, 2019
Allegra in Three Parts is a truly special novel; about as near to perfect as any story can get. Those who lived through the 70s will enjoy the nostalgic trip down memory lane. I was born in 1977 though, so I was drawn more to the social history and the family dynamics, although there were many parts of the 70s that lingered into the 80s in Australia, so I could certainly connect with Allegra's adolescence on many levels.
‘Sometimes when I get information from secretly listening in to the adults, it feels as though growing up is not so much about getting taller or smarter or stronger, but about the happy shell of being a kid being chipped away from around me one chink at a time.’
There are two things I especially appreciated about this novel. The first was the utter relief and pleasure of reading a novel with a child narrator who is not being abused. I know there is a place for these stories, but it’s not in front of my eyes. Allegra was an utter delight, smart without being precocious, loyal and kind-hearted, funny, a little bit mischievous, and an intuitive friend, daughter and grand-daughter. I loved her completely. The other thing that elevated my esteem for this novel was the positive depiction of Catholicism. It might be the first time I’ve ever read that in a novel but it made my heart sing. I had nothing but a positive Catholic primary education in a small rural school run by nuns. They were firm but always kind, compassionate, charitable, and wise. Allegra’s Sister Josepha reminded me of my own Sister Rose. She intuited things about my home life and took me under her wing, providing me with a trusted adult in what was often a tumultuous childhood. Catholic schools are not the same now without nuns, and while some people may argue with me on that, I stand by my own experiences in comparison to that of my children. Allegra’s school life and interactions with Sister Josepha were nostalgic for me in the very best of ways.
I really enjoyed the way Suzanne Daniel framed Joy, Matilde, and Rick. Both of Allegra’s grandmothers were extreme versions of each other, with Rick floating in the middle. They each loved Allegra so much, but were oblivious to how much of a burden their bitterness towards each other was for her. Joy was outwardly riding the wave of feminism, and it seemed that Matilde was dismissive of this, yet in her own way, she became an advocate for migrant women who were working from home as seamstresses and being cheated of their pay and forced to complete large amounts of outsourcing within unrealistic timelines. My grandmother was a migrant woman who worked from home in this same way, so again, I was able to connect with Allegra’s home life, memories of the sound of the sewing machine singing in my mind. I admired Matilde so much. She is evidence of the women who survived terrible atrocities, were displaced and forced to begin a new life in a very foreign land with most of their loved ones lost to Nazi oppression. Joy was a bit more airy fairy, although she offered balance against Matilde's stern demeanour. Rick was my favourite though, caught in the middle, slowly but surely asserting himself as Allegra’s father. The dynamics within this family were really well honed.
I just found this novel so gorgeous, an utter delight that had me smiling, crying, laughing, and crying again. It’s astonishingly good for a debut. Very impressive. There is so much within this novel, so many threads to pick at and pull out for examination. The characters are wonderful, the story is authentic and I know that so many people would be able to connect with it on some level and appreciate its intent. Why isn’t it popping up in reviews more? It has very few ratings, and even fewer reviews on Goodreads. I highly recommend it. Spread the word! Allegra in Three Parts is a brilliant novel, with all the feels and then some.
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Allegra in Three Parts for review.
‘Sometimes when I get information from secretly listening in to the adults, it feels as though growing up is not so much about getting taller or smarter or stronger, but about the happy shell of being a kid being chipped away from around me one chink at a time.’
There are two things I especially appreciated about this novel. The first was the utter relief and pleasure of reading a novel with a child narrator who is not being abused. I know there is a place for these stories, but it’s not in front of my eyes. Allegra was an utter delight, smart without being precocious, loyal and kind-hearted, funny, a little bit mischievous, and an intuitive friend, daughter and grand-daughter. I loved her completely. The other thing that elevated my esteem for this novel was the positive depiction of Catholicism. It might be the first time I’ve ever read that in a novel but it made my heart sing. I had nothing but a positive Catholic primary education in a small rural school run by nuns. They were firm but always kind, compassionate, charitable, and wise. Allegra’s Sister Josepha reminded me of my own Sister Rose. She intuited things about my home life and took me under her wing, providing me with a trusted adult in what was often a tumultuous childhood. Catholic schools are not the same now without nuns, and while some people may argue with me on that, I stand by my own experiences in comparison to that of my children. Allegra’s school life and interactions with Sister Josepha were nostalgic for me in the very best of ways.
I really enjoyed the way Suzanne Daniel framed Joy, Matilde, and Rick. Both of Allegra’s grandmothers were extreme versions of each other, with Rick floating in the middle. They each loved Allegra so much, but were oblivious to how much of a burden their bitterness towards each other was for her. Joy was outwardly riding the wave of feminism, and it seemed that Matilde was dismissive of this, yet in her own way, she became an advocate for migrant women who were working from home as seamstresses and being cheated of their pay and forced to complete large amounts of outsourcing within unrealistic timelines. My grandmother was a migrant woman who worked from home in this same way, so again, I was able to connect with Allegra’s home life, memories of the sound of the sewing machine singing in my mind. I admired Matilde so much. She is evidence of the women who survived terrible atrocities, were displaced and forced to begin a new life in a very foreign land with most of their loved ones lost to Nazi oppression. Joy was a bit more airy fairy, although she offered balance against Matilde's stern demeanour. Rick was my favourite though, caught in the middle, slowly but surely asserting himself as Allegra’s father. The dynamics within this family were really well honed.
I just found this novel so gorgeous, an utter delight that had me smiling, crying, laughing, and crying again. It’s astonishingly good for a debut. Very impressive. There is so much within this novel, so many threads to pick at and pull out for examination. The characters are wonderful, the story is authentic and I know that so many people would be able to connect with it on some level and appreciate its intent. Why isn’t it popping up in reviews more? It has very few ratings, and even fewer reviews on Goodreads. I highly recommend it. Spread the word! Allegra in Three Parts is a brilliant novel, with all the feels and then some.
Thanks is extended to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing me with a copy of Allegra in Three Parts for review.
July 9, 2019
Allegra In Three Parts in the debut novel from Australian author, Suzanne Daniel. Told in the first person of Allegra, eleven and a half years old, a child’s perspective isn’t one that I gravitate towards. Either is a book set in the 70s as this one was but thanks to Beauty and Lace, I read it. To my surprise, I quickly found myself falling in love with a gorgeous child and a new voice in fiction that explored family with all its faults.
Allegra is an ordinary, sweet child who carries the weight of the world on her slight shoulders. In a time that is remembered fondly for its innocence, Allegra is the poster child of innocence. Allegra knows little about the world around her and what she does learn is learnt through her peers. This brought back fond memories of the book ‘Where Did I come From?’ and Dolly magazine from my own childhood. Allegra is keenly aware though, that the centre of her universe, her family, is not quite right. She lives with her father, Rick and grandmother Matilde (her mother’s mother), while her other grandmother, Joy, lives next door. It is clear from the beginning that the relationship between the three adults is strained yet the reasons are unclear. The only thing they have in common is their love for Allegra.
I grew to adore Allegra’s family as I got to know them in NSW, warts and all. Grandmother’s, Matilde and Joy, were chalk and cheese. Matilde was the strict grandparent. Tragedy in her past held Matilde back from being affectionate, but she showed her love through her cooking, traditions and rituals. This too made me nostalgic for my own days as a young girl, watching my grandmother make desserts in the kitchen. Joy, in contrast, lives up to her name. She is happy and loving, giving Allegra the affectionate she needs. There was also an unexpected serious side to Joy as she fought for the second wave of women’s rights. This was an insightful read into a fight I knew little about and a reminder of what many of us take for granted today.
Rick was an interesting father. I felt he played a small role in Allegra’s life in the beginning as his mother and mother-in-law were dominating. There were many times I wanted Rick to take control of the situation and take a stand, for himself and Allegra. It was evident that Allegra did too but the reasons for his inability to step up were unclear. Through an unexpected event, the family really start to talk, especially about the absence of Allegra’s mother. Change is in the air, leading to a beautiful father-daughter relationship and balance within the family unit.
Allegra In Three Parts is a wonderful return to childhood, perfect for readers that yearn for days gone by.
#Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this book
Allegra is an ordinary, sweet child who carries the weight of the world on her slight shoulders. In a time that is remembered fondly for its innocence, Allegra is the poster child of innocence. Allegra knows little about the world around her and what she does learn is learnt through her peers. This brought back fond memories of the book ‘Where Did I come From?’ and Dolly magazine from my own childhood. Allegra is keenly aware though, that the centre of her universe, her family, is not quite right. She lives with her father, Rick and grandmother Matilde (her mother’s mother), while her other grandmother, Joy, lives next door. It is clear from the beginning that the relationship between the three adults is strained yet the reasons are unclear. The only thing they have in common is their love for Allegra.
I grew to adore Allegra’s family as I got to know them in NSW, warts and all. Grandmother’s, Matilde and Joy, were chalk and cheese. Matilde was the strict grandparent. Tragedy in her past held Matilde back from being affectionate, but she showed her love through her cooking, traditions and rituals. This too made me nostalgic for my own days as a young girl, watching my grandmother make desserts in the kitchen. Joy, in contrast, lives up to her name. She is happy and loving, giving Allegra the affectionate she needs. There was also an unexpected serious side to Joy as she fought for the second wave of women’s rights. This was an insightful read into a fight I knew little about and a reminder of what many of us take for granted today.
Rick was an interesting father. I felt he played a small role in Allegra’s life in the beginning as his mother and mother-in-law were dominating. There were many times I wanted Rick to take control of the situation and take a stand, for himself and Allegra. It was evident that Allegra did too but the reasons for his inability to step up were unclear. Through an unexpected event, the family really start to talk, especially about the absence of Allegra’s mother. Change is in the air, leading to a beautiful father-daughter relationship and balance within the family unit.
Allegra In Three Parts is a wonderful return to childhood, perfect for readers that yearn for days gone by.
#Thanks to Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read and review this book
June 17, 2019
'Sometimes I wish they could just love me less and take what's left over and put it into liking each other a little bit more.'
At the age of eleven Allegra is in no doubt about the depth of love that her family have for her. Her grandmother Matilde, who she lives with, her other grandmother Joy, who lives next door, and her dad Rick, who lives in the granny flat out the back. The only problem is that her grandmothers can't stand each other. So Allegra splits her time between each of them. But how long can you split yourself into pieces before it starts taking a toll?
Allegra's grandmothers couldn't be more different. Matilde is very straight up and down. She works hard and makes sure that she instills in Allegra the discipline to study hard to achieve Matilde's dream that she become a doctor. On the other hand Joy is free-spirited and is all about emotions. She keeps her tears stored in little glass bottles, labeled with all the names of the events that have shaped her life. And then there is Rick. He is a man of few words, but when he does speak he's words really have meaning.
I adored this book, and it's characters. Each one offered something different to the story. But it was Allegra who was the standout. She was witty and intelligent and full of love for her family.
'Their unspoken words bounce off each of them but chisel deep into me.'
I can't tell you the amount of passages and quotes I highlighted as I read. In the margin of page six I wrote "I am so in love with this authors writing." That was after six pages! And that love only grew as I read. Suzanne Daniel's writing is wonderful. The way she places words together is simply beautiful.
Allegra in Three Parts was at times heartbreaking, but also incredibly uplifting. Peppered throughout were so many topics that were relevant to todays society. There was bullying, racism, womens rights and domestic violence. But at the heart of the story was family. A family who love deeply, but also a family allowing their past to impact the person that they love and want to protect the most.
4.5 stars.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Australia for the free copy of Allegra in Three Parts for my honest review.
At the age of eleven Allegra is in no doubt about the depth of love that her family have for her. Her grandmother Matilde, who she lives with, her other grandmother Joy, who lives next door, and her dad Rick, who lives in the granny flat out the back. The only problem is that her grandmothers can't stand each other. So Allegra splits her time between each of them. But how long can you split yourself into pieces before it starts taking a toll?
Allegra's grandmothers couldn't be more different. Matilde is very straight up and down. She works hard and makes sure that she instills in Allegra the discipline to study hard to achieve Matilde's dream that she become a doctor. On the other hand Joy is free-spirited and is all about emotions. She keeps her tears stored in little glass bottles, labeled with all the names of the events that have shaped her life. And then there is Rick. He is a man of few words, but when he does speak he's words really have meaning.
I adored this book, and it's characters. Each one offered something different to the story. But it was Allegra who was the standout. She was witty and intelligent and full of love for her family.
'Their unspoken words bounce off each of them but chisel deep into me.'
I can't tell you the amount of passages and quotes I highlighted as I read. In the margin of page six I wrote "I am so in love with this authors writing." That was after six pages! And that love only grew as I read. Suzanne Daniel's writing is wonderful. The way she places words together is simply beautiful.
Allegra in Three Parts was at times heartbreaking, but also incredibly uplifting. Peppered throughout were so many topics that were relevant to todays society. There was bullying, racism, womens rights and domestic violence. But at the heart of the story was family. A family who love deeply, but also a family allowing their past to impact the person that they love and want to protect the most.
4.5 stars.
Thank you so much to Macmillan Australia for the free copy of Allegra in Three Parts for my honest review.
September 30, 2019
Oh this is a beautiful book! Feminist, authentic and full of heart, Allegra in Three Parts is a thoughtful illustration of the way children can be caught in complex family dynamics, and the consequences they bear. Readers should note triggers for maternal and infant death, abortion, and allusions to/short descriptions of domestic violence.
It's Sydney in the 1970s, and almost twelve year old Allegra is torn. Torn between: her grandmother Mathilde, who she lives with but who shows affection only through her cooking and sewing; her other grandmother Joy, who lives next door, is a member of the Liberty Club, holds feminine rituals and bottles her tears; and her father Rick, who lives out the back and makes almost no impression on the family at all. The novel explores the idea of a child seeking to live up to divergent and, at times, impossible expectations, while managing school work, friendships and hormones, told from a first person perspective.
I was lucky enough to hear Daniel speak in Canberra, and I wanted to share the following summation of the story in her own words: "This child [Allegra] has multiple examples of ways to be. When a child's identity is emerging, it can be a very tricky time, especially if there's conflict in the family. I think part of the coming of age element of this book is the cocktail combination where she becomes herself." This quote captures the empowering message at the heart of this story - we all need to grow into our own person.
There are so many elements to this rich novel it's hard to know where to start. Firstly, I loved the suite of strong women, especially both grandmothers - it's so rare to read well-rounded, older women characters! Not only that, but Joy's work establishing Sydney's first women's refuge becomes central to the story, and is based on the historical experiences of women involved. Likewise, Allegra's teachers - an order of nuns ("I'm a nun-lover", Daniel quipped in her talk) acknowledges the contribution these women have made and continue to make to Australian education, and society more broadly. So Allegra has some heavyweight feminist role models.
We also explore fatherhood, and the way fathers weren't expected or even welcome to influence childrearing. Rick's quiet approach evolves and I very much enjoyed watching him find his place in the family.
Daniel's writing beautifully captures the era and the liminal experience of being on the verge of womanhood. So many turns of phrase catapulted me back to my childhood and the way I saw the world at that age. Daniel has put a lot of effort into getting Allegra's voice right, and it rings with authenticity. Allegra's friendship with Patricia reflects so many things about the relationship I had with my best friend growing up that reading those sections left me feeling quite nostalgic.
I feel like I've missed plenty of things I ought to comment on, simply because there is such depth to this tale, but I hope these meagre thoughts encourage you to pick the book up and discover that richness for yourself.
Recommended if you liked: A Lifetime of Impossible Days
I received a copy of Allegra in Three Parts from the author and Pan MacMillan Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
It's Sydney in the 1970s, and almost twelve year old Allegra is torn. Torn between: her grandmother Mathilde, who she lives with but who shows affection only through her cooking and sewing; her other grandmother Joy, who lives next door, is a member of the Liberty Club, holds feminine rituals and bottles her tears; and her father Rick, who lives out the back and makes almost no impression on the family at all. The novel explores the idea of a child seeking to live up to divergent and, at times, impossible expectations, while managing school work, friendships and hormones, told from a first person perspective.
I was lucky enough to hear Daniel speak in Canberra, and I wanted to share the following summation of the story in her own words: "This child [Allegra] has multiple examples of ways to be. When a child's identity is emerging, it can be a very tricky time, especially if there's conflict in the family. I think part of the coming of age element of this book is the cocktail combination where she becomes herself." This quote captures the empowering message at the heart of this story - we all need to grow into our own person.
There are so many elements to this rich novel it's hard to know where to start. Firstly, I loved the suite of strong women, especially both grandmothers - it's so rare to read well-rounded, older women characters! Not only that, but Joy's work establishing Sydney's first women's refuge becomes central to the story, and is based on the historical experiences of women involved. Likewise, Allegra's teachers - an order of nuns ("I'm a nun-lover", Daniel quipped in her talk) acknowledges the contribution these women have made and continue to make to Australian education, and society more broadly. So Allegra has some heavyweight feminist role models.
We also explore fatherhood, and the way fathers weren't expected or even welcome to influence childrearing. Rick's quiet approach evolves and I very much enjoyed watching him find his place in the family.
Daniel's writing beautifully captures the era and the liminal experience of being on the verge of womanhood. So many turns of phrase catapulted me back to my childhood and the way I saw the world at that age. Daniel has put a lot of effort into getting Allegra's voice right, and it rings with authenticity. Allegra's friendship with Patricia reflects so many things about the relationship I had with my best friend growing up that reading those sections left me feeling quite nostalgic.
I feel like I've missed plenty of things I ought to comment on, simply because there is such depth to this tale, but I hope these meagre thoughts encourage you to pick the book up and discover that richness for yourself.
Recommended if you liked: A Lifetime of Impossible Days
I received a copy of Allegra in Three Parts from the author and Pan MacMillan Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 10, 2019
This a book about second wave feminism that my fourth wave friends will enjoy! It's set in Sydney in the 1970s. Eleven-year-old Allegra lives with her grandmother Matlide and next door to her grandmother Joy. Matilde is a strict, tight lipped, holocaust survivor and Joy is a free spirited women's libber. They both love Allegra but they hate each other.
I put the book down at midnight with 25 pages to go, not becuase I didn't want to know what happens but becuase I wanted to slow down and enjoy the ending. The writing is fabulous. It reminded me of Tabitha Bird's a Lifetime of Impossible Days in places, but without the time travel. It's not quite Liane Moriarty, but I can see Reese Witherspoon bagging the film rights.
I put the book down at midnight with 25 pages to go, not becuase I didn't want to know what happens but becuase I wanted to slow down and enjoy the ending. The writing is fabulous. It reminded me of Tabitha Bird's a Lifetime of Impossible Days in places, but without the time travel. It's not quite Liane Moriarty, but I can see Reese Witherspoon bagging the film rights.
August 22, 2019
Loved it! What a great coming of age story. I love the quintessential Australian childhood I saw here. I grew up in Sydney in the 80s so it was all so familiar. I’m not religious, let alone catholic but I also liked seeing the faith presented positively. I really related to the way Allegra saw the world and people. I loved the characters. I loved the setting. I’ve learnt so much about the women’s movement in the 70s. It really is such a big story and I can’t wait to see what Suzanne Daniels writes next!
May 26, 2019
What a beautifully touching read. Set in the mid-1970s, Allegra is learning much about herself, her family and life. She is a go-between, trying to keep the peace between her two grandmothers and father, all of whom are unable to communicate with each other but love her fiercely.
My full review will appear on my blog on June 9 as part of a blog tour, my first ever!
My full review will appear on my blog on June 9 as part of a blog tour, my first ever!
June 14, 2019
Last night I finished taking a stroll through my childhood when I finished reading Allegra in Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel. If you can remember warm school milk, dragster bikes with streamers from the handle bars, knee high socks and the gentleness and naivety of being a 12 year old in the 70s then this book will speak to you.
Allegra is a 12 year old growing up with her two very different grandmothers and her surfy father. She loves them and they love her but they don't like each other. There is a mystery around the absence of Allegra's mother which no one wants to tell Allegra about. While Allegra has the naivety of a 12 year old she has wisdom above her years when dealing with the three adults in her life ... her life in three parts.
Without giving anything away there is a climax that makes the three adults look at themselves and Allegra's best interests. Woven through the book are themes of the early women's lib movement with anthems like I am Woman, teenage pregnancy and abortion, the exploitation of piece workers and the surfing culture which is a big part of the Australian ilk. The book is all tied together with reference to the music of The Beach Boys, the iconic surf movie The Morning of The Earth and the song that sang directly to my heart 'Open Up Your Heart' by G Wayne Thomas.
I loved this book and would recommend it and think it would even be suitable as a young adult read.
Allegra is a 12 year old growing up with her two very different grandmothers and her surfy father. She loves them and they love her but they don't like each other. There is a mystery around the absence of Allegra's mother which no one wants to tell Allegra about. While Allegra has the naivety of a 12 year old she has wisdom above her years when dealing with the three adults in her life ... her life in three parts.
Without giving anything away there is a climax that makes the three adults look at themselves and Allegra's best interests. Woven through the book are themes of the early women's lib movement with anthems like I am Woman, teenage pregnancy and abortion, the exploitation of piece workers and the surfing culture which is a big part of the Australian ilk. The book is all tied together with reference to the music of The Beach Boys, the iconic surf movie The Morning of The Earth and the song that sang directly to my heart 'Open Up Your Heart' by G Wayne Thomas.
I loved this book and would recommend it and think it would even be suitable as a young adult read.
January 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book written in the voice of Allegra, aged 11 and 1/2 years by first-time author Suzanne Daniel, so much so that I read it in one sitting.
Allegra is surrounded by people who love her, but because of an unspoken tragedy, they love her in parts. They even call her different names.
Grandmother Matilde is a strong woman who survived the Holocaust and bears the marks of the camp on her wrist. Her wish is for Allegra to do well at school and become a doctor. Grandmother Joy is a free spirit, part of the burgeoning "women's movement". She wants Ally to grow up independent, to own her own liberty. Dad, Rick, lives in a flat at the back of Matilde's home but doesn't eat meals with Al Pal. He loves surfing and on his board, they go flying across the waves.
Allegra wishes Joy, Matilde and Rick would take some of the love they give her and use it to love each other.
Via her grandmothers and father, Allegra is shown three different worlds each of them given authenticity by the author. Each protagonist faces their own clearly defined demons in both the past and present. Shining a light on these demons, we learn the story of Allegra's mother, Belinda.
Highly recommend and look forward to reading more books by Suzanne Daniel.
Allegra is surrounded by people who love her, but because of an unspoken tragedy, they love her in parts. They even call her different names.
Grandmother Matilde is a strong woman who survived the Holocaust and bears the marks of the camp on her wrist. Her wish is for Allegra to do well at school and become a doctor. Grandmother Joy is a free spirit, part of the burgeoning "women's movement". She wants Ally to grow up independent, to own her own liberty. Dad, Rick, lives in a flat at the back of Matilde's home but doesn't eat meals with Al Pal. He loves surfing and on his board, they go flying across the waves.
Allegra wishes Joy, Matilde and Rick would take some of the love they give her and use it to love each other.
Via her grandmothers and father, Allegra is shown three different worlds each of them given authenticity by the author. Each protagonist faces their own clearly defined demons in both the past and present. Shining a light on these demons, we learn the story of Allegra's mother, Belinda.
Highly recommend and look forward to reading more books by Suzanne Daniel.
June 12, 2019
Thanks so much to Pan Macmillan for sending me a free copy
Allegra in Three Parts is a sweet book about a young girl trying to make sense of the grown ups in her life. It's about love and family, and the different ways we deal with trauma and grief - and how this impacts our relationships. Allegra is a relatable protagonist - sometimes she felt a little too modern for her 1970's setting. This one will be good for readers who enjoyed Inappropriation - it has a similar coming of age vibe (but without the grossness haha)
Allegra in Three Parts is a sweet book about a young girl trying to make sense of the grown ups in her life. It's about love and family, and the different ways we deal with trauma and grief - and how this impacts our relationships. Allegra is a relatable protagonist - sometimes she felt a little too modern for her 1970's setting. This one will be good for readers who enjoyed Inappropriation - it has a similar coming of age vibe (but without the grossness haha)
August 30, 2020
Allegra is 11 she lives with her grandmother and her dad lives in the granny flat out the back. Her other grandmother lives next door. No one gets along with one another but they all love Allegra. Allegra’s first dilemma is who she will chose as a sponsor for her Confirmation. Who will she chose without hurting someone else she loves this is the first time we understand why she is torn in two and sometimes in three. The novel is peppered with wonderful moments between Allegra and the three people she loves most, cooking with Matilde, Neapolitan ice cream with Joy (because some people have no idea how to nourish a child) 😂😂, surfing with Rick.
I’m gonna call it and say that I liked Allegra as much as I do Scout Finch!!
There is a lovely walk down memory lane with 70’s Australian school life told in such a vivid way including the Kimberley’s of every schoolyard and mention of Perkins paste, milk moustache and Green Apple Shampoo all evoke pleasant memories of my own.
There are several stories going including Matilde and her bully boss, Joy and the Liberty Club ladies, Patricia and her mum who leave suddenly because of an abusing husband the Women’s Refuge all necessary side stories that help mould Allegra as she goes from childhood and heads to young adult. In the background of it all you slowly learn more and more about Belinda, Allegra’s mother.
This is a must read, Allegra is a delight.
I’m gonna call it and say that I liked Allegra as much as I do Scout Finch!!
There is a lovely walk down memory lane with 70’s Australian school life told in such a vivid way including the Kimberley’s of every schoolyard and mention of Perkins paste, milk moustache and Green Apple Shampoo all evoke pleasant memories of my own.
There are several stories going including Matilde and her bully boss, Joy and the Liberty Club ladies, Patricia and her mum who leave suddenly because of an abusing husband the Women’s Refuge all necessary side stories that help mould Allegra as she goes from childhood and heads to young adult. In the background of it all you slowly learn more and more about Belinda, Allegra’s mother.
This is a must read, Allegra is a delight.
June 6, 2020
“But there’s something about Lucinda today, a look around her outline of lowered expectations and crushed opportunity that makes me feel sorry for her.”
I’d love to be able to hold great lines in my memory, maybe I should just pop them into reviews! My memory is awful.
I feel so lucky to be bumping into fantastic Australian literature without even having to look! Reading, ah, wonderful. Thank you Suzanne for a great story. In some way, there are hints of similarity to Trent Dalton’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’, well, is that silly to say? I’m thinking of the thread of Liszt throughout the book. A good read.
I’d love to be able to hold great lines in my memory, maybe I should just pop them into reviews! My memory is awful.
I feel so lucky to be bumping into fantastic Australian literature without even having to look! Reading, ah, wonderful. Thank you Suzanne for a great story. In some way, there are hints of similarity to Trent Dalton’s ‘Boy Swallows Universe’, well, is that silly to say? I’m thinking of the thread of Liszt throughout the book. A good read.
July 21, 2019
Thanks to Beauty and Lace Book Club and Pan Macmillan Australia for supplying me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This was an absolute delight to read. It was an emotional journey at times, that seemed to meander along, not saying a lot, but saying so much at the same time.
I adored 11-year-old Allegra, I loved the way she thought, she was a delight to get to know. I struggled along with her in the situation her grandmother's had put her in, along with her father Rick. I could completely feel her having to split herself 3 ways to keep everyone happy.
I really liked Rick, I felt sad for him, that somehow he'd been pushed out of Allegra's upbringing, like he was only there on the periphery, now and again being allowed to be her father. I was pleased when things started to turn around for him and he took some control. I love how Rick uses surfing to connect with his daughter and at times he had some very philosophical things to say.
Allegra's grandmother's, Joy and Matilde, well they were two completely different people, their characters having a great impact on Allegra and how she was forming as a person. I never really took to Matilde, though I did gain understanding and respect for her along the way.
Joy is a woman's libber as Allegra discovers and owns a penny turtle called Simone De Beauvoir, I'm interested in finding out more about Simone's writing after reading this novel. Her fight to help women in trouble is inspiring.
There were some big secrets being kept from Allegra and some huge hurts that needed to be mended if life was going to allow Allegra to grow into her own person.
Allegra's friend Patricia, her only true friend was inspirational and made such a difference to Allegra and the way she thought, she bought so much knowledge and insight, that Allegra may not have discovered without her. I loved that Allegra didn't notice or care about any differences she may have had with her friend. Patricia is clever and insightful and is such a wonderful friend to Allegra.
Over the course of the story, there are many changes that happen to Allegra and her family, all of them for the better. I enjoyed the use of music throughout this novel, helping to enhance the message or set the mood. I have looked up many of the songs since reading the book.
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt read.
This was an absolute delight to read. It was an emotional journey at times, that seemed to meander along, not saying a lot, but saying so much at the same time.
I adored 11-year-old Allegra, I loved the way she thought, she was a delight to get to know. I struggled along with her in the situation her grandmother's had put her in, along with her father Rick. I could completely feel her having to split herself 3 ways to keep everyone happy.
I really liked Rick, I felt sad for him, that somehow he'd been pushed out of Allegra's upbringing, like he was only there on the periphery, now and again being allowed to be her father. I was pleased when things started to turn around for him and he took some control. I love how Rick uses surfing to connect with his daughter and at times he had some very philosophical things to say.
Allegra's grandmother's, Joy and Matilde, well they were two completely different people, their characters having a great impact on Allegra and how she was forming as a person. I never really took to Matilde, though I did gain understanding and respect for her along the way.
Joy is a woman's libber as Allegra discovers and owns a penny turtle called Simone De Beauvoir, I'm interested in finding out more about Simone's writing after reading this novel. Her fight to help women in trouble is inspiring.
There were some big secrets being kept from Allegra and some huge hurts that needed to be mended if life was going to allow Allegra to grow into her own person.
Allegra's friend Patricia, her only true friend was inspirational and made such a difference to Allegra and the way she thought, she bought so much knowledge and insight, that Allegra may not have discovered without her. I loved that Allegra didn't notice or care about any differences she may have had with her friend. Patricia is clever and insightful and is such a wonderful friend to Allegra.
Over the course of the story, there are many changes that happen to Allegra and her family, all of them for the better. I enjoyed the use of music throughout this novel, helping to enhance the message or set the mood. I have looked up many of the songs since reading the book.
I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a heartfelt read.
June 17, 2019
'Eleven-year-old Allegra shuttles between her grandmothers who live next door to one another but couldn't be more different. Matilde works all hours and instils discipline, duty and restraint. She insists that Allegra focus on her studies to become a doctor.
Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. She is riding the second wave of the women's movement in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and live her 'true essence'.
And then there's Rick who lives in a flat out the back and finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He's trying to be a good father to Al Pal, while grieving the woman who links them all but whose absence tears them apart.
Allegra is left to orbit these three worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until one day the unspoken tragedy that's created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most.'
This book was wonderful.
I really loved this book. It was good from the first page and just got better as the story unfolded. I honestly didn't want it to end.
The story itself was simple and relatable. The relationships were believable and the attitudes and experiences were authentic emotional.
The characters in this book were truly amazing. I feel in love with pretty much every character in this story and I wanted to know more about them and follow their journey's. It's not often that I love most of the characters. I was excited to see each of the characters change and develop as the story unfolded.
Suzanne Daniel did a fantastic job with this book. I honestly don't have a bad word to say about it. The story was great, the setting was fantastic and the characters were amazing. I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Allegra In Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel is a beautiful book that will give you a truly wonderful reading experience.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. She is riding the second wave of the women's movement in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and live her 'true essence'.
And then there's Rick who lives in a flat out the back and finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He's trying to be a good father to Al Pal, while grieving the woman who links them all but whose absence tears them apart.
Allegra is left to orbit these three worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until one day the unspoken tragedy that's created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most.'
This book was wonderful.
I really loved this book. It was good from the first page and just got better as the story unfolded. I honestly didn't want it to end.
The story itself was simple and relatable. The relationships were believable and the attitudes and experiences were authentic emotional.
The characters in this book were truly amazing. I feel in love with pretty much every character in this story and I wanted to know more about them and follow their journey's. It's not often that I love most of the characters. I was excited to see each of the characters change and develop as the story unfolded.
Suzanne Daniel did a fantastic job with this book. I honestly don't have a bad word to say about it. The story was great, the setting was fantastic and the characters were amazing. I haven't stopped talking about this book since I finished it and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon.
Allegra In Three Parts by Suzanne Daniel is a beautiful book that will give you a truly wonderful reading experience.
Geramie Kate Barker
gemsbooknook.wordpress.com
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September 18, 2019Set in the ’70s in Sydney, this transported me back to my own childhood of Tang Orange Juice and eating Perkins Paste (you can’t call yourself a child of the seventies if you didn’t do this!). A time of no internet or mobile phones or schools enclosed by fences or the fear of terrorism or our multicultural neighbours. A time when kids just got on their bikes and took off for the day with their parents only ever worrying when they didn’t come home when the streetlights came on…sigh…but I digress…
Allegra is a 12-year-old girl caught in the middle of three adults trapped in their own pain; loving them all for their differences but not understanding why they don’t talk to each other. The grandmother she lives with, Matilde is Jewish with a devastating past. She hides her pain with hard work and order. Her other grandmother Joy lives over the back fence and keeps labelled jars of her tears of major events in her life. She hides her pain in the emerging women’s lib movement and helping abused women and children. Her father Rick, lives in the room above the garage of Matilde even though Joy is his mother. He hides his pain with the beach and surf and gambling. Her mother died when she was a baby and that is all she knows.
This is not a fast-paced, page-turning book, but a beautiful story that builds in intensity as the reader is introduced gradually to the story of Allegra’s mother and the hurt and guilt that all three adults have buried deep inside that ultimately has affected and damaged the person they all love the most.
“Words make you think, music makes you feel.” One of the characters says.
This book will do both.
A stunning debut. I loved it.
- Leanne
Allegra is a 12-year-old girl caught in the middle of three adults trapped in their own pain; loving them all for their differences but not understanding why they don’t talk to each other. The grandmother she lives with, Matilde is Jewish with a devastating past. She hides her pain with hard work and order. Her other grandmother Joy lives over the back fence and keeps labelled jars of her tears of major events in her life. She hides her pain in the emerging women’s lib movement and helping abused women and children. Her father Rick, lives in the room above the garage of Matilde even though Joy is his mother. He hides his pain with the beach and surf and gambling. Her mother died when she was a baby and that is all she knows.
This is not a fast-paced, page-turning book, but a beautiful story that builds in intensity as the reader is introduced gradually to the story of Allegra’s mother and the hurt and guilt that all three adults have buried deep inside that ultimately has affected and damaged the person they all love the most.
“Words make you think, music makes you feel.” One of the characters says.
This book will do both.
A stunning debut. I loved it.
- Leanne
June 27, 2019
Set in the 70’s in Sydney, this transported me back to my own childhood of Tang Orange Juice and eating Perkins Paste (you can’t call yourself a child of the seventies if you didn’t do this!). A time of no internet or mobile phones or schools enclosed by fences or the fear of terrorism or our multicultural neighbours. A time when kids just got on their bikes and took off for the day with their parents only ever worrying when they didn’t come home when the streetlights came on…sigh…but I digress…
Allegra is a 12 year old girl caught in the middle of three adults trapped in their own pain; loving them all for their differences but not understanding why they don’t talk to each other. The grandmother she lives with, Matilde, is Jewish with a devastating past. She hides her pain with hard work and order. Her other grandmother Joy, lives over the back fence and keeps labelled jars of her tears of major events in her life. She hides her pain in the emerging women’s lib movement and helping abused women and children. Her father Rick, lives in the room above the garage of Matilde even though Joy is his mother. He hides his pain with the beach and surf and gambling. Her mother died when she was a baby and that is all she knows.
This is not a fast-paced read but a beautiful story that builds in intensity as the reader is introduced gradually to the story of Allegra’s mother and the hurt and guilt that all three adults have buried deep inside that ultimately has affected and troubles the child they all love the most.
“Words make you think, music makes you feel.” One of the characters says.
This book will do both.
A stunning debut. I loved it.
Allegra is a 12 year old girl caught in the middle of three adults trapped in their own pain; loving them all for their differences but not understanding why they don’t talk to each other. The grandmother she lives with, Matilde, is Jewish with a devastating past. She hides her pain with hard work and order. Her other grandmother Joy, lives over the back fence and keeps labelled jars of her tears of major events in her life. She hides her pain in the emerging women’s lib movement and helping abused women and children. Her father Rick, lives in the room above the garage of Matilde even though Joy is his mother. He hides his pain with the beach and surf and gambling. Her mother died when she was a baby and that is all she knows.
This is not a fast-paced read but a beautiful story that builds in intensity as the reader is introduced gradually to the story of Allegra’s mother and the hurt and guilt that all three adults have buried deep inside that ultimately has affected and troubles the child they all love the most.
“Words make you think, music makes you feel.” One of the characters says.
This book will do both.
A stunning debut. I loved it.
July 27, 2019
Allegra is eleven. She lives with her grandmother Matilde the dour practical grandmother, a holocaust survivor, who cooks, cleans and takes in piece work to support them and has great plans for Allegra to become a doctor. Next door, her other grandmother Joy lives. Joy is an impractical free spirit, unreliable but warm and loving, a women's libber and mother to Simone de Beauvioir, the turtle. Upstairs above Matilde's garage lives Rick, Allegra's surfie biological father. The novel follows Allegra as she navigates her way through primary school, her first period, the loss of her best friend, starting high school and growing up. And she has to find a path between the prickly relationships of the three adults who she loves and who each love her in their own way "Their unspoken words bounce off each of them but chisel deep into me." (p117)
I enjoyed Daniels' turn of phrase "The nurses are doing their rounds: a white swirl of chatting efficiency; medicating, observing and recording before dimming the lights.." (p241) her descriptions of surfing were evocative "The waves come to meet us, licking my arms, my chest, my legs and the small of my back. The water is cooling me down even on the inside. We keep moving out to where the waves are growing. They start breaking over my face. The water is washing away the sting, the throb and the headache. And soon we are beyond the white foam with just clear green water between us and the horizon. The water is a long stretch of endless." (p 79)
Allegra is a delightful character and I found the book to be quite a page turner
I enjoyed Daniels' turn of phrase "The nurses are doing their rounds: a white swirl of chatting efficiency; medicating, observing and recording before dimming the lights.." (p241) her descriptions of surfing were evocative "The waves come to meet us, licking my arms, my chest, my legs and the small of my back. The water is cooling me down even on the inside. We keep moving out to where the waves are growing. They start breaking over my face. The water is washing away the sting, the throb and the headache. And soon we are beyond the white foam with just clear green water between us and the horizon. The water is a long stretch of endless." (p 79)
Allegra is a delightful character and I found the book to be quite a page turner
May 28, 2023
I'm embarrassed to admit I didn't get the title reference until I was writing this review. It should be obvious, I mean the book opens with our delightful narrator Allegra explaining that her superpower is splitting in two... offering one half of herself to each of her beloved grandmothers, before mentioning her father's presence, but in my defence I read the book when my brain was weary, so....
Having said that, I did initially take it into the bathtub for a 'short' read before organising my dinner and so forth, but was still there until I closed the last page nearly three hours later.
I love books narrated by kids. Of course, Allegra is no ordinary 11, then 12 year old. She's seriously smart: thanks predominantly to Matilde who keeps her focused on schoolwork and learning; while Joy encourages whimsy and curiosity in the mostly practical Allegra.
Not only does Allegra's family not talk to each other, but they don't talk (to her) about the past. And her family's secrets mean that in many ways she's sheltered and not as street-wise as she should and could be. She recognises though, her world is precariously fragile and careful not to do anything to fracture its tenuous structure.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Having said that, I did initially take it into the bathtub for a 'short' read before organising my dinner and so forth, but was still there until I closed the last page nearly three hours later.
I love books narrated by kids. Of course, Allegra is no ordinary 11, then 12 year old. She's seriously smart: thanks predominantly to Matilde who keeps her focused on schoolwork and learning; while Joy encourages whimsy and curiosity in the mostly practical Allegra.
Not only does Allegra's family not talk to each other, but they don't talk (to her) about the past. And her family's secrets mean that in many ways she's sheltered and not as street-wise as she should and could be. She recognises though, her world is precariously fragile and careful not to do anything to fracture its tenuous structure.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
May 7, 2020
By the 1st of May, deep in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, the isolation and boredom triggered a depression inside of me like nothing I've felt for many years. I had to do something to raise my spirits, so I scrolled through the thousands of ebooks on my Kobo, looking for just the right title that might help. I'd heard good things about Allegra in Three Parts (aka A Girl in Three Parts in Canada/U.S.), so I clicked on this beautiful little book and was soon transported.
Anyone can read what this book's about; I can only explain the effect it had on me and the way it made me feel. This delightful, enchanting 12-year old and her funny, insightful observations about the world around her absolutely made my spirits soar! There was something so real about her that often while reading, I felt like I was Allegra! It helped that she was born just around the time that I was born, so reading transported me to Sydney in the early 70's when (in Australia and many other parts of the world) the Women's Liberation movement was just beginning to take hold and Helen Reddy's I Am Woman was their anthem. What an awesome, historic time it was!!
I just loved, loved, loved this book and recommend that ALL women - of every age - read it too.
Anyone can read what this book's about; I can only explain the effect it had on me and the way it made me feel. This delightful, enchanting 12-year old and her funny, insightful observations about the world around her absolutely made my spirits soar! There was something so real about her that often while reading, I felt like I was Allegra! It helped that she was born just around the time that I was born, so reading transported me to Sydney in the early 70's when (in Australia and many other parts of the world) the Women's Liberation movement was just beginning to take hold and Helen Reddy's I Am Woman was their anthem. What an awesome, historic time it was!!
I just loved, loved, loved this book and recommend that ALL women - of every age - read it too.
September 28, 2019
I enjoyed this book ... engaging, easy to read. Loved the coming of age themes of a young girl caught between her love of 3 significant people who are living out their grief and issues, projecting them on Allegra - who tries to please all.
I particularly appreciated the metaphor of how the heart is affected when pulled in multiple directions. I found lots of resonances with my own younger self in this book. Also loved the light playfulness of friendships and time with Rick, and how the connection with Franz Liszt is unfolded.
I particularly appreciated the metaphor of how the heart is affected when pulled in multiple directions. I found lots of resonances with my own younger self in this book. Also loved the light playfulness of friendships and time with Rick, and how the connection with Franz Liszt is unfolded.
October 27, 2019
Such an amazing story of a young girl navigating the complexity of family. Trying to make sense of your situation, and yourself is a journey we all go on. As a teen girl I often caught myself giggling at Allegra, I am old enough to see through her naivety, yet young enough to relate to her plight. After reading the novel, I felt encouraged by Allegra, encouraged to ask questions, to quiz people on their values and beliefs but have the courage to form my own. A wonderful read that had me laughing, crying and my heart overflowing.
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