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Walking
A novel of love, war and kindness, inspired by a true story of medical genius and betrayal.
Sydney, 1948. Brilliant German surgeon, Hugo Winter, is dead, and his protégé, Lucy Brynne, is tasked with sorting his papers. Among them, Lucy finds glimpses of Hugo’s past that paint a disturbing picture of war and prejudice – a portrait of Australia she can barely recognise.
That same week, an intriguing patient comes into her care on the orthopaedic ward at Sydney Hospital: one Mr Jim Cleary. Lucy’s experience as an army physiotherapist, as well as her own very personal knowledge of pain, tell her there’s more to this man’s fractured leg than meets the eye.
As she pieces together who Jim Cleary really is and the truth behind his injury, she not only falls for his laconic charm, but discovers the rival surgeon who relentlessly persecuted Hugo – a man who will shatter Jim’s life completely now, unless Lucy can stop him.
Inspired by a true story of medical genius and betrayal, Walking is a crisply told tale of bigotry and obsession, love and devastation, one that charts the path of a young woman finding her feet in the world, and the transformative power of kindness that drives her own ambition.
‘colourful, evocative and energetic’ - Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney, 1948. Brilliant German surgeon, Hugo Winter, is dead, and his protégé, Lucy Brynne, is tasked with sorting his papers. Among them, Lucy finds glimpses of Hugo’s past that paint a disturbing picture of war and prejudice – a portrait of Australia she can barely recognise.
That same week, an intriguing patient comes into her care on the orthopaedic ward at Sydney Hospital: one Mr Jim Cleary. Lucy’s experience as an army physiotherapist, as well as her own very personal knowledge of pain, tell her there’s more to this man’s fractured leg than meets the eye.
As she pieces together who Jim Cleary really is and the truth behind his injury, she not only falls for his laconic charm, but discovers the rival surgeon who relentlessly persecuted Hugo – a man who will shatter Jim’s life completely now, unless Lucy can stop him.
Inspired by a true story of medical genius and betrayal, Walking is a crisply told tale of bigotry and obsession, love and devastation, one that charts the path of a young woman finding her feet in the world, and the transformative power of kindness that drives her own ambition.
‘colourful, evocative and energetic’ - Sydney Morning Herald
362 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2020
2 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Kim Kelly
14 books188 followers‘Why can’t more people write like this?’ – The Age
‘colourful, evocative and energetic’ – Sydney Morning Herald
Kim Kelly is author thirteen novels. Among them are the bestselling, The Blue Mile, and critically acclaimed, Wild Chicory. Her novella, The Rat Catcher, was longlisted for the ARA Historical Novel Prize, and her latest, Ladies' Rest and Writing Room, was awarded the Finlay Lloyd 20/40 Prize.
Also a well-known book editor, Kim has a Master of Creative Writing from Macquarie University, for which she earned the Fred Rush Convocation Prize for writing. She is currently undertaking a PhD in literature at Macquarie.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 10, 2020
A young Lucy Brynne, physiotherapist and well acquainted with pain, was devastated when her mentor and friend, orthopaedic surgeon Hugo Winter passed away. He’d been the doctor who fixed her own leg when it seemed she would never walk again; perhaps even need to have the leg amputated. Their friendship saw Lucy having to sort through his papers – his past – and the journey it took her on showed a life that was harsh; the prejudice and bitterness because Hugo was German; the punishments he endured were heartbreaking.
When Lucy was tasked with looking after a new patient – James Cleary – she was unaware of the dynamics and power play going on in the background. She knew though that something didn’t look right with Jim’s badly broken leg and she was determined to protect him from the surgeon who wanted to amputate. Sydney Hospital in 1948 showed a class of doctors and surgeons that were second to none – except for one. And his position protected him even though his patients weren’t protected from him. Could Lucy go against a surgeon who held so much power in his hands? She’d fallen for the enigmatic Jim Cleary and would do everything she could to help him.
Walking by Aussie author Kim Kelly is another well written, well researched historical novel that tugged at the heartstrings. The Author’s Note at the end explains where Ms Kelly drew the idea for Walking, and how long it’s been in her imagination. Although fiction, it was inspired by a true story. I loved Hugo’s character; he was a special man and came across as kind, compassionate and caring. Lucy was also an excellently crafted character, while I would have quite happily seen another *particular* character killed off! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Lucy was tasked with looking after a new patient – James Cleary – she was unaware of the dynamics and power play going on in the background. She knew though that something didn’t look right with Jim’s badly broken leg and she was determined to protect him from the surgeon who wanted to amputate. Sydney Hospital in 1948 showed a class of doctors and surgeons that were second to none – except for one. And his position protected him even though his patients weren’t protected from him. Could Lucy go against a surgeon who held so much power in his hands? She’d fallen for the enigmatic Jim Cleary and would do everything she could to help him.
Walking by Aussie author Kim Kelly is another well written, well researched historical novel that tugged at the heartstrings. The Author’s Note at the end explains where Ms Kelly drew the idea for Walking, and how long it’s been in her imagination. Although fiction, it was inspired by a true story. I loved Hugo’s character; he was a special man and came across as kind, compassionate and caring. Lucy was also an excellently crafted character, while I would have quite happily seen another *particular* character killed off! Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 21, 2020
Walking by Kim Kelly
I always look forward to reading Kim Kelly's books as they always deliver on interesting, not your run of the mill stories, which almost always feature an element of historical intrigue.
This story, set in Sydney in 1948, was inspired by the true story of an especially brilliant surgeon named Hugo Winter who specialized in orthopaedic surgery and introduced some ground breaking ideas on bone setting and reconstruction, and who set benchmarks for new and innovative techniques which would ultimately revolutionize the way broken, mangled or malformed bones were treated.
When war breaks out Hugo is optimistic and believes his services as an orthopaedic surgeon could be much needed, not for a moment realizing his German heritage could prove to be a disastrous obstacle as his main rival looks for ways to usurp his potential to advance in his dedicated field.
Things get complicatedly interesting when jealousy and rivalry amongst his peers (one in particular) begins to interfere with Hugo's progress as his popular ideas are soon seen to be a threat to the status quo.
Fast forward to 1948...
Hugo's death comes as a complete shock to his young protégé (and would be daughter) Lucy Brynne.
Lucy is working as a physiotherapist in the orthopaedic ward of the same hospital where Hugo had his offices, Sydney Hospital.
Grief stricken, Lucy has been given the task of tidying Hugo's office things, and in the process finds herself shocked and mystified at some of the information she uncovers whilst sorting through Hugo's papers and personal effects.
Things take on an even more intriguing and promising turn when a young man is admitted and given over to Lucy's care for physiotherapy after a complicated surgery on his severely damaged leg.
The plot thickens as we are held in the throes of a story well told, of intrigue, betrayal and prejudice, and a goodly measure of romance too!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and learning a little previously unknown snippet of local history. I was captivated by the story of Dr. Hugo Winter and his contributions to medicine.
This is a book for everyone!
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read from Kim Kelly.
Thank you Kim Kelly for gifting me this arc to read and review.
I always look forward to reading Kim Kelly's books as they always deliver on interesting, not your run of the mill stories, which almost always feature an element of historical intrigue.
This story, set in Sydney in 1948, was inspired by the true story of an especially brilliant surgeon named Hugo Winter who specialized in orthopaedic surgery and introduced some ground breaking ideas on bone setting and reconstruction, and who set benchmarks for new and innovative techniques which would ultimately revolutionize the way broken, mangled or malformed bones were treated.
When war breaks out Hugo is optimistic and believes his services as an orthopaedic surgeon could be much needed, not for a moment realizing his German heritage could prove to be a disastrous obstacle as his main rival looks for ways to usurp his potential to advance in his dedicated field.
Things get complicatedly interesting when jealousy and rivalry amongst his peers (one in particular) begins to interfere with Hugo's progress as his popular ideas are soon seen to be a threat to the status quo.
Fast forward to 1948...
Hugo's death comes as a complete shock to his young protégé (and would be daughter) Lucy Brynne.
Lucy is working as a physiotherapist in the orthopaedic ward of the same hospital where Hugo had his offices, Sydney Hospital.
Grief stricken, Lucy has been given the task of tidying Hugo's office things, and in the process finds herself shocked and mystified at some of the information she uncovers whilst sorting through Hugo's papers and personal effects.
Things take on an even more intriguing and promising turn when a young man is admitted and given over to Lucy's care for physiotherapy after a complicated surgery on his severely damaged leg.
The plot thickens as we are held in the throes of a story well told, of intrigue, betrayal and prejudice, and a goodly measure of romance too!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and learning a little previously unknown snippet of local history. I was captivated by the story of Dr. Hugo Winter and his contributions to medicine.
This is a book for everyone!
Another 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️read from Kim Kelly.
Thank you Kim Kelly for gifting me this arc to read and review.
February 29, 2020
I do believe that Kim Kelly must have a secret time machine, some way of stepping back into the past; a magic mirror, maybe? The type of atmosphere she achieves within any story is just so immersive, so authentic, it almost seems impossible that a writer could achieve this from research alone. Her stories are not just supported by research, they are built up out of that research, a distinction that takes her work out of the pile of ‘good historical fiction’ and places it right at the top of the very small pile of ‘brilliant historical fiction’. She is, without doubt, one of my favourite authors, a writer of such honesty and heart, who is not afraid of our nation’s history, but is instead willing to shake it out into the open – even the darkest parts.
Walking is a love letter to love itself. And not just romantic love, but also the love we experience between friends and mentors, parents and parental figures. Where kindness underpinned so much of who Hugo and Lucy were, hatred was what drove Eliot Slade. I thought it was so telling that Eliot spent pretty much his entire career pursuing Hugo in an obsessive and hate filled way, determined to destroy this good and brilliant doctor for no reason other than jealousy born out of professional inadequacy. And yet, to Hugo, Eliot wasn’t even a person that existed upon his radar. It just goes to show that hatred is an emotion that does more damage, in the long run, to the bearer than to its target.
There is a wealth of fascinating information about early orthopaedic surgery within this novel, much of which makes me grateful to the pioneers within this area of medicine. The way injuries were managed and treated has come so far. This era within Walking also seemed to coincide with changing views about quality of life, along with equality of care. But goodness, medicine was certainly an ‘old boys’ club back then, rife with bigotry and sexism, much to the shame of our country that allowed such views to be so firmly institutionalised and influential. When bigotry overrides quality of care, you know you have some serious issues on hand. Lucy, and Hugo before her, each forged their way through a rocky trail, but neither of them let the obstacles prevent them from their end goals. They were such wonderful people to accompany on this story journey.
On a more intimate character level, Kim Kelly used Lucy to deeply explore the destructiveness of gas-lighting within a professional setting and the resultant self-doubt it can wreak upon a person. Anxiety is a very real, and very debilitating condition, and it can affect even the brightest and most brilliant members of society. With Jim Cleary, Kim Kelly articulated the experiences of WWII fighter pilots and the lasting damage their heroism (and the way in which these young men were ‘managed’ throughout the war) had on them both mentally and physically. There are many important themes explored through these two characters, each a little broken but also shining still; that they found each other when they did, at the precise right moment for each of them, is testimony to how love can save a soul (or two).
‘I’m caught in such a storm of gratitude, I let go of everything else at once. Every last tether, every last rope of sadness, shame and fear, and every tear I’ve held inside – years and years of them. It all snaps free.’
~~~
‘I hold her closer. I wish I knew all the shapes and extents of why she would think she was worthless: I know she’s an orphan; I know she hasn’t always had an easy go; I know she pushes herself to punishing lengths to do the right thing – it’s exhausting to watch sometimes.’
There really is so much woven into the story fabric of this novel – spanning two world wars with a Depression in between, Australia was a rapidly changing nation on the one hand, yet hopelessly staid on the other. Walking is ultimately an incredibly uplifting story of history, love, tolerance, and courage; the very best sort of historical fiction written by one of our most dedicated storytellers.
Thanks is extended to the author for providing me with a copy of Walking for review.
Walking is a love letter to love itself. And not just romantic love, but also the love we experience between friends and mentors, parents and parental figures. Where kindness underpinned so much of who Hugo and Lucy were, hatred was what drove Eliot Slade. I thought it was so telling that Eliot spent pretty much his entire career pursuing Hugo in an obsessive and hate filled way, determined to destroy this good and brilliant doctor for no reason other than jealousy born out of professional inadequacy. And yet, to Hugo, Eliot wasn’t even a person that existed upon his radar. It just goes to show that hatred is an emotion that does more damage, in the long run, to the bearer than to its target.
There is a wealth of fascinating information about early orthopaedic surgery within this novel, much of which makes me grateful to the pioneers within this area of medicine. The way injuries were managed and treated has come so far. This era within Walking also seemed to coincide with changing views about quality of life, along with equality of care. But goodness, medicine was certainly an ‘old boys’ club back then, rife with bigotry and sexism, much to the shame of our country that allowed such views to be so firmly institutionalised and influential. When bigotry overrides quality of care, you know you have some serious issues on hand. Lucy, and Hugo before her, each forged their way through a rocky trail, but neither of them let the obstacles prevent them from their end goals. They were such wonderful people to accompany on this story journey.
On a more intimate character level, Kim Kelly used Lucy to deeply explore the destructiveness of gas-lighting within a professional setting and the resultant self-doubt it can wreak upon a person. Anxiety is a very real, and very debilitating condition, and it can affect even the brightest and most brilliant members of society. With Jim Cleary, Kim Kelly articulated the experiences of WWII fighter pilots and the lasting damage their heroism (and the way in which these young men were ‘managed’ throughout the war) had on them both mentally and physically. There are many important themes explored through these two characters, each a little broken but also shining still; that they found each other when they did, at the precise right moment for each of them, is testimony to how love can save a soul (or two).
‘I’m caught in such a storm of gratitude, I let go of everything else at once. Every last tether, every last rope of sadness, shame and fear, and every tear I’ve held inside – years and years of them. It all snaps free.’
~~~
‘I hold her closer. I wish I knew all the shapes and extents of why she would think she was worthless: I know she’s an orphan; I know she hasn’t always had an easy go; I know she pushes herself to punishing lengths to do the right thing – it’s exhausting to watch sometimes.’
There really is so much woven into the story fabric of this novel – spanning two world wars with a Depression in between, Australia was a rapidly changing nation on the one hand, yet hopelessly staid on the other. Walking is ultimately an incredibly uplifting story of history, love, tolerance, and courage; the very best sort of historical fiction written by one of our most dedicated storytellers.
Thanks is extended to the author for providing me with a copy of Walking for review.
May 3, 2020
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
‘You’ll be brilliant at whatever you choose to do, Lucy Brynne.’
Walking, the latest production from Kim Kelly, is a story the author personally attests to having carried in her heart for a long time. The passion, dedication and sheer craft of this novel shows in every corner. Walking is a true historical triumph, shining a light on medical advances, inequality, the impact of war, oppression, love and ambition. It is stunning addition to the Kim Kelly historical fiction collection.
Kim Kelly’s Walking introduces surgeon Hugo Winter, a man of German descent and a pioneer in the Australian medical industry. Hugo’s legacy is felt years later by an up and coming female doctor, Lucy Brynne. When Hugo passes away, Lucy is compelled to investigate her mentor’s past, which brings to light a time of sacrifice, injustice and war. When Lucy crosses paths with Jim Cleary, a patient on her ward, she learns a thing or two from this man and his case. But Jim’s case brings to light the work of an enemy, a man who negatively impacted her late mentor’s life. As Lucy begins to piece together the puzzle of Hugo’s past, she is shocked beyond belief. Lucy knows that she cannot let this same man shatter Jim’s life too, a man she now cares greatly for. This is the powerful tale, drawn from a real life figure and his inspiring life, highlighting a time in our not too distant past where bigotry, oppression, injustice, sacrifice, stoicism and ambition reigned supreme.
Walking affords the reader with an opportunity to take stroll back into the past, a time where Australia was forging ahead in areas such as research and health care, but it was also defined by unfair policies, ignorant thinking, strict social codes and injustice. Kim Kelly lays out many of these these contradictions in her new novel. As always, Kelly has honed in on her focal subject matter and she has presented her readership with a meticulous novel that is historically well placed and extremely well informed. Take note of the enthralling Author Note as the end of this book, it really is a treat for historical fiction fans.
The characters guiding us through Kim Kelly’s Walking are inspirational and true trail blazers. From Hugo Winter, to his protégé Lucy and heroic Jim, Kelly has concocted a great set of protagonists to lead her tale, one of which is drawn from a real life figure. There are friends and extreme foes in this tale, that help to elevate this novel to great heights. There is strong emotion that is felt on every page, which is portrayed with skill and intuition by the author. I really enjoyed stepping in the shoes of the characters as they faced many challenges, oppositions, obstacles and triumphs. The medical areas are fascinating as well as informative, especially in Doctor Winter’s field. Meanwhile, there is a good interrogation of mental incapacity and post traumatic stress disorder following the aftermath of the wars. Walking really is an involving tale and Kelly delves deep into a precarious time in Australia’s yesteryear. We learn from Kelly’s Walking that this was a time defined by not one but two wars, loss, economic downtown, oppressive government policies, societal prejudice, aspiration and the marginalisation of women.
A gentle sub strand of friendship, romance, support, genuine care and understanding underscores Walking and I appreciated the tone of this love story. In addition, I loved the working relationship between the great doctor and his charge, it was a respectful, as well as realistic bond. The loyalty and compassion shown by these characters at different points really does restore your faith in humanity. It also gives the reader hope, that it is possible to triumph above adversity and achieve your dreams. I valued the final newspaper snippet at the close of this story, it was the perfect end to a compelling story.
Walking is an ardent story, penned by a leading specialist in the Australian historical fiction field. The compelling voices that follow this novel and the trials they endure will be sure to leave a lasting imprint on your heart and mind.
*I wish to thank the author, Kim Kelly, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Walking is book #51 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
‘You’ll be brilliant at whatever you choose to do, Lucy Brynne.’
Walking, the latest production from Kim Kelly, is a story the author personally attests to having carried in her heart for a long time. The passion, dedication and sheer craft of this novel shows in every corner. Walking is a true historical triumph, shining a light on medical advances, inequality, the impact of war, oppression, love and ambition. It is stunning addition to the Kim Kelly historical fiction collection.
Kim Kelly’s Walking introduces surgeon Hugo Winter, a man of German descent and a pioneer in the Australian medical industry. Hugo’s legacy is felt years later by an up and coming female doctor, Lucy Brynne. When Hugo passes away, Lucy is compelled to investigate her mentor’s past, which brings to light a time of sacrifice, injustice and war. When Lucy crosses paths with Jim Cleary, a patient on her ward, she learns a thing or two from this man and his case. But Jim’s case brings to light the work of an enemy, a man who negatively impacted her late mentor’s life. As Lucy begins to piece together the puzzle of Hugo’s past, she is shocked beyond belief. Lucy knows that she cannot let this same man shatter Jim’s life too, a man she now cares greatly for. This is the powerful tale, drawn from a real life figure and his inspiring life, highlighting a time in our not too distant past where bigotry, oppression, injustice, sacrifice, stoicism and ambition reigned supreme.
Walking affords the reader with an opportunity to take stroll back into the past, a time where Australia was forging ahead in areas such as research and health care, but it was also defined by unfair policies, ignorant thinking, strict social codes and injustice. Kim Kelly lays out many of these these contradictions in her new novel. As always, Kelly has honed in on her focal subject matter and she has presented her readership with a meticulous novel that is historically well placed and extremely well informed. Take note of the enthralling Author Note as the end of this book, it really is a treat for historical fiction fans.
The characters guiding us through Kim Kelly’s Walking are inspirational and true trail blazers. From Hugo Winter, to his protégé Lucy and heroic Jim, Kelly has concocted a great set of protagonists to lead her tale, one of which is drawn from a real life figure. There are friends and extreme foes in this tale, that help to elevate this novel to great heights. There is strong emotion that is felt on every page, which is portrayed with skill and intuition by the author. I really enjoyed stepping in the shoes of the characters as they faced many challenges, oppositions, obstacles and triumphs. The medical areas are fascinating as well as informative, especially in Doctor Winter’s field. Meanwhile, there is a good interrogation of mental incapacity and post traumatic stress disorder following the aftermath of the wars. Walking really is an involving tale and Kelly delves deep into a precarious time in Australia’s yesteryear. We learn from Kelly’s Walking that this was a time defined by not one but two wars, loss, economic downtown, oppressive government policies, societal prejudice, aspiration and the marginalisation of women.
A gentle sub strand of friendship, romance, support, genuine care and understanding underscores Walking and I appreciated the tone of this love story. In addition, I loved the working relationship between the great doctor and his charge, it was a respectful, as well as realistic bond. The loyalty and compassion shown by these characters at different points really does restore your faith in humanity. It also gives the reader hope, that it is possible to triumph above adversity and achieve your dreams. I valued the final newspaper snippet at the close of this story, it was the perfect end to a compelling story.
Walking is an ardent story, penned by a leading specialist in the Australian historical fiction field. The compelling voices that follow this novel and the trials they endure will be sure to leave a lasting imprint on your heart and mind.
*I wish to thank the author, Kim Kelly, for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
Walking is book #51 of the 2020 Australian Women Writers Challenge
December 11, 2020
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
** second read via audiobook - I've just listened to the audiobook of Walking, I think I loved it even more this time than when I read it in March. The voice actors do an incredible job of capturing the characters in this novel. I was sad when I finished as I wanted it to continue.
I'm not sure whether I didn't pick it up in my first read, but I loved that Daniel and Francine Ackerman from another one of my favourite novels by Kim Kelly play a small but important part in this story. I really loved how she managed to merge these characters into Walking. **
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of Kim Kelly's writing, I would read just about anything she wrote. She has an amazing gift for drawing me completely into her stories , the places and the times, and I live through everything the characters do. All of her novels are written so differently, from the tone to the point of view, they are all completely individual.
Her newest offering Walking is written in two completely different perspectives. Firstly we have Lucy Brynne who tells us the story from her point of view, later in the story we also have Jim telling the story from his point of view, I really loved these chapters from the get go. The other chapters, Hugo Winter and the god-awful Eliot Slade are told from the point of view of a narator telling us their part of the story. I admit to taking a bit longer to get into this style of writing, but once I got used to it I was hooked.
I have to say, not much housework got done the weekend I read Walking thanks to Lucy, Jim, and Hugo (and the god awful Slade). I couldn't put Walking down. What fabulous tale Kim Kelly has told.
How angry Eliot Slade and the rest of the medical institution made me whilst reading this novel. How absolutely upset and angry I get when I read about the prejudices of people because of race or religion, especially when I hear about it happening in Australia. Things are obviously better now than they were in Lucy and Hugo's time, but there's still so much of it that goes on. I thank her for bringing these things to the forefront of people's minds, maybe it will make them look at how they behave now and how they allow this behaviour to continue to happen. Hmm slightly off track there, but that's what happens when I get onto a topic I'm passionate about.
Doctor Hugo Winter is a German sugeon who has immigrated to Australia after falling in love. He is a renowned and respected orthapedic surgeon in Germany and has an abrupt manner when dealing with those he finds stupid, I really enjoyed his quirky character which had so much passion and compassion underneath his abrupt and sometimes oblivious manner. Hugo Winter's character is fictional, but is based on the real life German-Australian surgeon Max Herz. To read more about Kim Kelly's inspiration behind Hugo click here. I really liked Hugo, and once I got used to the style his part of the story was written, I embraced him wholeheartedly. The way Hugo was treated during the war, the way most German-Australian's were treated, was just awful, as I mentioned above, and I can't for the life of me understand what makes people so prejudiced against those of a different race, especially those they have lived and worked beside for years.
I loved Lucy so much, I've been through the sexism she went through most of my working life, but like her I just kept my head down and kept on, for the most part. Lucy is a physiotheraspist, unusual for the 1940s, and she is not given the respect she deserves from the rest of the medical staff, and especially from the nursing staff. Lucy's journey from her disadvantaged childhood, her accident that required treatment from Doctor Hugo Winter, something that completely changed both of their lives, through to her life now as a physio, was a story I was completely invested in. Lucy spends a lot of time thinking and telling herself off in her head, and I could so relate to this, and where in some characters it can be annoying, I found this suited Lucy's character so well.
Jim was a great character too, I loved how Lucy and Jim complimented each other so well. From their first meeting in the hospital bed as Lucy's patient, you just know the relationship is going to become something more. Jim's accident turns out to be a blessing for many reasons and not just because of the love story between him and Lucy.
There were a couple of other characters worth mentioning, Anton, a friend and colleague of Hugo's was a wonderful character, I loved his quirks and his drive as much as I did Hugo's. Then we have our antagonist, the god-awful Eliot Slade, who had no redeeming features at all. He was a horrible, jealous individual, only out for himself, even his patients didn't matter, and what he puts Hugo through for decades is more than I would have been able to stand.
This is a story about grief, hope, dreams, love, prejudice, racism, sexism and more and I highly recommend it.
I thank Kim Kelly for providing me a digital copy of Walking in return for an honest review.

** second read via audiobook - I've just listened to the audiobook of Walking, I think I loved it even more this time than when I read it in March. The voice actors do an incredible job of capturing the characters in this novel. I was sad when I finished as I wanted it to continue.
I'm not sure whether I didn't pick it up in my first read, but I loved that Daniel and Francine Ackerman from another one of my favourite novels by Kim Kelly play a small but important part in this story. I really loved how she managed to merge these characters into Walking. **
Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of Kim Kelly's writing, I would read just about anything she wrote. She has an amazing gift for drawing me completely into her stories , the places and the times, and I live through everything the characters do. All of her novels are written so differently, from the tone to the point of view, they are all completely individual.
Her newest offering Walking is written in two completely different perspectives. Firstly we have Lucy Brynne who tells us the story from her point of view, later in the story we also have Jim telling the story from his point of view, I really loved these chapters from the get go. The other chapters, Hugo Winter and the god-awful Eliot Slade are told from the point of view of a narator telling us their part of the story. I admit to taking a bit longer to get into this style of writing, but once I got used to it I was hooked.
I have to say, not much housework got done the weekend I read Walking thanks to Lucy, Jim, and Hugo (and the god awful Slade). I couldn't put Walking down. What fabulous tale Kim Kelly has told.
How angry Eliot Slade and the rest of the medical institution made me whilst reading this novel. How absolutely upset and angry I get when I read about the prejudices of people because of race or religion, especially when I hear about it happening in Australia. Things are obviously better now than they were in Lucy and Hugo's time, but there's still so much of it that goes on. I thank her for bringing these things to the forefront of people's minds, maybe it will make them look at how they behave now and how they allow this behaviour to continue to happen. Hmm slightly off track there, but that's what happens when I get onto a topic I'm passionate about.
Doctor Hugo Winter is a German sugeon who has immigrated to Australia after falling in love. He is a renowned and respected orthapedic surgeon in Germany and has an abrupt manner when dealing with those he finds stupid, I really enjoyed his quirky character which had so much passion and compassion underneath his abrupt and sometimes oblivious manner. Hugo Winter's character is fictional, but is based on the real life German-Australian surgeon Max Herz. To read more about Kim Kelly's inspiration behind Hugo click here. I really liked Hugo, and once I got used to the style his part of the story was written, I embraced him wholeheartedly. The way Hugo was treated during the war, the way most German-Australian's were treated, was just awful, as I mentioned above, and I can't for the life of me understand what makes people so prejudiced against those of a different race, especially those they have lived and worked beside for years.
I loved Lucy so much, I've been through the sexism she went through most of my working life, but like her I just kept my head down and kept on, for the most part. Lucy is a physiotheraspist, unusual for the 1940s, and she is not given the respect she deserves from the rest of the medical staff, and especially from the nursing staff. Lucy's journey from her disadvantaged childhood, her accident that required treatment from Doctor Hugo Winter, something that completely changed both of their lives, through to her life now as a physio, was a story I was completely invested in. Lucy spends a lot of time thinking and telling herself off in her head, and I could so relate to this, and where in some characters it can be annoying, I found this suited Lucy's character so well.
Jim was a great character too, I loved how Lucy and Jim complimented each other so well. From their first meeting in the hospital bed as Lucy's patient, you just know the relationship is going to become something more. Jim's accident turns out to be a blessing for many reasons and not just because of the love story between him and Lucy.
There were a couple of other characters worth mentioning, Anton, a friend and colleague of Hugo's was a wonderful character, I loved his quirks and his drive as much as I did Hugo's. Then we have our antagonist, the god-awful Eliot Slade, who had no redeeming features at all. He was a horrible, jealous individual, only out for himself, even his patients didn't matter, and what he puts Hugo through for decades is more than I would have been able to stand.
This is a story about grief, hope, dreams, love, prejudice, racism, sexism and more and I highly recommend it.
I thank Kim Kelly for providing me a digital copy of Walking in return for an honest review.

December 9, 2019
Kim Kelly is adept at turning a slice of little-known history into a vivid and enthralling tale. ‘Walking’, based on a true story, is a tale of romance, intrigue and bigotry among Sydney orthopaedic surgeons during the time of the First and Second World Wars. I raced through it, enjoying the intertwining tales of Lucy, a young physiotherapist and Hugo, a brilliant surgeon who is shunned by the medical establishment. Kim has clearly done her research – the descriptions of surgery in this period were fascinating. It’s a romping, riveting, historical feast, full of drama and passion. I loved it.
February 6, 2020
I'm a big fan of Kim Kelly's books. As expected, I thoroughly enjoyed her latest book, especially as told through the eyes of Lucy. She’s a terrifically realised character. Stories of conquering obstacles are not new but Kim's approach has given the theme fresh eyes, with different characters learning to walk, albeit it physically or emotionally. This came out particularly strongly in Lucy and Hugo’s characters. Kim has a gift of exploring issues with sensitive insight; in Walking this is explored via post-war prejudices and the bigotry that followed many people wherever they went, no matter how brilliant they were.
Kim makes history seem alive. There’s enough detail to make it real, to make it seem as if I were walking along beside the characters, like a shadow. Her writing is evocative and authentic and always captivating. If you like a story with historical intrigue, memorable characters, and something that makes you think, pick up Walking and read it.
Kim makes history seem alive. There’s enough detail to make it real, to make it seem as if I were walking along beside the characters, like a shadow. Her writing is evocative and authentic and always captivating. If you like a story with historical intrigue, memorable characters, and something that makes you think, pick up Walking and read it.
April 11, 2020
Enthralling from the first page.
Kindness, courage, shame, grief, romance, family, isolation, surgery, physiotherapy, bigotry, innovation, the city of Sydney, WW1, WWII, children, a good dog, jazz, spite, unrequited love, requited love...
Interwoven stories, of Hugo in the early 20th century and Lucy in the middle of the 20th century, with other perspectives rounding out the picture.
One of the nastiest characters I've come across as the villain, based on many people of the time.
Kindness, courage, shame, grief, romance, family, isolation, surgery, physiotherapy, bigotry, innovation, the city of Sydney, WW1, WWII, children, a good dog, jazz, spite, unrequited love, requited love...
Interwoven stories, of Hugo in the early 20th century and Lucy in the middle of the 20th century, with other perspectives rounding out the picture.
One of the nastiest characters I've come across as the villain, based on many people of the time.
July 15, 2023
I borrowed this as an audio book however the narrator’s voice was difficult for me to listen too. I only managed an hour. To read the book would probably be very different. The story line was interesting and I think would grab the reader’s attention.
January 10, 2022
This is a gripping story about justice told in a setting you'd least expect to find it: the world of orthopaedic surgery in Sydney between the wars. Based on true events, 'Walking' tells the story of Dr Hugo Winter through the eyes of a young physiotherapist, Lucy Brynne, who had a lifelong connection to this brilliant German surgeon, and comes to realise her mentor had an extremely hard time at the hands of Australia's medical establishment.
Kim Kelly has made a justifiable name for herself breathing life into the past for readers, and 'Walking' is no different. The author takes the kind of emotional states contemporary readers know all to well and lets her historical characters chart them. Lucy Brynne might be a post-war woman, but her anxious inner life lifts off the page as though she has a social media account and isn't afraid to share.
This immediacy ensures the relationships at the core of this story have a great ring of truth, and as they grow so does a nail-biting tension about whether a crook surgeon will get his hands on Lucy’s long-term happiness. This is what makes 'Walking' so un-put-down-able, the possibility that people who have already endured enough pain and conflict might not escape it intact, made even more chilling because the forces at work against them are the ones they should be able to trust.
Kim Kelly has made a justifiable name for herself breathing life into the past for readers, and 'Walking' is no different. The author takes the kind of emotional states contemporary readers know all to well and lets her historical characters chart them. Lucy Brynne might be a post-war woman, but her anxious inner life lifts off the page as though she has a social media account and isn't afraid to share.
This immediacy ensures the relationships at the core of this story have a great ring of truth, and as they grow so does a nail-biting tension about whether a crook surgeon will get his hands on Lucy’s long-term happiness. This is what makes 'Walking' so un-put-down-able, the possibility that people who have already endured enough pain and conflict might not escape it intact, made even more chilling because the forces at work against them are the ones they should be able to trust.
February 22, 2020
Historical novels with a conscience, that explore and challenge the accepted norms of the time, form the basis of all Kim’s novels and Walking is no exception to this.
The story revolves around a strong women in a male dominated industry who fights for the rights of her patient and the reputation of her mentor. You know from the way this book is written that this story has a special place in Kim’s heart and it comes through the pages.
One of the things that always impresses me about Kim’s stories is the love story that weaves itself through the book. You feel confident it will work in the end but there a lots of challenges along the way, so you are always hopeful but never quite sure it will. This one isn’t so much about the usual love story but about the love and respect paid to a mentor and friend.
Kim’s stories are full of the ordinary and extraordinary events in Australian history that inspire her tales and bring memories or sparks of recognition of people or places to the surface, like this one did for me. The characters and storyline resonated and took me back to a time in my life that I had forgotten.
Australia has a rich history with so many stories to explore. I can’t wait for Kim’s next interpretation of the next one.
The story revolves around a strong women in a male dominated industry who fights for the rights of her patient and the reputation of her mentor. You know from the way this book is written that this story has a special place in Kim’s heart and it comes through the pages.
One of the things that always impresses me about Kim’s stories is the love story that weaves itself through the book. You feel confident it will work in the end but there a lots of challenges along the way, so you are always hopeful but never quite sure it will. This one isn’t so much about the usual love story but about the love and respect paid to a mentor and friend.
Kim’s stories are full of the ordinary and extraordinary events in Australian history that inspire her tales and bring memories or sparks of recognition of people or places to the surface, like this one did for me. The characters and storyline resonated and took me back to a time in my life that I had forgotten.
Australia has a rich history with so many stories to explore. I can’t wait for Kim’s next interpretation of the next one.
March 17, 2020
This is a most enjoyable novel. A complex balance of many voices work to tell many stories, and yet they create a single novel. This is a triumph by a very skilled writer and a most enjoyable experience for the reader. Do yourself a favour and read this!
March 24, 2021
“What was all this for? Why were the people who made these decisions on their lives such a fistful of unforgivable pricks?”
I am always amazed at anything Kim writes.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this one as much as I have with previous ones because it took me a bit to wrap my head around the medical side of things.
But before I knew it I was captivated by the story. I felt every emotion, I felt the pain the characters were going through, I felt the heartache, I felt the anger.
Kim has a way with words and a way with storytelling. She never disappoints.
Walking follows a few different characters and their perspectives;
Lucy. Hugo. Eliot. Jim.
📖
It’s 1948.
Lucy is a physiotherapist in a world and a hospital of men who don’t believe a woman should be anything more than “pretty”. Let alone have a job of her own or dreams that don’t include getting married right away and having babies.
She meets a patient, Jim, and an attraction begins. But she wants to help him, she has her own opinions about his treatment but she can’t seem to find her voice. She needs Hugo Winter back.
Hugo, at the beginning of this book, has passed away. Heartbreaking for his family and for Lucy especially. He was a second father to her. He was the one to give her hope that she would no longer suffer from a painful injury that occurred when she was a child.
Hugo was a renowned orthopaedic surgeon. The ‘Robin Hood’ of surgeons. Charging the rich folk for the treatment but giving free health care to those struggling.
Not only was he a kind and generous man (and based on a real person) but he was talented and determined to do the best he could to help people.
Eliot Slade is one of those people glad that Hugo died. He never liked him. Part envy, part annoyance. All hatred. He is not a good character. He is not redeemable or excusable. He’s also a surgeon but he lacks the empathy. He doesn’t care about his patients only if it makes him look good. He doesn’t think of consequences. He’s there for himself and no one else. But yet even as disliked as he is, I couldn’t stop reading.
Jim Cleary is a patient of Lucy’s
TBC
I am always amazed at anything Kim writes.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy this one as much as I have with previous ones because it took me a bit to wrap my head around the medical side of things.
But before I knew it I was captivated by the story. I felt every emotion, I felt the pain the characters were going through, I felt the heartache, I felt the anger.
Kim has a way with words and a way with storytelling. She never disappoints.
Walking follows a few different characters and their perspectives;
Lucy. Hugo. Eliot. Jim.
📖
It’s 1948.
Lucy is a physiotherapist in a world and a hospital of men who don’t believe a woman should be anything more than “pretty”. Let alone have a job of her own or dreams that don’t include getting married right away and having babies.
She meets a patient, Jim, and an attraction begins. But she wants to help him, she has her own opinions about his treatment but she can’t seem to find her voice. She needs Hugo Winter back.
Hugo, at the beginning of this book, has passed away. Heartbreaking for his family and for Lucy especially. He was a second father to her. He was the one to give her hope that she would no longer suffer from a painful injury that occurred when she was a child.
Hugo was a renowned orthopaedic surgeon. The ‘Robin Hood’ of surgeons. Charging the rich folk for the treatment but giving free health care to those struggling.
Not only was he a kind and generous man (and based on a real person) but he was talented and determined to do the best he could to help people.
Eliot Slade is one of those people glad that Hugo died. He never liked him. Part envy, part annoyance. All hatred. He is not a good character. He is not redeemable or excusable. He’s also a surgeon but he lacks the empathy. He doesn’t care about his patients only if it makes him look good. He doesn’t think of consequences. He’s there for himself and no one else. But yet even as disliked as he is, I couldn’t stop reading.
Jim Cleary is a patient of Lucy’s
TBC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2020
I recently finished reading Walking by Kim Kelly in review e-book format. It is her latest book and I loved it. I admire how she has taken a fragment of a real story and developed it into a novel that transported me in time and distance to post Second World War Australia, further back to the Great War and back again. Her research is meticulous and she has an eye for detail.
I love the energy and the flavour of Australia she creates in her use of language, and the believable, loveable and hateable characters. She brings the past to life, in the settings, the music and the attitudes of people of the time.
Walking is written mainly in the first=person point of view of Lucy Brynne, with the perspectives of other characters interwoven. Kelly reveals the past of German surgeon, Hugo Winter to Lucy Brynne, who has been given the job of sorting his papers after his death. Although they were close, she was his patient as a child, his ward and protégé, she discovers things that concern her. It’s only when she comes across a new patient, Jim Cleary, on the orthopaedic ward where she works as a physiotherapist, that she not only falls in love with him, but also protects him from the surgeon who relentlessly persecuted Hugo and has no qualms about ruining Jim’s life and Lucy’s career.
I love the energy and the flavour of Australia she creates in her use of language, and the believable, loveable and hateable characters. She brings the past to life, in the settings, the music and the attitudes of people of the time.
Walking is written mainly in the first=person point of view of Lucy Brynne, with the perspectives of other characters interwoven. Kelly reveals the past of German surgeon, Hugo Winter to Lucy Brynne, who has been given the job of sorting his papers after his death. Although they were close, she was his patient as a child, his ward and protégé, she discovers things that concern her. It’s only when she comes across a new patient, Jim Cleary, on the orthopaedic ward where she works as a physiotherapist, that she not only falls in love with him, but also protects him from the surgeon who relentlessly persecuted Hugo and has no qualms about ruining Jim’s life and Lucy’s career.
February 11, 2021
The voice of the extraordinary Lucy Brynne is one I've never read before. How do you do it, Kim Kelly?
Such detailed research, your recreation of an era in world politics, especially as it played out in aspects of Australia's history ...
As you can see, I'm almost incoherent - and I'm a writer!
Walking explores issues of war, bigotry, racism, class discrimination, cruelty, arrogance, viciousness and persecution.
And yet it is populated by a cast of wonderful characters who refuse to be subdued or broken; who demonstrate that love, compassion, empathy and kindness can rise above all that, shining a light on the small and big things that are good in humankind.
Bravo, Kim Kelly! You've outdone yourself!
Thank you - again.
Such detailed research, your recreation of an era in world politics, especially as it played out in aspects of Australia's history ...
As you can see, I'm almost incoherent - and I'm a writer!
Walking explores issues of war, bigotry, racism, class discrimination, cruelty, arrogance, viciousness and persecution.
And yet it is populated by a cast of wonderful characters who refuse to be subdued or broken; who demonstrate that love, compassion, empathy and kindness can rise above all that, shining a light on the small and big things that are good in humankind.
Bravo, Kim Kelly! You've outdone yourself!
Thank you - again.
December 1, 2021
I do love a story that begins with some historical truth. This story about a gifted surgeon, entrenched bitterness and a courageous girl was spell binding. The place of women in 1948 was beautifully teased out, as was racism and English superiority in regards to class and standing. Not many books look at the plight of returned servicemen, and it is an area that needs redress. I will be looking for more Kim Kelly books.
August 26, 2020
A gentle story of Lucy Brynne a young girl with an injured leg and the doctor who helped her heal. I listened to the audio and it was filled with interesting characters against the backdrop of Sydney during the first War finishing after the Second World War.
Based on a real story it involves the world of orthopaedics.
Based on a real story it involves the world of orthopaedics.
Read
June 2, 2025Lucy is a talented physiotherapist, sympathy for her patients undoubtedly coming as a result of her own orthopaedic experiences as a child. At the end of the Second World War, after her discharge from the army she is working in a Sydney hospital. She meets a patient for whom she has an instant attraction but she is frustrated by the medical treatment he is receiving. The story talks a lot about the reluctance of the medical profession to weed out the bad apples among them. Dr Eliot Slade is certainly the bad guy here - vindictive and incompetent.
August 11, 2021
Really enjoyed it. And the book feels lovely to hold
September 25, 2022
Loved the historical setting and background to the medical profession, though found the love scenes too saccharine
November 21, 2022
Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this as I didn't like the writing style.
January 9, 2020
Kim Kelly writes beautifully, very evocative and keeps things real. Her fictional characters are well researched, grounded and feel very real. One not only gets drawn into the story line but can't put the book down until the end.
Fully recommend all of Kim's books as they are truly great Australian reading.
Fully recommend all of Kim's books as they are truly great Australian reading.
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