What do you think?
Rate this book
Silkworm Secrets #1
Silkworm Secrets: Dark Secrets from a Distant Past
In the 1960s the rural suburbs of Brisbane should have been an idyllic place for Ruby and Bobby to grow up. Their treehouse retreat, set high in a mulberry tree is a place to share friendship and watch the events of the yards nearby. However as the two become teenagers, the naive Ruby is exposed to the sinister events that Bobby has to deal with in his family life.
As the years pass and the best friends go their separate ways, childhood events become a distant memory. Will the dark secrets remain uncovered or will Ruby and Bobby be forced to face up to what they witnessed so many years before.
This is a story about the secrets that children keep, the strength that comes from a childhood friendship and a special family love that overcomes the hardships of the past.
As the years pass and the best friends go their separate ways, childhood events become a distant memory. Will the dark secrets remain uncovered or will Ruby and Bobby be forced to face up to what they witnessed so many years before.
This is a story about the secrets that children keep, the strength that comes from a childhood friendship and a special family love that overcomes the hardships of the past.
444 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2017
61 people are currently reading
652 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Forrest
38 books70 followersAn Australian voice creating compelling contemporary fiction - from bush to beach, steamy romances, riveting history and eclectic characters.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Rhonda Forrest is an Australian teacher and author who writes captivating contemporary and historical fiction about relationships, family life and social issues, set amidst beautiful and uniquely Australian landscapes.
After bringing up three daughters and traversing several different careers, Rhonda went on to teach creative writing, English and History to high school students. Her passion for literacy, history and travelling around Australia fuels her novels.
Rhonda currently lives with her husband between two Queensland homes: one on Tamborine Mountain, the other a century-old cottage with a rambling garden, overlooking the waters of the Whitsundays.
Readers can connect with Rhonda via her website www.rhondaforrest.com, Instagram @rhondaforrestauthor or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/valeenapress.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 19, 2017
https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The power of childhood friendship is the flavour of Australian author Lea Davey’s second novel. I recently read and very much enjoyed Lea Davey’s first novel, The Shack by the Bay but Silkworm Secrets captured my heart from the opening, to the close of this Australian fiction novel.
Ruby and Bobby are neighbours. They are also the best of friends. Their favourite place to spend time together is in a treehouse nestled in Ruby’s backyard. There, the two close friends also tend to a silkworm collection and share a secret or two. For Bobby, the treehouse and time with Ruby offers comfort, as well as respite from his volatile family life. With his mother a depressed recluse, his younger sister Sally to care for as she is intellectually impaired and his older sister Theresa longing to break free from their strict father, Ruby’s treehouse offers Bobby a lifeline. In contrast, Ruby’s life is a safe and happy one. She is the only child of two loving parents. As the two children grown up, things get even tougher for Bobby and his family. One day Bobby divulges a big secret to Ruby and it is a secret that eventually leads to Bobby to run away from home. Years later, Ruby decides to search for Bobby. Bobby now is the lifeline in saving his sister and other poor victims from the clutches of a terrible human being who ruined Bobby’s family. Ruby’s quickly learns that Bobby is not someone who wants to be easily found or taken away from his life in solicitude as a drifter in the country. Ruby and Bobby must band together once again, now as adults, to put the past to rest.
My first feelings of Silkworm Secrets are of delight. Lea Davey completely impressed me with her follow up novel to The Shack by the Bay. Silkworm Secrets is an emotional and moving novel. Ruby and Bobby’s story reminds us the durability of love, the strength of friendship and the power of the human spirit.
Davey inserts some hard hitting themes in her novel that really struck a chord with me. Within her compelling narrative, Davey incorporates issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, infidelity, infertility and mental health problems. These themes are handled with extreme care and sensitivity but for those who have difficulty reading about these painful and dark aspects of life, this book may trigger uncomfortable feelings.
Relationships are at the forefront of this novel and are depicted very well by the author. I loved the pureness of the childhood friendship between Bobby and Ruby. Following their journey in the earlier parts of the novel was like taking a step back in time to my own childhood. Although roughly twenty years later than the characters in the novel (1980’s) I still felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me, thanks to Davey’s storytelling abilities. It was such a basic, simpler childhood than my own children are experiencing today. I thank Lea Davey for reminding me of those fond times through her narrative. The relationship in the latter part of the book between Bobby and Ruby as they try to reconnect after years apart was a genuine one. The romance in this novel is subtle and I enjoyed the transition the main characters made from friends, to eventual partners in life. Aside from Bobby and Ruby’s relationship, there is the enduring relationship between Ruby and her father Francis, a real shining feature of the novel. Davey’s characters all seemed to make me either laugh, reach for the tissues or draw me deep into their lives.
As with Davey’s previous novel, The Shack by the Bay, I noted her ability to convey a strong sense of place. Silkworm Secrets is just as good in this area, if not a touch better. From the sunshine coast in Queensland, through to the country setting, the landscape is always a strong feature. Davey’s sense of imagery is refined, enabling the reader to be given an ideal picture of the area in which she covering. Even the treehouse featured in the earlier scenes of the novel came across beautifully on the page of this novel.
Silkworm Secrets is a tale that will continue to resonate long after you have said goodbye to this book. The combination of a compelling storyline, characters you grow to care for and the true Australian setting makes this an easy five star read.
The power of childhood friendship is the flavour of Australian author Lea Davey’s second novel. I recently read and very much enjoyed Lea Davey’s first novel, The Shack by the Bay but Silkworm Secrets captured my heart from the opening, to the close of this Australian fiction novel.
Ruby and Bobby are neighbours. They are also the best of friends. Their favourite place to spend time together is in a treehouse nestled in Ruby’s backyard. There, the two close friends also tend to a silkworm collection and share a secret or two. For Bobby, the treehouse and time with Ruby offers comfort, as well as respite from his volatile family life. With his mother a depressed recluse, his younger sister Sally to care for as she is intellectually impaired and his older sister Theresa longing to break free from their strict father, Ruby’s treehouse offers Bobby a lifeline. In contrast, Ruby’s life is a safe and happy one. She is the only child of two loving parents. As the two children grown up, things get even tougher for Bobby and his family. One day Bobby divulges a big secret to Ruby and it is a secret that eventually leads to Bobby to run away from home. Years later, Ruby decides to search for Bobby. Bobby now is the lifeline in saving his sister and other poor victims from the clutches of a terrible human being who ruined Bobby’s family. Ruby’s quickly learns that Bobby is not someone who wants to be easily found or taken away from his life in solicitude as a drifter in the country. Ruby and Bobby must band together once again, now as adults, to put the past to rest.
My first feelings of Silkworm Secrets are of delight. Lea Davey completely impressed me with her follow up novel to The Shack by the Bay. Silkworm Secrets is an emotional and moving novel. Ruby and Bobby’s story reminds us the durability of love, the strength of friendship and the power of the human spirit.
Davey inserts some hard hitting themes in her novel that really struck a chord with me. Within her compelling narrative, Davey incorporates issues such as child abuse, domestic violence, infidelity, infertility and mental health problems. These themes are handled with extreme care and sensitivity but for those who have difficulty reading about these painful and dark aspects of life, this book may trigger uncomfortable feelings.
Relationships are at the forefront of this novel and are depicted very well by the author. I loved the pureness of the childhood friendship between Bobby and Ruby. Following their journey in the earlier parts of the novel was like taking a step back in time to my own childhood. Although roughly twenty years later than the characters in the novel (1980’s) I still felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me, thanks to Davey’s storytelling abilities. It was such a basic, simpler childhood than my own children are experiencing today. I thank Lea Davey for reminding me of those fond times through her narrative. The relationship in the latter part of the book between Bobby and Ruby as they try to reconnect after years apart was a genuine one. The romance in this novel is subtle and I enjoyed the transition the main characters made from friends, to eventual partners in life. Aside from Bobby and Ruby’s relationship, there is the enduring relationship between Ruby and her father Francis, a real shining feature of the novel. Davey’s characters all seemed to make me either laugh, reach for the tissues or draw me deep into their lives.
As with Davey’s previous novel, The Shack by the Bay, I noted her ability to convey a strong sense of place. Silkworm Secrets is just as good in this area, if not a touch better. From the sunshine coast in Queensland, through to the country setting, the landscape is always a strong feature. Davey’s sense of imagery is refined, enabling the reader to be given an ideal picture of the area in which she covering. Even the treehouse featured in the earlier scenes of the novel came across beautifully on the page of this novel.
Silkworm Secrets is a tale that will continue to resonate long after you have said goodbye to this book. The combination of a compelling storyline, characters you grow to care for and the true Australian setting makes this an easy five star read.
February 23, 2017
Ruby Rose had a wonderful childhood – she loved her Mum and Dad dearly and they loved her. They were a poor but happy little family. Ruby’s best friend was Bobby who lived next door to her. They would spend their time up in the treehouse at the back of Ruby’s yard which was housed in a gigantic mulberry tree. The silkworms they raised were a source of pleasure and fascination every season. Ruby was nine; Bobby was twelve – she couldn’t imagine ever not being friends with Bobby.
It was fun to watch the yards of the houses around them from the treehouse – Bobby would often catch sight of what was happening in his yard and hurry home to care for his little sister Sally. He shared her care with his big sister Theresa. On those occasions Bobby would grow quiet and Ruby didn’t know why…
Gradually the torment that was Bobby’s life in the house next door came to light – only to Ruby though. Bobby swore her to secrecy; their little club had silkworm secrets which no one must know. The day that Ruby arrived home to discover Bobby had disappeared shattered her young life. She had no idea why he’d left; why he hadn’t even said goodbye.
Would Ruby Rose ever see Bobby again? She missed her best friend – but life moved forward as it invariably does – until the day Ruby was contacted about the long ago past…
Silkworm Secrets by Aussie author Lea Davey absolutely blew me away! It was beautifully written – filled with deep emotion and heartache, love and an abiding friendship, it also covered a range of sensitive topics, from child abuse, mental health and domestic violence. The author had me in tears on a number of occasions. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut, The Shack by the Bay and Silkworm Secrets definitely didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
It was fun to watch the yards of the houses around them from the treehouse – Bobby would often catch sight of what was happening in his yard and hurry home to care for his little sister Sally. He shared her care with his big sister Theresa. On those occasions Bobby would grow quiet and Ruby didn’t know why…
Gradually the torment that was Bobby’s life in the house next door came to light – only to Ruby though. Bobby swore her to secrecy; their little club had silkworm secrets which no one must know. The day that Ruby arrived home to discover Bobby had disappeared shattered her young life. She had no idea why he’d left; why he hadn’t even said goodbye.
Would Ruby Rose ever see Bobby again? She missed her best friend – but life moved forward as it invariably does – until the day Ruby was contacted about the long ago past…
Silkworm Secrets by Aussie author Lea Davey absolutely blew me away! It was beautifully written – filled with deep emotion and heartache, love and an abiding friendship, it also covered a range of sensitive topics, from child abuse, mental health and domestic violence. The author had me in tears on a number of occasions. I thoroughly enjoyed her debut, The Shack by the Bay and Silkworm Secrets definitely didn’t disappoint. Highly recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital copy to read and review.
September 28, 2017
Ruby Rose and Bobby lived next door to one another and were best friends. They spent their days in the Treehouse, which was in Ruby's backyard. They shared an interest in silkworms, together they would watch and document their life cycle. Of course Ruby took charge as she did with most things and made sure it was all done the right way. Bobby was happy enough to just go along and agree with whatever Ruby said that's simply how their friendship was.
Ruby came from a very loving and supportive family, but Bobby's family was very much the opposite. Ruby was unaware of how different Bobby's family life was to hers until he mentioned a few things. One day Bobby told Ruby something which worried her, but he made her promise not to tell a soul. Not long after this Ruby returned home one day to find Bobby had disappeared. Why would her childhood best friend just up and leave without saying goodbye?
As time passed Ruby Rose still missed her best friend Bobby and she often wondered where he was and if she would ever see him again.
I just absolutely LOVED this book! Aussie author Lea Davey has written a heartwarming story that touches on issues such as domestic violence, family and friendship. This would have to be one of my favorite books that I've read this year. A book that has you searching for the tissue box has got to be a fantastic book, so be warned and keep the tissues close by. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Ruby came from a very loving and supportive family, but Bobby's family was very much the opposite. Ruby was unaware of how different Bobby's family life was to hers until he mentioned a few things. One day Bobby told Ruby something which worried her, but he made her promise not to tell a soul. Not long after this Ruby returned home one day to find Bobby had disappeared. Why would her childhood best friend just up and leave without saying goodbye?
As time passed Ruby Rose still missed her best friend Bobby and she often wondered where he was and if she would ever see him again.
I just absolutely LOVED this book! Aussie author Lea Davey has written a heartwarming story that touches on issues such as domestic violence, family and friendship. This would have to be one of my favorite books that I've read this year. A book that has you searching for the tissue box has got to be a fantastic book, so be warned and keep the tissues close by. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
March 25, 2017
Absolutely loved this book and felt that it touched on so many current topics relating to domestic violence and family abuse. Beautifully written I loved the way that Lea Davey takes the reader through different eras in a variety of beautiful places, both in the outback and then coastal areas of Queensland.
Silkworm Secrets had both sad and tender moments, disturbing events and then funny and happy memories that made me think about events that have occurred to so many others I know. There are segments in ‘Silkworm Secrets’ that I can’t stop thinking about, I miss the characters and I especially loved the relationship between Ruby and her father.
Similar to Lea Davey’s first novel, this book tells a story of the connections between friends and loving family relationships and introduces genuine Australian characters. I would highly recommend this book for all ages of readers (not a bad one for Young Adult readers also) Thought provoking, truthful, realistic characters and events - Silkworm Secrets is a great read and an amazing Australian story .
Silkworm Secrets had both sad and tender moments, disturbing events and then funny and happy memories that made me think about events that have occurred to so many others I know. There are segments in ‘Silkworm Secrets’ that I can’t stop thinking about, I miss the characters and I especially loved the relationship between Ruby and her father.
Similar to Lea Davey’s first novel, this book tells a story of the connections between friends and loving family relationships and introduces genuine Australian characters. I would highly recommend this book for all ages of readers (not a bad one for Young Adult readers also) Thought provoking, truthful, realistic characters and events - Silkworm Secrets is a great read and an amazing Australian story .
April 14, 2018
*i was sent this book to review*
I absolutely loved this book it was so thoroughly enjoyable and heart warming, a beautiful story of friendship and hardship
When this book begins we are following two children, Ruby Rose and Bobby our main charecters from Australia. It was really nice reading about their pure and innocent friendship and seeing what adventures they got up too in their tree house and daily lives, it reminded me of 'to kill a mockingbird' and 'Anne of green gables'. However as you progress through the book you uncover the horrors of Bobbys home life and realise what he and his sisters have to endure, it is absolutely heart breaking but the subject is written very thoughtfully by the author lea davey. I also found that the contrast between Ruby Rose and Bobbys home environment really helped emphasise how important a kind and loving home can be.
One day when Bobby comes home and discovers a horrible event that has happened he finally has enough, he cannot take anymore and he decides to leave. The story then picks up 20 years later, ruby and Bobby have not seen each other since bobby left but that is about to change because ruby has to track him down and bring him home. I really enjoyed the transition from childhood to adulthood with a lot of books a 20 year gap can leave so many questions and a feeling of sadness and longing for the years we have missed but the years that passed in the silkworm secrets seemed to fade into the past and you just want to see where the story goes.
I absolutely adored the charecters in this book as children ruby was so innocent and caring and Bobby was a brave and loving boy. When we meet the charects again years later they are different but still have parts of themselves that have not changed. I could not help but feel for Bobby with everything he had been through as a child and discovering that it still haunted him as a man was so upsetting. However i really enjoyed watching Ruby and Bobby regrow the friendship they had lost and watching them fight against the things that were holding them back.
I loved how this book was written too, it was so descriptive and emotional you could really feel what the charecters were going through. I found the story to be really entertaining the different sub plots throughout the novel and the challenges they faced always kept be reading 'just one more page'. It was a really heart warming, enjoyable story I became really attached and invested in the charecters and just wanted what was best for them and really enjoyed reading theit story.
Overall I loved this book it was beautifully written and really touching, I cannot recommend it enough, I would recommend it to anybody (but would like to give a trigger warning for abuse). I really enjoyed this book and am so glad I read it.
I absolutely loved this book it was so thoroughly enjoyable and heart warming, a beautiful story of friendship and hardship
When this book begins we are following two children, Ruby Rose and Bobby our main charecters from Australia. It was really nice reading about their pure and innocent friendship and seeing what adventures they got up too in their tree house and daily lives, it reminded me of 'to kill a mockingbird' and 'Anne of green gables'. However as you progress through the book you uncover the horrors of Bobbys home life and realise what he and his sisters have to endure, it is absolutely heart breaking but the subject is written very thoughtfully by the author lea davey. I also found that the contrast between Ruby Rose and Bobbys home environment really helped emphasise how important a kind and loving home can be.
One day when Bobby comes home and discovers a horrible event that has happened he finally has enough, he cannot take anymore and he decides to leave. The story then picks up 20 years later, ruby and Bobby have not seen each other since bobby left but that is about to change because ruby has to track him down and bring him home. I really enjoyed the transition from childhood to adulthood with a lot of books a 20 year gap can leave so many questions and a feeling of sadness and longing for the years we have missed but the years that passed in the silkworm secrets seemed to fade into the past and you just want to see where the story goes.
I absolutely adored the charecters in this book as children ruby was so innocent and caring and Bobby was a brave and loving boy. When we meet the charects again years later they are different but still have parts of themselves that have not changed. I could not help but feel for Bobby with everything he had been through as a child and discovering that it still haunted him as a man was so upsetting. However i really enjoyed watching Ruby and Bobby regrow the friendship they had lost and watching them fight against the things that were holding them back.
I loved how this book was written too, it was so descriptive and emotional you could really feel what the charecters were going through. I found the story to be really entertaining the different sub plots throughout the novel and the challenges they faced always kept be reading 'just one more page'. It was a really heart warming, enjoyable story I became really attached and invested in the charecters and just wanted what was best for them and really enjoyed reading theit story.
Overall I loved this book it was beautifully written and really touching, I cannot recommend it enough, I would recommend it to anybody (but would like to give a trigger warning for abuse). I really enjoyed this book and am so glad I read it.
February 23, 2017
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book for an honest review. I did not find this an easy read. It is often painful. This is because 8-year-old Ruby hasn’t yet realised that her 11-year old neighbour and friend Bobby does not have the happy supportive family life that she enjoys. The reader is able to see, between the lines, what Ruby doesn’t yet understand, as they spend time in her treehouse raising silkworms.
Bobby’s family life is abusive. Bobby’s older sister can’t wait to leave home, while he spends his time there looking after his mentally handicapped younger sister, Susie, who is Ruby’s age. Their mother isn’t coping and the housekeeping falls to the older girl. But as well as their ‘respected’ butcher father, there is also his brother who comes to stay for weeks at a time. The brothers are made from the same mold. Bobby doesn’t invite Ruby to his home, but she visits unexpectedly one day. Bobby explains to her some of the realities of his life. Then Susie disappears.
The culmination of these events doesn’t come for many years, when some form of justice prevails, and Ruby and Bobby reconnect.
The story and the characters are well depicted. It has a 1960s feel, a time I knew well as a teenager. It was a time when people minded their own business and child abuse, and many other subjects, were never discussed. You trusted those upstanding fathers, those pillars of the community you saw every day. What went on in the home, stayed there. There was shame in speaking out. One would like to think those days are past, but even though signs of abuse are reported now, the silence and the shame remain.
Bobby’s family life is abusive. Bobby’s older sister can’t wait to leave home, while he spends his time there looking after his mentally handicapped younger sister, Susie, who is Ruby’s age. Their mother isn’t coping and the housekeeping falls to the older girl. But as well as their ‘respected’ butcher father, there is also his brother who comes to stay for weeks at a time. The brothers are made from the same mold. Bobby doesn’t invite Ruby to his home, but she visits unexpectedly one day. Bobby explains to her some of the realities of his life. Then Susie disappears.
The culmination of these events doesn’t come for many years, when some form of justice prevails, and Ruby and Bobby reconnect.
The story and the characters are well depicted. It has a 1960s feel, a time I knew well as a teenager. It was a time when people minded their own business and child abuse, and many other subjects, were never discussed. You trusted those upstanding fathers, those pillars of the community you saw every day. What went on in the home, stayed there. There was shame in speaking out. One would like to think those days are past, but even though signs of abuse are reported now, the silence and the shame remain.
December 24, 2021
First Read: 4 April 2017
Second Read: 24 December 2021: Loved it just as much the second time around.
Original Review
Disclaimer: Slight spoilers re: characters and ending.
I need to start out with a confession. I don't really like contemporary genre novels and I really don't like Australiana novels. In fact, I feel quite ashamed at the extent I go to avoid Australiana-esque novels and my total neglect of reading well-known Australian authors/classics.
So....why 5 stars? Because I loved this novel.
I loved the setting (Sunshine Coast predominantly, but a bit of rural Queensland). I loved the constant (almost overwhelming) sense of nostalgia (being a similar age to Ruby-Rose). I loved the characters, especially Francis (Ruby's Father) and I really, really loved and connected with Bobby.
When I read Lea's work, I think "authentic". There is no pretense. No fakeness. Just raw, honest and beautifully crafted characters and dialogue. I would really love to see Lea turn her hand to a full-on murder mystery as she does pacing and suspense so beautifully (and so clever in how understated it is...wow).
Being an emotional reader, I cried quite a bit during this book because I was so engaged. I cried when Bobby left behind Sally's clip because I knew what it meant. I cried when I became overwhelmed with Ruby's grief and loneliness and because I loved Francis too. However, this book is not depressing or overly sad. It just captures life journey with its ups and downs.
Being a reading know-it-all, I thought I knew the ending. There was only one which would work with who Bobby was and anything else would just be a Hallmark sell-out....right? Well the ending took me by surprise. And let me tell you - I never felt so glad for it. I even hugged the book to my chest when it was all over.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 Read Around Australia Challenge: Read a book set in Qld.
Aussie Readers 2021 December Challenge: Read a book with an artistic cover (your definition)
Aussie Readers 2021 Summer Challenge: Read books that have first words of titles that spell out the word Towels (S = Silkworm)
Second Read: 24 December 2021: Loved it just as much the second time around.
Original Review
Disclaimer: Slight spoilers re: characters and ending.
I need to start out with a confession. I don't really like contemporary genre novels and I really don't like Australiana novels. In fact, I feel quite ashamed at the extent I go to avoid Australiana-esque novels and my total neglect of reading well-known Australian authors/classics.
So....why 5 stars? Because I loved this novel.
I loved the setting (Sunshine Coast predominantly, but a bit of rural Queensland). I loved the constant (almost overwhelming) sense of nostalgia (being a similar age to Ruby-Rose). I loved the characters, especially Francis (Ruby's Father) and I really, really loved and connected with Bobby.
When I read Lea's work, I think "authentic". There is no pretense. No fakeness. Just raw, honest and beautifully crafted characters and dialogue. I would really love to see Lea turn her hand to a full-on murder mystery as she does pacing and suspense so beautifully (and so clever in how understated it is...wow).
Being an emotional reader, I cried quite a bit during this book because I was so engaged. I cried when Bobby left behind Sally's clip because I knew what it meant. I cried when I became overwhelmed with Ruby's grief and loneliness and because I loved Francis too. However, this book is not depressing or overly sad. It just captures life journey with its ups and downs.
Being a reading know-it-all, I thought I knew the ending. There was only one which would work with who Bobby was and anything else would just be a Hallmark sell-out....right? Well the ending took me by surprise. And let me tell you - I never felt so glad for it. I even hugged the book to my chest when it was all over.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2021 Read Around Australia Challenge: Read a book set in Qld.
Aussie Readers 2021 December Challenge: Read a book with an artistic cover (your definition)
Aussie Readers 2021 Summer Challenge: Read books that have first words of titles that spell out the word Towels (S = Silkworm)
June 15, 2024
Setting: Queensland, Australia; 1960's & 1990's.
In 1960's Brisbane, Ruby and Bobby are childhood friends and near neighbours, spending much of their time in a tree house in the garden of Ruby's house. Here, the pair breed silkworms using the leaves from the surrounding mulberry trees - and also keep a log of all the things they observe going on in the neighbourhood. Whilst Ruby's home life is idyllic, Bobby's is far from that - his mother is barely 'present', his father is abusive and his younger sister has learning difficulties. As a child, Ruby is quite naive and four years younger than Bobby, so finds it difficult to interpret events surrounding Bobby's family, including matters involving Bobby's politician uncle. Then, at sixteen, Bobby just leaves home and Ruby is distraught that her best friend never even said goodbye....
Nearly three decades later, Ruby's life has changed significantly. Her big regret is that she has had no contact with Bobby since he left. But now Ruby is approached by solicitors working on an abuse case brought by Bobby's older sister, Theresa, against their uncle - and Ruby is asked to track down her childhood friend Bobby, whose evidence could be crucial.....
This was quite an enjoyable read for me - great characters and marvellous settings, both in Brisbane and in the outback where Ruby goes in search of Bobby, which was very atmospheric. Good outcome and I am keen on reading the next book in the series - 8/10.
In 1960's Brisbane, Ruby and Bobby are childhood friends and near neighbours, spending much of their time in a tree house in the garden of Ruby's house. Here, the pair breed silkworms using the leaves from the surrounding mulberry trees - and also keep a log of all the things they observe going on in the neighbourhood. Whilst Ruby's home life is idyllic, Bobby's is far from that - his mother is barely 'present', his father is abusive and his younger sister has learning difficulties. As a child, Ruby is quite naive and four years younger than Bobby, so finds it difficult to interpret events surrounding Bobby's family, including matters involving Bobby's politician uncle. Then, at sixteen, Bobby just leaves home and Ruby is distraught that her best friend never even said goodbye....
Nearly three decades later, Ruby's life has changed significantly. Her big regret is that she has had no contact with Bobby since he left. But now Ruby is approached by solicitors working on an abuse case brought by Bobby's older sister, Theresa, against their uncle - and Ruby is asked to track down her childhood friend Bobby, whose evidence could be crucial.....
This was quite an enjoyable read for me - great characters and marvellous settings, both in Brisbane and in the outback where Ruby goes in search of Bobby, which was very atmospheric. Good outcome and I am keen on reading the next book in the series - 8/10.
April 17, 2019
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Silkworm Secrets by Lea Davey is unlike any novel I have ever read. The novel is emotionally charged, deeply thoughtful and eloquently written. Silkworm Secrets explores and discovers the true meaning of friendship, love and life itself.
The novel follows the lives of best friends, Ruby and Bobby. They are young children growing up in the 70s in Australia, enjoying time in a tree house amongst the mulberry bushes, spending time with Ruby's family and raising silkworms.
The innocence of childhood is, however, disrupted entirely by the horrors of disturbing adult behaviour. Bobby longs for the family life that Ruby has. Lea Davey portrays the true love that should exist between parent and child via the relationship between Ruby and her parents.
As Bobby and Ruby grow up they lead different lives and have no contact... until the secrets that they kept as children are brought to the surface and those in question must be made accountable for their actions. The storyline is intriguing and this is the first time that I have read a book with real, yet heartbreaking issues children often face in the home. Silkworm Secrets brought me to tears, as I considered the fact that we often don't see what is going on behind closed doors, rather the facade of a family. As a teacher, I considered that some of my students may also be terrified in their own home. As a mother, I was also inspired by Ruby's family. This novel was thought-provoking to say the least.
After having read The Shack by the Bay and now Silkworm Secrets, I am excited to read Two Heartbeats, by the same author. There is a focus in her novels of the appreciation of the simple things in life, which resonates with me. I love that the ideal family in this novel lives in a small home and their happiness comes from the love they have for oneanother.
I was drawn to the cover immediately. It is absolutely beautiful, reflecting the essence of the book in its appreciation of nature. The story starts in amongst the mulberry trees. I do feel that the blurb could paint the picture further to entice the reader. From the blurb, I had no idea that I would be reading such an amazing novel.
I love Lea Davey's delightful descriptions of the Australian landscape and the significance of the silkworms. Silkworm Secrets takes the reader from the coast to the outback, I felt like I was there.
The novel has content that may be sensitive to some readers, so this should be considered prior to reading. I loved this novel and would highly recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Silkworm Secrets by Lea Davey is unlike any novel I have ever read. The novel is emotionally charged, deeply thoughtful and eloquently written. Silkworm Secrets explores and discovers the true meaning of friendship, love and life itself.
The novel follows the lives of best friends, Ruby and Bobby. They are young children growing up in the 70s in Australia, enjoying time in a tree house amongst the mulberry bushes, spending time with Ruby's family and raising silkworms.
The innocence of childhood is, however, disrupted entirely by the horrors of disturbing adult behaviour. Bobby longs for the family life that Ruby has. Lea Davey portrays the true love that should exist between parent and child via the relationship between Ruby and her parents.
As Bobby and Ruby grow up they lead different lives and have no contact... until the secrets that they kept as children are brought to the surface and those in question must be made accountable for their actions. The storyline is intriguing and this is the first time that I have read a book with real, yet heartbreaking issues children often face in the home. Silkworm Secrets brought me to tears, as I considered the fact that we often don't see what is going on behind closed doors, rather the facade of a family. As a teacher, I considered that some of my students may also be terrified in their own home. As a mother, I was also inspired by Ruby's family. This novel was thought-provoking to say the least.
After having read The Shack by the Bay and now Silkworm Secrets, I am excited to read Two Heartbeats, by the same author. There is a focus in her novels of the appreciation of the simple things in life, which resonates with me. I love that the ideal family in this novel lives in a small home and their happiness comes from the love they have for oneanother.
I was drawn to the cover immediately. It is absolutely beautiful, reflecting the essence of the book in its appreciation of nature. The story starts in amongst the mulberry trees. I do feel that the blurb could paint the picture further to entice the reader. From the blurb, I had no idea that I would be reading such an amazing novel.
I love Lea Davey's delightful descriptions of the Australian landscape and the significance of the silkworms. Silkworm Secrets takes the reader from the coast to the outback, I felt like I was there.
The novel has content that may be sensitive to some readers, so this should be considered prior to reading. I loved this novel and would highly recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
September 14, 2018
Thank-you Lea for taking me back to my childhood in the 70s, a time when life seemed much simpler and more innocent. I feel I was right there in that treehouse sorting the silkworms in their boxes and could feel the mulberries squishing under my feet as I gorged myself on purple juicy fruit. You have so beautifully described life through the eyes of two children as they grow older, as their friendship is tested and as reality creeps in. Yes its true this novel explores deeper and darker issues, - but life can be like that, complex, difficult, unfair. A rollercoaster ride of emotion but well worth it. This quintessential Australian novel is a must read.
July 1, 2017
This is the second book of this author I have read and I think it's better than the first. It has a different storyline to the first which is refreshing as it shows the diversity of the authors ability. I enjoyed the way she has the characters dealing with their own dilemas but still creating a tangled web through which all come together. I could relate to some of the locations visited throughout outback Australia and found how she mixed friendships and romance quite different. I recommend this to anyone not just the avid romance reader. I look forward to anymore she writes and hope that there is a continued surprise of direction in her stories.
November 23, 2018
What can I say? Very emotional, heart-wrenching but beautiful story of Ruby and Bobby. I couldn't stop crying. I won't spoil it for anyone but it is a MUST READ!!!
November 19, 2021
It was so well written that I felt the characters feelings. My heart felt so heavy and I cried several times. Had to put the book don't because some scenes were just too much for me to handle.
It goes back and forth between POV of Ruby and Bobby but more of Ruby. They had this amazing friendship as children and they would watch from the tree house and document their life cycle.
I will write down a passage from the book and I hope it will encourage you to pick up this book and give it a try.
"All three of them had felt the same: all that mattered was that the real story had been revealed and justice would be done. There would be no more silkworm secrets".
It goes back and forth between POV of Ruby and Bobby but more of Ruby. They had this amazing friendship as children and they would watch from the tree house and document their life cycle.
I will write down a passage from the book and I hope it will encourage you to pick up this book and give it a try.
"All three of them had felt the same: all that mattered was that the real story had been revealed and justice would be done. There would be no more silkworm secrets".
April 10, 2021
Although I read the first edition of this book I just had to read it again so bought it with the new cover. I loved it more the second time and I cried even more. Keep the tissues handy, this book has everything - love, friendship, families and a variety of themes that reveal the true facts of life for many. I can't wait to read more from this author.
May 31, 2017
A very warming story that shows real life in a very nice way
August 9, 2018
What an amazing book!
April 8, 2017
Impressive range of issues covered in s story that I didn't want to end. Wonderful Australian setting and characters created by an author whose writing flows and is genuine and realistic. Only negative would be that book could have been made into two seperate novels. Lea Davey has definitely made her mark with this book on the Australian writing scene. Highly recommend Silkworm Secrets to all fiction readers.
October 11, 2020
Aiii, gente!!! Amei muito fazer a leitura de "O segredo do bicho da seda". Temas super importantes são tratados no livro. Engana-se quem pensa que o livro é bobinho... Só pelo título.
Bobby e Ruby, duas crianças com famílias tão distintas .
Ruby teve uma educação maravilhosa, um pai que a incentivou a ser o que quisesse.
Bobby, infelizmente, foi ao contrário.
Os dois guardam segredos terríveis. Coisas que Bobby vivenciou. Chega dói no peito só de lembrar.
A sua única felicidade era quando estava cm Ruby, na casa da árvore, cuidado dos bichos da seda.
Na segunda parte do livro, os dois personagens estão adultos, mas, quando ainda ainda criança, Bobby precisou fugir. E agora? Onde ele está? O que aconteceu para ele ter se tornado uma pessoa tão fechada? Tudo começa a vir a tona quando um processo jurídico precisa ser resolvido. O tio de Bobby fez coisas terríveis e precisa pagar pelo que fez.
Mas... Bobby queria reviver o passado? Ele estaria preparado para isso?
Tô chocada com a forma que a autora finaliza a história. Um misto de emoções surgiu dentro de mim.
Leiam "O segredo do bicho da seda"
Bobby e Ruby, duas crianças com famílias tão distintas .
Ruby teve uma educação maravilhosa, um pai que a incentivou a ser o que quisesse.
Bobby, infelizmente, foi ao contrário.
Os dois guardam segredos terríveis. Coisas que Bobby vivenciou. Chega dói no peito só de lembrar.
A sua única felicidade era quando estava cm Ruby, na casa da árvore, cuidado dos bichos da seda.
Na segunda parte do livro, os dois personagens estão adultos, mas, quando ainda ainda criança, Bobby precisou fugir. E agora? Onde ele está? O que aconteceu para ele ter se tornado uma pessoa tão fechada? Tudo começa a vir a tona quando um processo jurídico precisa ser resolvido. O tio de Bobby fez coisas terríveis e precisa pagar pelo que fez.
Mas... Bobby queria reviver o passado? Ele estaria preparado para isso?
Tô chocada com a forma que a autora finaliza a história. Um misto de emoções surgiu dentro de mim.
Leiam "O segredo do bicho da seda"
February 5, 2021
Second edition of this book with a new cover so I just had to read it again. I think I loved it even more the second time around. Beautiful descriptions, realistic settings and situations and a range of themes presented in a subtle but truthful way. Haunting and emotional - this is my favourite of Rhonda Forrest's books. Make sure to read this classic Australian novel and have the tissues handy.
November 2, 2018
Ruby Rose and Bobby share a special bond that includes, a tree-house, close friendship, and secrets so deep they call 'Silkworm Secrets'
Their tree-house is situation up high affording them views they do not wish to have, and into yards of unpredictable people. The two close friends are separated during their teenage years due to circumstance, but twenty-five years later, Ruby Rose and Bobby are reunited once again by the same circumstances that tore them apart all those years ago.
Is the friendship they shared decades ago strong enough to survive years apart from one another?
This is the type of book that leaves you wanting more, the type of book that deserves more hype. I can guarantee you that that when you finish this, you will want more of the setting, more of the writing, more of the characters, and more of the story itself. I loved this book tremendously, from page one, until the last word. I could not get enough, and I stayed up way too late to try to finish it, and I love my sleep and do not sacrifice that for many things. So this alone tells you something.
The author nailed the pacing smoothly. The story begins in the early 1970's, and then fast forwards twenty-five years, and the transition in time was seamless, and I found myself instantly growing along side Ruby as she suddenly matured from a young naive girl, into a women.
This book does deal with heavy themes of child abuse, but it also portrays so beautifully the relationship between a daughter and a father. The bond that Ruby Rose and her father share is one so special that my heart melted several times over.
I loved all of the characters, they are characters that I can relate to well. I loved the Australian setting and all the wonderful and vivid descriptions of the Australian outback and ocean. The writing is so eloquent, the words flowed off the page.
This was my first book by this author, but it will most definitely not be my last. The next book I purchase will certainly be another one by this author.
If you are looking for a heart wrenching, fulfilling family filled drama, this is the next book for you! This is on my top list of favorite books read so far this year, and I have read a lot of books!
Do your self a favor and buy this book today!
Their tree-house is situation up high affording them views they do not wish to have, and into yards of unpredictable people. The two close friends are separated during their teenage years due to circumstance, but twenty-five years later, Ruby Rose and Bobby are reunited once again by the same circumstances that tore them apart all those years ago.
Is the friendship they shared decades ago strong enough to survive years apart from one another?
This is the type of book that leaves you wanting more, the type of book that deserves more hype. I can guarantee you that that when you finish this, you will want more of the setting, more of the writing, more of the characters, and more of the story itself. I loved this book tremendously, from page one, until the last word. I could not get enough, and I stayed up way too late to try to finish it, and I love my sleep and do not sacrifice that for many things. So this alone tells you something.
The author nailed the pacing smoothly. The story begins in the early 1970's, and then fast forwards twenty-five years, and the transition in time was seamless, and I found myself instantly growing along side Ruby as she suddenly matured from a young naive girl, into a women.
This book does deal with heavy themes of child abuse, but it also portrays so beautifully the relationship between a daughter and a father. The bond that Ruby Rose and her father share is one so special that my heart melted several times over.
I loved all of the characters, they are characters that I can relate to well. I loved the Australian setting and all the wonderful and vivid descriptions of the Australian outback and ocean. The writing is so eloquent, the words flowed off the page.
This was my first book by this author, but it will most definitely not be my last. The next book I purchase will certainly be another one by this author.
If you are looking for a heart wrenching, fulfilling family filled drama, this is the next book for you! This is on my top list of favorite books read so far this year, and I have read a lot of books!
Do your self a favor and buy this book today!
October 20, 2020
“Quando estou aqui em cima, parece que flutuo... O mundo embaixo deixa de existir… sinto-me calmo.”
"Bem, você sabe o que dizem, Bobby… o amor faz o mundo andar."
Começo dizendo que esse livro foi um dos mais lindos que já li e por isso se tornou um dos favoritos de toda uma vida literária. Mesmo com uma trama um pouco mais pesada, ele não deixa de ser lindo, trágico e fofo !!
"...faria o que fosse preciso para satisfazer Ruby. Porque, afinal de contas, ela era a sua melhor amiga."
Narrado em terceira pessoa, o livro nos apresenta a linda amizade entre Ruby Rose e Bobby. Uma amizade que perdura além de uma simples casinha da árvore, mas que carrega segredos mais intrigantes e misteriosos do que a criação e sobrevivência de um bicho da seda!
"...com a mão no peito , juro por tudo o que é mais sagrado, pelo túmulo da minha avó...Até eu morrer. Amém. Irmão de sangue, irmã de cuspe, que dividem o mesmo chiclete e juram por tudo o que é mais sagrado de novo."
Uma promessa que não pode ser quebrada, mas que leva a Ruby Rose a ter dúvidas se deveria ou não quebrar o juramento que uma vez foi feito. A vida de seu melhor amigo e da família deste estava em risco, qual seria a melhor decisão a se tomar?
O que ela, apenas uma criança, poderia fazer quando muitos adultos não deram ouvidos e os que deram não tiveram sucesso?
Na verdade, por que o padre não acreditou em Teresa? Por porque a própria mãe de Lynete não deu ouvidos a própria filha?
"Nunca desista. Se quiser muito alguma coisa, pode conquistar o que quiser."
A primeira parte do livro descreve o dia a dia desses dois jovens, e conforme os fatos acontecem é praticamente impossível acreditar no que a nossa mente está entendendo de toda aquelas situações. Quando os fatos são confirmados, a sensação de raiva e frustração alcança o leitor.
E são esses fatos que faz com que Bobby fuja para bem longe de toda a civilização e Ruby, com raiva de seu amigo por tê-la abandonado, testemunha uma conversa que pode ser a chave para a condenação de um homem inescrupuloso alguns anos mais tarde.
"Ela sabia que o perdoaria; afinal de contas, era o seu melhor amigo."
Além do testemunho de Ruby Rose, é necessário a presença de Bobby no julgamento, e somente ela com sua persistência e organização poderá encontrar seu amigo de infância e o convencer a voltar para a cidade.
Durante o processo de julgamento Ruby tenta reconquistar a amizade com Bobby, mas ele já não é o mesmo. Um passado sofrido e um presente difícil de lidar faz com que Bobby tenha dificuldades em se comunicar, por isso o pai de Ruby a quem Bobby tinha grande consideração é o único que faz com que esse homem do deserto consiga se abrir.
E mais uma vez o destino faz com que esses dois amigos se separem, porém agora por um curto período.
"Não penso em muitas outras coisas. Quero apenas tentar viver cada dia sem receber uma surra ou ser mandando para longe"
Ruby Rose sempre foi muito apegada a seu pai. É nele em quem ela encontra a motivação para viver de uma maneira feliz e positiva, até que a morte o leva para longe, para um lugar inalcançável.
É nesse momento que Ruby se perde, sua organização, sua vontade de ajudar a todos e consertar tudo, desaparecem assim como seu pai.
Ruby só não se entrega totalmente a escuridão porque Bobby retorna para resgata-la assim com ela o resgatou.
"Fique feliz com as coisas simples da vida e não vai precisar de muito."
Se eu adorei esse livro? Com certeza sim! Mesmo ele trazendo temas difíceis de lidar, como pedofilia, violência doméstica, preconceitos, depressão entre outros. A autora consegue compensar todo esse sofrimento com uma linda amizade que sobrevive décadas, além do significado de uma verdadeira família!
"Não sou o único, Ruby Rose. Um dia, vai crescer e enxergar a realidade. Eu não dou a mínima para mais nada."
Não sei dizer o que é mais chocante nesse livro, a crueldade e perversidade dos "adultos maus", ou a irresponsabilidade e falta de senso das pessoas que acreditam nesses adultos somente por ocuparem uma posição de honra na sociedade.
"Temos muitos segredos agora, que nunca devem ser contados a ninguém. Não que isso importe, porque ninguém liga mesmo."
A primeira parte do livro acontece em meados dos anos 60 e 70, onde o conhecimento e acesso a informação eram precários. Mas analisando nos dias atuais, a humanidade não evoluiu tanto quanto deveria comparado aos anos que já se passaram.
No fim, a sociedade evoluiu em tecnologias e conhecimentos, mas estagnou-se quanto a evolução ética e relacionamento familiar e social!
"Palavras não eram necessárias, pois cada um sabia o que o outro estava pensando. Não havia mais nada a dizer."
"Bem, você sabe o que dizem, Bobby… o amor faz o mundo andar."
Começo dizendo que esse livro foi um dos mais lindos que já li e por isso se tornou um dos favoritos de toda uma vida literária. Mesmo com uma trama um pouco mais pesada, ele não deixa de ser lindo, trágico e fofo !!
"...faria o que fosse preciso para satisfazer Ruby. Porque, afinal de contas, ela era a sua melhor amiga."
Narrado em terceira pessoa, o livro nos apresenta a linda amizade entre Ruby Rose e Bobby. Uma amizade que perdura além de uma simples casinha da árvore, mas que carrega segredos mais intrigantes e misteriosos do que a criação e sobrevivência de um bicho da seda!
"...com a mão no peito , juro por tudo o que é mais sagrado, pelo túmulo da minha avó...Até eu morrer. Amém. Irmão de sangue, irmã de cuspe, que dividem o mesmo chiclete e juram por tudo o que é mais sagrado de novo."
Uma promessa que não pode ser quebrada, mas que leva a Ruby Rose a ter dúvidas se deveria ou não quebrar o juramento que uma vez foi feito. A vida de seu melhor amigo e da família deste estava em risco, qual seria a melhor decisão a se tomar?
O que ela, apenas uma criança, poderia fazer quando muitos adultos não deram ouvidos e os que deram não tiveram sucesso?
Na verdade, por que o padre não acreditou em Teresa? Por porque a própria mãe de Lynete não deu ouvidos a própria filha?
"Nunca desista. Se quiser muito alguma coisa, pode conquistar o que quiser."
A primeira parte do livro descreve o dia a dia desses dois jovens, e conforme os fatos acontecem é praticamente impossível acreditar no que a nossa mente está entendendo de toda aquelas situações. Quando os fatos são confirmados, a sensação de raiva e frustração alcança o leitor.
E são esses fatos que faz com que Bobby fuja para bem longe de toda a civilização e Ruby, com raiva de seu amigo por tê-la abandonado, testemunha uma conversa que pode ser a chave para a condenação de um homem inescrupuloso alguns anos mais tarde.
"Ela sabia que o perdoaria; afinal de contas, era o seu melhor amigo."
Além do testemunho de Ruby Rose, é necessário a presença de Bobby no julgamento, e somente ela com sua persistência e organização poderá encontrar seu amigo de infância e o convencer a voltar para a cidade.
Durante o processo de julgamento Ruby tenta reconquistar a amizade com Bobby, mas ele já não é o mesmo. Um passado sofrido e um presente difícil de lidar faz com que Bobby tenha dificuldades em se comunicar, por isso o pai de Ruby a quem Bobby tinha grande consideração é o único que faz com que esse homem do deserto consiga se abrir.
E mais uma vez o destino faz com que esses dois amigos se separem, porém agora por um curto período.
"Não penso em muitas outras coisas. Quero apenas tentar viver cada dia sem receber uma surra ou ser mandando para longe"
Ruby Rose sempre foi muito apegada a seu pai. É nele em quem ela encontra a motivação para viver de uma maneira feliz e positiva, até que a morte o leva para longe, para um lugar inalcançável.
É nesse momento que Ruby se perde, sua organização, sua vontade de ajudar a todos e consertar tudo, desaparecem assim como seu pai.
Ruby só não se entrega totalmente a escuridão porque Bobby retorna para resgata-la assim com ela o resgatou.
"Fique feliz com as coisas simples da vida e não vai precisar de muito."
Se eu adorei esse livro? Com certeza sim! Mesmo ele trazendo temas difíceis de lidar, como pedofilia, violência doméstica, preconceitos, depressão entre outros. A autora consegue compensar todo esse sofrimento com uma linda amizade que sobrevive décadas, além do significado de uma verdadeira família!
"Não sou o único, Ruby Rose. Um dia, vai crescer e enxergar a realidade. Eu não dou a mínima para mais nada."
Não sei dizer o que é mais chocante nesse livro, a crueldade e perversidade dos "adultos maus", ou a irresponsabilidade e falta de senso das pessoas que acreditam nesses adultos somente por ocuparem uma posição de honra na sociedade.
"Temos muitos segredos agora, que nunca devem ser contados a ninguém. Não que isso importe, porque ninguém liga mesmo."
A primeira parte do livro acontece em meados dos anos 60 e 70, onde o conhecimento e acesso a informação eram precários. Mas analisando nos dias atuais, a humanidade não evoluiu tanto quanto deveria comparado aos anos que já se passaram.
No fim, a sociedade evoluiu em tecnologias e conhecimentos, mas estagnou-se quanto a evolução ética e relacionamento familiar e social!
"Palavras não eram necessárias, pois cada um sabia o que o outro estava pensando. Não havia mais nada a dizer."
March 5, 2017
I found myself drawn into the childhood lives of Bobby and Ruby and then travelled with them into adulthood as the story weaved its way through themes of domestic violence, child abuse and mental health issues. I felt like I was with them in their secret hideout and loved the childhood memories of a simpler life, however found myself saddened by the truth of what so many kids endure both in the years when the book was set as it is today. Overriding the story of shattered lives however, was the strong thread of family love and the beautiful relationship between Ruby and her parents. This book is beautifully written, and in some places I felt like I could smell the fresh air and feel the cool of the hillside areas that Lea Davey describes so beautifully. A brilliant book that would appeal to all ages and tastes. An Australian story of secrets. real life, wonderful families and the enduring friendship and love that binds us together.
July 2, 2021
I love a book that keeps me thinking about it long after I reach The End. What an astonishing story, told beautifully and sensitively, with layers and depth that really moved me. I cried a little, laughed out loud in places and re-read several paragraphs of beautiful prose describing the dusty plains of western Queensland, the lush Sunshine Coast Hinterland and our pristine coast and beaches. Rhonda Forrest knows her craft, bravely unravelling a story of family dynamics - the good and the very difficult. Told in two parts; the first by the main characters as children; the second twenty five years later - where their individual childhoods have defined their choices in adulthood. My only regret is that I did not read this sooner. Five stars - a remarkable book by a gifted storyteller.
March 31, 2018
Really enjoyed this book. I couldn't put it down. loved the relationship of Bobby and Ruby Rose as children. One child has an innocent upbringing and the other one with a troubled home life.
October 14, 2020
Vamos de #Resenhadaloba🐺 ⠀
Livro - O Segredo do Bicho da Seda
Autora- Rhonda Forrest
5/ 5 - ⭐️ .
.
📚.
.
Essa é uma história de segredos e superação.
Em uma descrição perfeita de cenários incríveis que você se pega imaginado cada detalhe.
Ruby e Bobby tem uma amizade incrível, ainda são pequenos quando essa amizade surge, é uma cumplicidade que vem crescendo com um tempo e que Ruby consegue aos poucos descobrir sobre a vida um tanto obscura de Bobby.
O menino sofria muito em sua casa com os acontecimentos ali existentes e se apegava a amizade de Ruby e dos amorosos pais dela para se refugiar.
Bobby tinha duas irmãs que também sofriam como ele.
O refúgio deles, na casa da árvore era o santuário para conversas e segredos.
Uma parte que me fez sorrir foi a da vaca com Ruby, elas brigavam como se fossem iguais e isso me divertiu.
A história também me emocionou, quando adolescentes as coisas começaram a desencaminhar e os segredos fizeram com que Bobby fosse embora deixando apenas um embrulho com uma carta pra Ruby.
Eu fiquei tão triste assim como ela, mais entendi o Bobby naquele momento ele não poderia fazer nada a não ser seguir em frente.
20 anos depois Ruby precisou procurar por Bobby, pois a irmã dele necessitava da sua ajuda.
Precisava do testemunho dele em juízo.
E Ruby procurou por ele, seguiu pistas e foi muito admirável o desempenho dela.
O encontro foi surpreendente Bobby mudara radicalmente, não vivia em um só lugar, se tornou bronco só gostava da terra e dos animais.
Foi difícil convencê-lo a voltar e ajudar a irmã, mais algo que Ruby lhe contou fez Bobby recuar e voltar com ela.
A relação dos dois foi tão diferente, e eles lutaram muito pra recuperar um pouco do que tinham.
O enredo é incrível, cheio de mistério vale a pena conhecer esse lindo romance.
.
#Leabharbooksbr
#Leabhar
#osegredodobichodaseda
#rhondaforrest
#pensamentosepoesiadaloba
#rcloba #rutecoutoloba
# #Amazon
Livro - O Segredo do Bicho da Seda
Autora- Rhonda Forrest
5/ 5 - ⭐️ .
.
📚.
.
Essa é uma história de segredos e superação.
Em uma descrição perfeita de cenários incríveis que você se pega imaginado cada detalhe.
Ruby e Bobby tem uma amizade incrível, ainda são pequenos quando essa amizade surge, é uma cumplicidade que vem crescendo com um tempo e que Ruby consegue aos poucos descobrir sobre a vida um tanto obscura de Bobby.
O menino sofria muito em sua casa com os acontecimentos ali existentes e se apegava a amizade de Ruby e dos amorosos pais dela para se refugiar.
Bobby tinha duas irmãs que também sofriam como ele.
O refúgio deles, na casa da árvore era o santuário para conversas e segredos.
Uma parte que me fez sorrir foi a da vaca com Ruby, elas brigavam como se fossem iguais e isso me divertiu.
A história também me emocionou, quando adolescentes as coisas começaram a desencaminhar e os segredos fizeram com que Bobby fosse embora deixando apenas um embrulho com uma carta pra Ruby.
Eu fiquei tão triste assim como ela, mais entendi o Bobby naquele momento ele não poderia fazer nada a não ser seguir em frente.
20 anos depois Ruby precisou procurar por Bobby, pois a irmã dele necessitava da sua ajuda.
Precisava do testemunho dele em juízo.
E Ruby procurou por ele, seguiu pistas e foi muito admirável o desempenho dela.
O encontro foi surpreendente Bobby mudara radicalmente, não vivia em um só lugar, se tornou bronco só gostava da terra e dos animais.
Foi difícil convencê-lo a voltar e ajudar a irmã, mais algo que Ruby lhe contou fez Bobby recuar e voltar com ela.
A relação dos dois foi tão diferente, e eles lutaram muito pra recuperar um pouco do que tinham.
O enredo é incrível, cheio de mistério vale a pena conhecer esse lindo romance.
.
#Leabharbooksbr
#Leabhar
#osegredodobichodaseda
#rhondaforrest
#pensamentosepoesiadaloba
#rcloba #rutecoutoloba
# #Amazon
October 17, 2020
Ruby Rose e Bobby Carlon são melhores amigos. No alto de uma amoreira,fica a casa da árvore onde ambos passam o tempo juntos conversando,brincando e observando as lagartas do bicho-da-seda. A família de Ruby é tão acolhedora e feliz que a menina jamais imagina que algo de errado está acontecendo no ambiente familiar de seu amigo.
Bobby,Theresa e Sally são irmãos e moram com um pai violento e uma mãe depressiva que quase não sai do quarto. O tio deles tem um cargo importante e com isso usa de seus privilégios para esconder as atrocidades que comete. Desesperado com toda a situação,Bobby acaba contando a melhor amiga os horrores de sua realidade mas sob a condição dela não contar a ninguém.
Ruby fica dividida entre buscar ajuda para o garoto ou ser fiel ao segredo do bicho-da-seda (segredos esses que não deveriam ser compartilhados). Algo acontece e Bobby toma uma decisão que muda seu destino e nele,Ruby não está inclusa.
20 anos depois,um processo judicial desenterra os segredos e leva Ruby a seguir em uma jornada em busca de seu antigo amigo.
Que revelações poderiam ter nesse processo? Ruby encontrará Bobby? O quanto a atitude de alguém pode alterar nosso futuro?
Ps: A autora soube abordar temas importantes de uma forma que não deixa a leitura pesada. Os personagens foram muito bem construídos e nos trazem a sensação de amor/amizade/ódio/empatia de formas intensas.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas! :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig: @alevadadanerd
Bobby,Theresa e Sally são irmãos e moram com um pai violento e uma mãe depressiva que quase não sai do quarto. O tio deles tem um cargo importante e com isso usa de seus privilégios para esconder as atrocidades que comete. Desesperado com toda a situação,Bobby acaba contando a melhor amiga os horrores de sua realidade mas sob a condição dela não contar a ninguém.
Ruby fica dividida entre buscar ajuda para o garoto ou ser fiel ao segredo do bicho-da-seda (segredos esses que não deveriam ser compartilhados). Algo acontece e Bobby toma uma decisão que muda seu destino e nele,Ruby não está inclusa.
20 anos depois,um processo judicial desenterra os segredos e leva Ruby a seguir em uma jornada em busca de seu antigo amigo.
Que revelações poderiam ter nesse processo? Ruby encontrará Bobby? O quanto a atitude de alguém pode alterar nosso futuro?
Ps: A autora soube abordar temas importantes de uma forma que não deixa a leitura pesada. Os personagens foram muito bem construídos e nos trazem a sensação de amor/amizade/ódio/empatia de formas intensas.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas! :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig: @alevadadanerd
May 7, 2021
Ruby e Bobby eram grandes amigos na infância, dividiam tudo principalmente segredos - OS SEGREDOS DO BICHO DA SEDA - Ruby tinha uma família amorosa e vivia feliz, já Bobby e suas duas irmãs eram negligenciados por sua família, os únicos momentos de alegria que o menino tinha era quando estava brincando com Ruby na casa da árvore onde os dois criavam Bichos da Seda.
"-- Você sempre faz com que eu me sinta melhor. Não pode resolver os meus problemas, mas fico feliz por me ouvir.
-- Você é o meu melhor amigo no mundo todo, então claro que eu escuto. "
Com quase 16 anos Bobby foge para nunca mais ser encontrado, deixando para trás seu passado de dor e sua melhor amiga.
25 anos se passam e os graves acontecimentos do passado envolvendo a família de Bobby voltam a tona, fazendo com que Ruby Rose saia pela Austrália a sua procura.
Será que Ruby encontrará seu amigo? Conseguiram eles retomar a amizade e quem sabe descobrir o amor?
Eu devo dizer que fui tocada profundamente por essa história, consegui sentir na pele o sofrimento e as angústias que Bobby sofreu e ao mesmo tempo vivenciei as alegrias e o amor na vida de Ruby.
Rhonda descreve os lugares e os personagens de maneira que ficamos completamente envolvidos, a escrita é fluída e não conseguimos parar de ler.
Com certeza esse é mais um livro da minha lista de preferidos.
"-- Você sempre faz com que eu me sinta melhor. Não pode resolver os meus problemas, mas fico feliz por me ouvir.
-- Você é o meu melhor amigo no mundo todo, então claro que eu escuto. "
Com quase 16 anos Bobby foge para nunca mais ser encontrado, deixando para trás seu passado de dor e sua melhor amiga.
25 anos se passam e os graves acontecimentos do passado envolvendo a família de Bobby voltam a tona, fazendo com que Ruby Rose saia pela Austrália a sua procura.
Será que Ruby encontrará seu amigo? Conseguiram eles retomar a amizade e quem sabe descobrir o amor?
Eu devo dizer que fui tocada profundamente por essa história, consegui sentir na pele o sofrimento e as angústias que Bobby sofreu e ao mesmo tempo vivenciei as alegrias e o amor na vida de Ruby.
Rhonda descreve os lugares e os personagens de maneira que ficamos completamente envolvidos, a escrita é fluída e não conseguimos parar de ler.
Com certeza esse é mais um livro da minha lista de preferidos.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. The characters were complex and real. The storyline was frightening at first but needed to be to continue through the book. The ending was just beautiful.
June 9, 2017
I received a free copy in a goodreads giveaway (thanks!)
Silkworm secrets tells the story of childhood friends and neighbours Ruby and Bobby who raise Silkworms together in the treehouse in Ruby’s Brisbane backyard. Ruby’s loving family life is in stark contrast to Bobby’s abusive household, something that Ruby (being 3 years Bobby’s junior) is slow to realise. Bobby’s mother rarely leaves the bedroom, leaving Bobby and his older sister Theresa to care for their intellectually impaired younger sister Sally, while dealing with physical abuse and sexual abuse respectively. Despite best efforts of Ruby and her father Francis, no help is given to the children and the family situation comes to a head forcing Bobby to run away from home. The “silkworm secrets” that Ruby and Bobby shared high up in the treehouse will bring them together again as adults.
Overall I really enjoyed the book but I did have a few negatives. I thought the start of Part 2 was quite clunky, with the catch-up from the last 25 or so years being told through one conversation. No one really has a casual conversation that covers that much detail, so I think the reader should have been brought up to speed in a different manner.
Given the themes of sexual abuse underlying the novel, I thought the way the incident with Neville was just glazed over was inappropriate. When reading the scene it was understood by the reader (or at least by me) that, without intervention, Ruby was going to be sexually assaulted. But this was just palmed off as being because Neville was drunk, “persistent” and didn’t always have the “best manners” and that he would “have some explaining to do.” Never did Ruby in any way mention the incident again, not even in relation to what had happened to Theresa (which at the time, I thought was going to be the whole point of the scene). But I liked that it was one time where Bobby was able to stop some abuse from occurring, as opposed to his childhood. Also, when Bobby was reintroduced in this scene I thought it was a little underwhelming. He throws Neville off Ruby, walks back into his hut and after the incident when Ruby is in bed, it’s mentioned that she knew it was Bobby.
I thought it was kind of obvious how the story would end, but didn’t mind at all because that’s what I wanted! The depiction of Theresa was a sad but accurate outcome for a victim of sexual abuse, so I thought it was really good that she was written that way, showing the lasting effects of sexual abuse. I also really enjoyed the section of Ruby and Bobby’s childhood and also the description of the Australian landscape.
Overall, an enjoyable read with accurate depictions of the lasting effects of sexual and physical abuse as well as the way it was/is often hushed up, likeable characters and great descriptions of Australia.
Silkworm secrets tells the story of childhood friends and neighbours Ruby and Bobby who raise Silkworms together in the treehouse in Ruby’s Brisbane backyard. Ruby’s loving family life is in stark contrast to Bobby’s abusive household, something that Ruby (being 3 years Bobby’s junior) is slow to realise. Bobby’s mother rarely leaves the bedroom, leaving Bobby and his older sister Theresa to care for their intellectually impaired younger sister Sally, while dealing with physical abuse and sexual abuse respectively. Despite best efforts of Ruby and her father Francis, no help is given to the children and the family situation comes to a head forcing Bobby to run away from home. The “silkworm secrets” that Ruby and Bobby shared high up in the treehouse will bring them together again as adults.
Overall I really enjoyed the book but I did have a few negatives. I thought the start of Part 2 was quite clunky, with the catch-up from the last 25 or so years being told through one conversation. No one really has a casual conversation that covers that much detail, so I think the reader should have been brought up to speed in a different manner.
Given the themes of sexual abuse underlying the novel, I thought the way the incident with Neville was just glazed over was inappropriate. When reading the scene it was understood by the reader (or at least by me) that, without intervention, Ruby was going to be sexually assaulted. But this was just palmed off as being because Neville was drunk, “persistent” and didn’t always have the “best manners” and that he would “have some explaining to do.” Never did Ruby in any way mention the incident again, not even in relation to what had happened to Theresa (which at the time, I thought was going to be the whole point of the scene). But I liked that it was one time where Bobby was able to stop some abuse from occurring, as opposed to his childhood. Also, when Bobby was reintroduced in this scene I thought it was a little underwhelming. He throws Neville off Ruby, walks back into his hut and after the incident when Ruby is in bed, it’s mentioned that she knew it was Bobby.
I thought it was kind of obvious how the story would end, but didn’t mind at all because that’s what I wanted! The depiction of Theresa was a sad but accurate outcome for a victim of sexual abuse, so I thought it was really good that she was written that way, showing the lasting effects of sexual abuse. I also really enjoyed the section of Ruby and Bobby’s childhood and also the description of the Australian landscape.
Overall, an enjoyable read with accurate depictions of the lasting effects of sexual and physical abuse as well as the way it was/is often hushed up, likeable characters and great descriptions of Australia.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews