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The Secret World of Connie Starr
A stunning evocation of Australian life through the war to the 1950s, this novel is intimate and sweeping, immediate and dreamlike - a magical rendering of darkness and joy, and the beauty inherent in difference. For readers of Sarah Winman's Still Life, Trent Dalton's All Our Shimmering Skies and Rosalie Ham's The Dressmaker.
Connie Starr was always a difficult child. That day in 1934 when she arrived screaming into a Ballarat living room, her mother knew that a little more chaos had entered the world and it would not leave until Connie did. But if Connie is difficult she is also different. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
This ambitious, complex and insightful novel intertwines numerous stories of lives from before World War 2 and beyond, recreating with intimacy and breadth a world that is now lost to us. This book is a brightly coloured patchwork quilt of everything from shoes to polio, lemon trees to rivers, death to life that melds into one beautiful, luminous work of art.
'A perfect novel, poetic, evocative and hopeful. Your heart will break and then heal for Connie Starr.' Victoria Purman, bestselling author of The Nurses' War
Connie Starr was always a difficult child. That day in 1934 when she arrived screaming into a Ballarat living room, her mother knew that a little more chaos had entered the world and it would not leave until Connie did. But if Connie is difficult she is also different. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
This ambitious, complex and insightful novel intertwines numerous stories of lives from before World War 2 and beyond, recreating with intimacy and breadth a world that is now lost to us. This book is a brightly coloured patchwork quilt of everything from shoes to polio, lemon trees to rivers, death to life that melds into one beautiful, luminous work of art.
'A perfect novel, poetic, evocative and hopeful. Your heart will break and then heal for Connie Starr.' Victoria Purman, bestselling author of The Nurses' War
436 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
23 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Robbi Neal
4 books25 followersRobbi Neal's first book SUNDAY BEST, a memoir was developed as part of the HarperCollins/Varuna awards program and published by HarperCollins in 2004. AFTER BEFORE TIME, which told stories of indigenous life in a remote community, was published in 2016. THE ART OF PRESERVING LOVE, a story that spanned 25 years from 1905 to 1930 was published in 2018 under the pen name Ada Langton.
Robbi also paints and is currently working towards an exhibition scheduled for 2022 at Redot Fine Art Gallery, Singapore. She is a mama of five wonderful humans (you're welcome world).
She has lived in country Victoria, Australia, for most of her life and lives only a few of blocks from where her novel THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR (2022) is set. She loves to walk down Dawson Street past the church her grandfather preached in, the same church with the same columns that appear in in this book.
When Robbi isn't writing, she is painting, or reading or hanging out with her family and friends, all of whom she adores. She loves procrasti-cooking, especially when thinking about the next chapter in her writing. She also loves cheese, any cheese, all cheese and lemon gin or dirty martinis, the blues, and more cheese.
Robbi also paints and is currently working towards an exhibition scheduled for 2022 at Redot Fine Art Gallery, Singapore. She is a mama of five wonderful humans (you're welcome world).
She has lived in country Victoria, Australia, for most of her life and lives only a few of blocks from where her novel THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR (2022) is set. She loves to walk down Dawson Street past the church her grandfather preached in, the same church with the same columns that appear in in this book.
When Robbi isn't writing, she is painting, or reading or hanging out with her family and friends, all of whom she adores. She loves procrasti-cooking, especially when thinking about the next chapter in her writing. She also loves cheese, any cheese, all cheese and lemon gin or dirty martinis, the blues, and more cheese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
June 18, 2022
EXCERPT: There was a constant stream of visitors in and out of her home, and Connie could never remember their names. She had to be polite to them or she would get in trouble with Ma, but she stamped hard on their toes and said, 'Oops, I'm so clumsy.' She put salt in their tea and slaters under their pillows. There was never enough food to go around as far as she was concerned and since his father had joined up Gabe Mabbett had come every single Sunday for lunch with his mother and brother Mike. Gabe sat behind her in Sunday school and pulled her long ringleted pigtails. One morning he took crickets to Sunday school in a condensed milk tin and then released them up the curled tunnel of her pigtails. They were sticky and quickly became tangled in her hair and she had screamed and rolled around on the floor sure she was going to die. Miss Mitchell had run and fetched her ma from church and Ma took her to the kitchen and plucked the crickets out one by one and said, 'Well, Gabe has his own problems and no harm was done.' But harm was done, because those crickets were going to go all the way up her pigtails and then once they reached her head they would burrow through her skin and into her brain and kill her. She'd probably only had seconds to live.
ABOUT 'THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR': Connie Starr was always a difficult child. Her mother knew as soon as Connie entered the world that day in Ballarat in 1934 and opened her lungs to scream, there was more chaos in the world than before and it wouldn't leave until Connie did. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the story of both Connie Starr's life and the lives of a group of people from the South Australian community of Ballarat through WWII and into the 1950s.
Connie is the central character, the only child of Flora and Joseph, a Baptist Pastor in Ballarat. She has three older half-siblings from Joseph's first marriage. She's an odd child, not known for being 'good'. She's 'a right handful', disobedient and always up to some sort of mischief. She sees and speaks with demons and angels, and is a consummate liar. But I loved her. My heart ached for this misunderstood child who had very few friends, who takes refuge from life in her lemon tree and chats with the Archangel Michael. I wanted to pick her up and cuddle her, let her know she was loved.
Born into a world of turmoil, Connie's childhood could not be described as a happy one, as interesting as it may be. She is the proverbial fish out of water. Then a huge betrayal in her early teenage years only serves to isolate her further.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a quietly powerful book, heartwrenchingly beautiful, a chronicle of a life and an era.
Gloom was what people woke to and took to bed. The hunger and desperation of the Depression had barely had time to leave people’s bodies. Memories of the last war were fresh and raw. Was it just yesterday? It seemed so. They had been promised it was the war to end all wars. And now here was another one waiting for its moment, greedy and angry and hungry for more young men, and everyone felt the bitterness of having been duped.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheSecretWorldofConnieStarr #NetGalley
I: @artwritebooks @harlequinaus
T: #RobbiNeal @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #historicalfiction #sliceoflife #WWII
THE AUTHOR: She has lived in country Victoria, Australia, for most of her life and lives only a few of blocks from where her novel THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR (2022) is set. She loves to walk down Dawson Street past the church her grandfather preached in, the same church with the same columns that appear in in this book.
When Robbi isn't writing, she is painting, or reading or hanging out with her family and friends, all of whom she adores. She loves procrasti-cooking, especially when thinking about the next chapter in her writing. She also loves cheese, any cheese, all cheese and lemon gin or dirty martinis, the blues, and more cheese.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
ABOUT 'THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR': Connie Starr was always a difficult child. Her mother knew as soon as Connie entered the world that day in Ballarat in 1934 and opened her lungs to scream, there was more chaos in the world than before and it wouldn't leave until Connie did. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
MY THOUGHTS: This is the story of both Connie Starr's life and the lives of a group of people from the South Australian community of Ballarat through WWII and into the 1950s.
Connie is the central character, the only child of Flora and Joseph, a Baptist Pastor in Ballarat. She has three older half-siblings from Joseph's first marriage. She's an odd child, not known for being 'good'. She's 'a right handful', disobedient and always up to some sort of mischief. She sees and speaks with demons and angels, and is a consummate liar. But I loved her. My heart ached for this misunderstood child who had very few friends, who takes refuge from life in her lemon tree and chats with the Archangel Michael. I wanted to pick her up and cuddle her, let her know she was loved.
Born into a world of turmoil, Connie's childhood could not be described as a happy one, as interesting as it may be. She is the proverbial fish out of water. Then a huge betrayal in her early teenage years only serves to isolate her further.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a quietly powerful book, heartwrenchingly beautiful, a chronicle of a life and an era.
Gloom was what people woke to and took to bed. The hunger and desperation of the Depression had barely had time to leave people’s bodies. Memories of the last war were fresh and raw. Was it just yesterday? It seemed so. They had been promised it was the war to end all wars. And now here was another one waiting for its moment, greedy and angry and hungry for more young men, and everyone felt the bitterness of having been duped.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
#TheSecretWorldofConnieStarr #NetGalley
I: @artwritebooks @harlequinaus
T: #RobbiNeal @HarlequinAUS
#australianfiction #historicalfiction #sliceoflife #WWII
THE AUTHOR: She has lived in country Victoria, Australia, for most of her life and lives only a few of blocks from where her novel THE SECRET WORLD OF CONNIE STARR (2022) is set. She loves to walk down Dawson Street past the church her grandfather preached in, the same church with the same columns that appear in in this book.
When Robbi isn't writing, she is painting, or reading or hanging out with her family and friends, all of whom she adores. She loves procrasti-cooking, especially when thinking about the next chapter in her writing. She also loves cheese, any cheese, all cheese and lemon gin or dirty martinis, the blues, and more cheese.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Harlequin Australia, HQ via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 28, 2022
This turned out to be very little about the secret world of Connie Starr and was actually rather a story about life in an Australian town between 1939 1nd 1955. It was a very interesting story too and was very evocative of the time as events moved from the Depression, through WW2 and into the recovery years after the war.
The author presents us with a number of families who are residents of Ballarat during this period and shows how they are affected personally. One very young man joins the army underage and is present at the bombing of Darwin. Another contracts polio and through him we experience the horrific treatment that was used at that time to try and save victims of this disease.
Connie Starr is a child who observes all the happenings around her through her own unusual and naive view. She sees angels and demons fighting out their own war and spends a lot of time sitting on a branch of a very unusual lemon tree 'talking' to an angel. The truth behind Connie's oddness is never explained and she is usually the centre of one kind of trouble or another.
There are many characters in the book and the author moves around them giving each a short chapter then moving on to another. I found it hard to become attached to any particular one of them although I probably recall Flora, Birdie and Gabe the best. I have to admit I did not take to Connie at all.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a story about life, about how huge things happen to ordinary people and how they survive. It is interesting, informative, frequently sad and very nostalgic for a time long gone. Definitely worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
The author presents us with a number of families who are residents of Ballarat during this period and shows how they are affected personally. One very young man joins the army underage and is present at the bombing of Darwin. Another contracts polio and through him we experience the horrific treatment that was used at that time to try and save victims of this disease.
Connie Starr is a child who observes all the happenings around her through her own unusual and naive view. She sees angels and demons fighting out their own war and spends a lot of time sitting on a branch of a very unusual lemon tree 'talking' to an angel. The truth behind Connie's oddness is never explained and she is usually the centre of one kind of trouble or another.
There are many characters in the book and the author moves around them giving each a short chapter then moving on to another. I found it hard to become attached to any particular one of them although I probably recall Flora, Birdie and Gabe the best. I have to admit I did not take to Connie at all.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a story about life, about how huge things happen to ordinary people and how they survive. It is interesting, informative, frequently sad and very nostalgic for a time long gone. Definitely worth reading.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book
May 24, 2022
4★
‘I’m going to get Connie to help with the grafting,’ Joseph said to Flora. The child needed to learn peacefulness; she was a torrent of tides smashing against each other, sending her off in all different directions at the same time. He worried that if she didn’t learn calmness she would be swept away and drown.”
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, 1939. Connie Starr is a devilish five-year-old who snoops, eavesdrops, and watches people from a high branch in the family’s unusually tall lemon tree. At least when she’s up there, she’s out of the way, safe (more or less), and not creating mischief. Her father has reason to worry. He’s the local pastor, but he’s damaged and sees her possible darkness, too.
“But Joseph knew that he only achieved gentleness through constant effort, and if you had to work so hard for it, was it real?”
Connie fantasises about angels and demons, sees them above people’s heads, and chats happily with her own archangel who sits on the end of her favourite branch. To me, she’s not really the centre of the story, quirky though she is. I found other people more interesting.
There are several families and associated characters, so I was pleased to see the author included a list called “Connie’s World”. I make no apologies for needing to refer to it a few times just to remind myself which characters were similar ages and who was related to whom.
Connie is the youngest of the neighbourhood kids and tags along with them, getting into trouble playing in the river (no, of course we won’t go in when it’s running so high . . . ) and speaking out loudly and directly about things she’s overheard.
Her family is one of several who feature in their own stories. It is a novel, but there are separate story arcs for the different families. Aubrey Mabbett and his wife and two boys are one such. He’s a shoe salesman who specialises in fitting, selling, and personally delivering shoes to local women, ensuring they fit properly when he visits for a lengthy afternoon stay. Eventually he finds himself with trouble he can’t handle.
I enjoyed all the characters and how they each dealt with the dreadful pressure of the times.
“Gloom was what people woke to and took to bed. The hunger and desperation of the Depression had barely had time to leave people’s bodies. Memories of the last war were fresh and raw. Was it just yesterday? It seemed so. They had been promised it was the war to end all wars. And now here was another one waiting for its moment, greedy and angry and hungry for more young men, and everyone felt the bitterness of having been duped.”
The young men can’t wait to sign up when war is declared while the women, who have been struggling to create meals from very little during the Depression now have to cope with rationing as well. I remember a friend once telling me that, during the war, her mother-in-law was said to be able to feed the family with a potato and an onion. Not something my friend hoped to have to live up to! (Dare I say perhaps a grain of salt should be involved?)
“On the front lines boys’ blood gathered in ponds on brown soil, then ran like rivers to the sea, where it dribbled to the ocean floor. The boys cried out for their mothers as they died on the damp earth and in the wet seas and in the grey skies over Europe. ‘The Courier ‘was careful to follow government instructions and didn’t report the torn skin or the burnt organs or the dismembered bodies. It reported that artillery fought valiantly, submarines launched strategic attacks, and planes heroically defended the skies, and for the sake of mothers and lovers it didn’t mention the boys who manned this war equipment.”
The book goes from 1939 to 1952, so we get a chance to see what happens to everyone in Ballarat, Darwin and beyond. I didn’t care for Connie’s particular story arc, and I’m not sure her acceptance of some things is explained well enough. But as I said, I think other characters are stronger and more interesting, and this is well worth a read.
I enjoyed the writing and the sense of time and place and many of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the copy for review.
‘I’m going to get Connie to help with the grafting,’ Joseph said to Flora. The child needed to learn peacefulness; she was a torrent of tides smashing against each other, sending her off in all different directions at the same time. He worried that if she didn’t learn calmness she would be swept away and drown.”
Ballarat, Victoria, Australia, 1939. Connie Starr is a devilish five-year-old who snoops, eavesdrops, and watches people from a high branch in the family’s unusually tall lemon tree. At least when she’s up there, she’s out of the way, safe (more or less), and not creating mischief. Her father has reason to worry. He’s the local pastor, but he’s damaged and sees her possible darkness, too.
“But Joseph knew that he only achieved gentleness through constant effort, and if you had to work so hard for it, was it real?”
Connie fantasises about angels and demons, sees them above people’s heads, and chats happily with her own archangel who sits on the end of her favourite branch. To me, she’s not really the centre of the story, quirky though she is. I found other people more interesting.
There are several families and associated characters, so I was pleased to see the author included a list called “Connie’s World”. I make no apologies for needing to refer to it a few times just to remind myself which characters were similar ages and who was related to whom.
Connie is the youngest of the neighbourhood kids and tags along with them, getting into trouble playing in the river (no, of course we won’t go in when it’s running so high . . . ) and speaking out loudly and directly about things she’s overheard.
Her family is one of several who feature in their own stories. It is a novel, but there are separate story arcs for the different families. Aubrey Mabbett and his wife and two boys are one such. He’s a shoe salesman who specialises in fitting, selling, and personally delivering shoes to local women, ensuring they fit properly when he visits for a lengthy afternoon stay. Eventually he finds himself with trouble he can’t handle.
I enjoyed all the characters and how they each dealt with the dreadful pressure of the times.
“Gloom was what people woke to and took to bed. The hunger and desperation of the Depression had barely had time to leave people’s bodies. Memories of the last war were fresh and raw. Was it just yesterday? It seemed so. They had been promised it was the war to end all wars. And now here was another one waiting for its moment, greedy and angry and hungry for more young men, and everyone felt the bitterness of having been duped.”
The young men can’t wait to sign up when war is declared while the women, who have been struggling to create meals from very little during the Depression now have to cope with rationing as well. I remember a friend once telling me that, during the war, her mother-in-law was said to be able to feed the family with a potato and an onion. Not something my friend hoped to have to live up to! (Dare I say perhaps a grain of salt should be involved?)
“On the front lines boys’ blood gathered in ponds on brown soil, then ran like rivers to the sea, where it dribbled to the ocean floor. The boys cried out for their mothers as they died on the damp earth and in the wet seas and in the grey skies over Europe. ‘The Courier ‘was careful to follow government instructions and didn’t report the torn skin or the burnt organs or the dismembered bodies. It reported that artillery fought valiantly, submarines launched strategic attacks, and planes heroically defended the skies, and for the sake of mothers and lovers it didn’t mention the boys who manned this war equipment.”
The book goes from 1939 to 1952, so we get a chance to see what happens to everyone in Ballarat, Darwin and beyond. I didn’t care for Connie’s particular story arc, and I’m not sure her acceptance of some things is explained well enough. But as I said, I think other characters are stronger and more interesting, and this is well worth a read.
I enjoyed the writing and the sense of time and place and many of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for the copy for review.
May 20, 2022
Connie Starr was born to parents, Joseph and Flora, in 1934 Australia in the small town of Ballarat, Victoria. Connie was Flora’s first child as she was Joseph’s second wife and he had three children from his first marriage – Danny, Lydia and Thom. Joseph was a Baptist minister and Flora was the perfect wife and companion for him. But when Connie entered their lives, life changed for the family.
As time moved forward and the family members grew, war came to Australia with the attack on Darwin. Thom was among many who enlisted and the locals that the Starr family knew lost loved ones. Connie’s time on the branch of the lemon tree in their yard, as she viewed the world, saw her also viewing the angels and devils who were swirling above. Joseph and Flora took in many a stray to the manse, feeding them before they moved on – the Depression had hit hard - which impacted Connie's childhood - and rationing was making things worse. Connie was a strange and different child, growing to a woman, and she held many secrets…
The Secret World of Connie Starr is my first by Aussie author Robbi Neal and it was a mostly uncomfortable read which I have mixed feelings about. The story of Australia from the mid 30s to mid 50s is evocative and poignant, with many characters; friends, family and enemies. At times I had to stop reading to work out how a particular character fitted, before I moved on. There wasn’t any character which stands out in my mind – but I love the cover of the book. It’s what drew me to it initially. There have been varied ratings to this book and I’m disappointed I didn’t like it more.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
As time moved forward and the family members grew, war came to Australia with the attack on Darwin. Thom was among many who enlisted and the locals that the Starr family knew lost loved ones. Connie’s time on the branch of the lemon tree in their yard, as she viewed the world, saw her also viewing the angels and devils who were swirling above. Joseph and Flora took in many a stray to the manse, feeding them before they moved on – the Depression had hit hard - which impacted Connie's childhood - and rationing was making things worse. Connie was a strange and different child, growing to a woman, and she held many secrets…
The Secret World of Connie Starr is my first by Aussie author Robbi Neal and it was a mostly uncomfortable read which I have mixed feelings about. The story of Australia from the mid 30s to mid 50s is evocative and poignant, with many characters; friends, family and enemies. At times I had to stop reading to work out how a particular character fitted, before I moved on. There wasn’t any character which stands out in my mind – but I love the cover of the book. It’s what drew me to it initially. There have been varied ratings to this book and I’m disappointed I didn’t like it more.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2022
First up, I think the title of the book may create an expectation that fails to be met, as Connie Starr is one of many wonderful characters in this story and I am not sure that a 'secret world' is actually delivered.
That aside, I did really enjoy this book, particularly the setting, as a resident of Ballarat I really enjoyed the local references and even the shoe store in Bridge St which is still there. I think if I were not a local, perhaps the constant reference to street names and locations may be a little frustrating as I would feel outside the 'loop'.
The story starts just before WWII and centres on the family of the Baptist minister Joseph Starr and his second wife Flora, who has just had a baby Connie, and is step mother to his three older children after their mother passed away. The other character that I loved is Birdie Mabbett, best friend of Flora, who is dealing with her wayward and unfaithful husband Aubrey and her two sons Gabe and Michael.
WWII breaks out and there are some quite bleak and heartbreaking stories that emerge, one of these being an outbreak of polio and the treatments that young children endured to try and keep them alive.
I could go on and on, but I think the book is a treasure of life in rural Victoria through and after WWII. It tells of many aspects and hardships that I had not given too much thought to and shed a light on what life would have been like for my parents and grandparents.
I can recommend this book, but when you pick up the book, don't pay too much heed to the title.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
That aside, I did really enjoy this book, particularly the setting, as a resident of Ballarat I really enjoyed the local references and even the shoe store in Bridge St which is still there. I think if I were not a local, perhaps the constant reference to street names and locations may be a little frustrating as I would feel outside the 'loop'.
The story starts just before WWII and centres on the family of the Baptist minister Joseph Starr and his second wife Flora, who has just had a baby Connie, and is step mother to his three older children after their mother passed away. The other character that I loved is Birdie Mabbett, best friend of Flora, who is dealing with her wayward and unfaithful husband Aubrey and her two sons Gabe and Michael.
WWII breaks out and there are some quite bleak and heartbreaking stories that emerge, one of these being an outbreak of polio and the treatments that young children endured to try and keep them alive.
I could go on and on, but I think the book is a treasure of life in rural Victoria through and after WWII. It tells of many aspects and hardships that I had not given too much thought to and shed a light on what life would have been like for my parents and grandparents.
I can recommend this book, but when you pick up the book, don't pay too much heed to the title.
Thank you Harlequin Australia and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 7, 2022
Widower Joseph Starr is married to younger Flora and he has three children from his first marriage, Thom, Lydia and Danny. In 1934, Flora gives birth to a baby girl, Connie arrives in a hurry and is delivered at home by her father. Flora has difficulty bonding with her new baby, Connie’s hard to settle and can a baby be angry with the world?
The Secret World of Connie Starr is historical saga set in Australia during 1939 to 1952 and it covers a wide range of subjects and social issues and what life was like in Australia during the depression and the Second World War.
Connie spends most of her time sitting on a branch of the family’s lemon tree in the backyard in Ballarat, talking to the angels and day dreaming. Connie’s quirky, different and she struggles to make friends at school. When the Second World War breaks out, Connie’s doesn’t know what to make of all the talk about fighting, men signing up, rationing and everyone tightening their belts!
Her father’s a baptist minister, the family live frugally, they have always helped people in need and Connie wears her sisters hand me downs. The Japanese bomb Darwin, the war is on home soil, it effects relationships with in the Starr family and Connie is easily mislead.
I received a copy of The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. While I did enjoy the story, I thought it would focus more on Connie and most of the narrative seemed to be based around other characters in the book. The information about the war and the polio treatment in Australia was interesting, and how the war effected soldiers, their parents and some even abandoned their wives, and four stars from me.
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The Secret World of Connie Starr is historical saga set in Australia during 1939 to 1952 and it covers a wide range of subjects and social issues and what life was like in Australia during the depression and the Second World War.
Connie spends most of her time sitting on a branch of the family’s lemon tree in the backyard in Ballarat, talking to the angels and day dreaming. Connie’s quirky, different and she struggles to make friends at school. When the Second World War breaks out, Connie’s doesn’t know what to make of all the talk about fighting, men signing up, rationing and everyone tightening their belts!
Her father’s a baptist minister, the family live frugally, they have always helped people in need and Connie wears her sisters hand me downs. The Japanese bomb Darwin, the war is on home soil, it effects relationships with in the Starr family and Connie is easily mislead.
I received a copy of The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal from NetGalley and Harlequin Australia in exchange for an honest review. While I did enjoy the story, I thought it would focus more on Connie and most of the narrative seemed to be based around other characters in the book. The information about the war and the polio treatment in Australia was interesting, and how the war effected soldiers, their parents and some even abandoned their wives, and four stars from me.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
May 21, 2022
The setting is the rather small Australian country town of Ballarat from 1939-1952, with a population just big enough that you recognise most of the people in town even if you don’t actually know them all.
The story follows the complexities of the lives of several families in the district who are more closely connected, mostly through their local Baptist church, and centres around the Minister, Joseph Starr and his family.
Joseph’s first wife died giving birth to their third child, leaving him feeling hopelessly alone and struggling to raise their three children.
It wasn’t very long before he found himself smitten with a much younger woman, Flora…who he was sure would make the perfect wife and mother to his children…and as luck would have it, his feelings were reciprocated.
When Flora went into labour at home with their first child, Joseph was there to help with the delivery…having already fathered three healthy children he was confident that they could manage without a doctor.
A healthy little girl was delivered and Joseph tended to mother and child with gentle loving care.
Being her first child, Flora was still in a bit of shock at the whole business and struggled to bond with the child…who seemed to her to be feeling the same way…as the child would not take to her breast for feeding, instead just lying there staring at her mother.
They named the girl Connie and tried to all settle into a normal family life together, though there seemed to be an undercurrent of resentment from the older children towards their new mother and baby Connie.
The story follows this family and their day to day interactions closely with other families and neighbours and members of Joseph’s loyal congregation, so that we watch them all as they grow and share their life experiences, big and little, as they all grow between 1939-1952.
The timeframe has the reader taking a deeper look into the dynamics of ordinary Australian family lives during the time when the war broke out and the people struggled with the myriad consequences.
As men were called to service…with many younger men volunteering prematurely…
food and resources were rationed and mothers and daughters did whatever they had to do to make ends meet without a breadwinner or, in many cases no income.
Life went on all the same and did not spare the rod for those at home or at war, as hardship continued to play its role in this town.
Like other readers I was reminded of stories like The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham, Tim Winton’s Cloudstreet, and Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones to name just a few.
To me the story had a feel of Australian Noir about it…shades of light and dark.
There is some fine writing here and some nice turns of phrase, and once involved, I found it to be a very compelling read.
4⭐️s
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for my copy to read and review.
June 20, 2022
⭐️4 Stars⭐️
Aussie writer Robbi Neal gives us a gloriously enchanting, yet brutally haunting story in this historical fiction saga which is The Secret World of Connie Starr.
Beautifully written, the story is set in Ballarat in the years 1934 to 1952. Connie Starr is born in 1934 to Joseph and Flora, they already had three children from Josephs’ first marriage.
There was something quite different about Connie, she would spend time viewing the world from a branch of the lemon tree in their garden. She also saw demons and angels swirling and swooping above, she was a strange child. Her father is a Baptist minister and because of the Depression they often had visitors stay over to share meals and their hospitality.
The story follows a group of families in the community, I particularly loved the characters of Flora Starr and Birdie Mabbett who are best friends. Their stories are heartbreaking and we are given a glimpse into the hardships in rural Australia, particularly during the WWII period and it’s aftermath.
The story moves through the attack on Darwin, the men and teenage boys that enlisted for war, polio, raging rivers and relationships.
What a surprise this book was, I’m so thrilled I received the opportunity to read it!
Publication Date 01 June 2022
Publisher Harlequin Australia
Thank you to Better Reading and Harlequin Australia for a sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
Aussie writer Robbi Neal gives us a gloriously enchanting, yet brutally haunting story in this historical fiction saga which is The Secret World of Connie Starr.
Beautifully written, the story is set in Ballarat in the years 1934 to 1952. Connie Starr is born in 1934 to Joseph and Flora, they already had three children from Josephs’ first marriage.
There was something quite different about Connie, she would spend time viewing the world from a branch of the lemon tree in their garden. She also saw demons and angels swirling and swooping above, she was a strange child. Her father is a Baptist minister and because of the Depression they often had visitors stay over to share meals and their hospitality.
The story follows a group of families in the community, I particularly loved the characters of Flora Starr and Birdie Mabbett who are best friends. Their stories are heartbreaking and we are given a glimpse into the hardships in rural Australia, particularly during the WWII period and it’s aftermath.
The story moves through the attack on Darwin, the men and teenage boys that enlisted for war, polio, raging rivers and relationships.
What a surprise this book was, I’m so thrilled I received the opportunity to read it!
Publication Date 01 June 2022
Publisher Harlequin Australia
Thank you to Better Reading and Harlequin Australia for a sending me a copy of the book to read and review.
May 22, 2022
4.5★s
“Connie gave the things of life no thought at all. Instead she was separated from the world and all the people she knew in it and she watched them go about their lives from her special hidden spot in the lemon tree as if the people below were ants scurrying about without any realisation of how small and insignificant they were.”
The Secret World of Connie Starr is the second novel by Australian author, Robbi Neal. Connie Starr is only five when the war begins, but an intelligent and very observant five. The lemon tree her father, a Baptist Pastor plants just before she is born is one of her observation posts from which she spies on her corner of Ballarat, while also seeing above her the demons who wreak havoc, and angels who fight them.
As the world enters into war, once again, the effects on her country and her town manifest in a myriad of ways, many of which Connie finds annoying: rationing means treats are scarce, especially when her mother Flora invites so many of those less well off to share their meagre fare; her mother’s ability to calm the distressed sees her forced to give up her bed to unhappy wives.
While Connie is not a direct witness to all that is suffered, Ballarat also feels the absence of those husbands and sons who go to war. And the later influx of Us Marines on R&R is not welcomed by all. Families battle on without their provider as best they can, with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Of course the war takes a huge toll: many sons and husbands killed, others missing in action, or repatriated mentally and physically broken; few return unchanged.
Spanning almost twenty years the story easily evokes the feel of the small rural Australian city that often feels more like a village, during the war years and their aftermath. Neal gives the reader a large cast of characters but, by the conclusion, the reader is invested in each of their fates, for example, grieving with and later cheering on Birdie, feeling disgust for Aubrey’s behaviour, sad at Joseph’s despair at his inability to keep his children safe, and shock at the revenge a damaged refugee exacts.
The comparison of this novel to Sarah Winman’s Still Life is valid, and it’s a high compliment to say that the story and characters are also reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s work, with the lives of many characters told in vignettes and snippets that weave into each other. But blurb is a little misleading, giving the impression that Connie occupies the central role when, while she is an integral part, the lives of many other community members take turns at centre stage.
As a protagonist, Connie comes across as wilful and prickly, imaginative and given to misbehaviour, ultimately a tragic figure, but unfortunately not terribly likeable. Luckily, many of the other characters more than make up for her, and their joy and sorrows will bring a tear to the eye, a lump to the throat. Compelling, emotional and sometimes quite dark, this is a beautifully written tale.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction
“Connie gave the things of life no thought at all. Instead she was separated from the world and all the people she knew in it and she watched them go about their lives from her special hidden spot in the lemon tree as if the people below were ants scurrying about without any realisation of how small and insignificant they were.”
The Secret World of Connie Starr is the second novel by Australian author, Robbi Neal. Connie Starr is only five when the war begins, but an intelligent and very observant five. The lemon tree her father, a Baptist Pastor plants just before she is born is one of her observation posts from which she spies on her corner of Ballarat, while also seeing above her the demons who wreak havoc, and angels who fight them.
As the world enters into war, once again, the effects on her country and her town manifest in a myriad of ways, many of which Connie finds annoying: rationing means treats are scarce, especially when her mother Flora invites so many of those less well off to share their meagre fare; her mother’s ability to calm the distressed sees her forced to give up her bed to unhappy wives.
While Connie is not a direct witness to all that is suffered, Ballarat also feels the absence of those husbands and sons who go to war. And the later influx of Us Marines on R&R is not welcomed by all. Families battle on without their provider as best they can, with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Of course the war takes a huge toll: many sons and husbands killed, others missing in action, or repatriated mentally and physically broken; few return unchanged.
Spanning almost twenty years the story easily evokes the feel of the small rural Australian city that often feels more like a village, during the war years and their aftermath. Neal gives the reader a large cast of characters but, by the conclusion, the reader is invested in each of their fates, for example, grieving with and later cheering on Birdie, feeling disgust for Aubrey’s behaviour, sad at Joseph’s despair at his inability to keep his children safe, and shock at the revenge a damaged refugee exacts.
The comparison of this novel to Sarah Winman’s Still Life is valid, and it’s a high compliment to say that the story and characters are also reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s work, with the lives of many characters told in vignettes and snippets that weave into each other. But blurb is a little misleading, giving the impression that Connie occupies the central role when, while she is an integral part, the lives of many other community members take turns at centre stage.
As a protagonist, Connie comes across as wilful and prickly, imaginative and given to misbehaviour, ultimately a tragic figure, but unfortunately not terribly likeable. Luckily, many of the other characters more than make up for her, and their joy and sorrows will bring a tear to the eye, a lump to the throat. Compelling, emotional and sometimes quite dark, this is a beautifully written tale.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley, Better Reading Preview and HQ Fiction
June 28, 2022
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a powerful story set in the country town of Ballarat during and after WWII.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.
The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.
A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.
Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church.
The story isn't so much about Connie but her whole family. Her father is the local pastor, a sensitive man who has bouts of depression due to feelings of failure. It is Connie's mother, Flora, who runs the household and supports the town folk in their time of need.
Robbi includes issues of underage sign-ups, teenage pregnancy and the loss of a child.
World events during the time period are seamlessly included throughout the narration.
A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments.
June 25, 2022
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
The Secret World of Connie Starr is an Australian historical saga, comprehensively covering the years 1935 through to 1952. Moving, reflective, insightful and emotional, Robbi Neal’s 2022 HQ Fiction AU publication offers a detailed portrait of everyday life in a typical Aussie township.
Connie Starr is the titular character of Robbi Neal’s eloquent new novel. We soon learn that Connie is viewed as different and difficult by her parents. Connie is a unique individual who struggles to be understood by the world at large for the bulk of this novel. With Connie’s favourite pastime being communicating with her ‘angels’ Connie is an outcast in a world filled with war, pain, trauma and broken hearts. The Secret World of Connie Starr takes the reader back to a tumultuous time in our past, as the raging war and life on the home front takes its toll on so many, including Connie. A conglomeration of people, events, births, deaths, marriages and challenges, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a touching tale of bygone times.
Painter and writer Robbi Neal has previously released a fiction novel titled The Art of Preserving Love under the pen name of Ada Langton. The Secret World of Connie Starr is Neal’s latest release and the cover alone seemed to call my name. A story that has a great deal to say about our past, the impact of the war, love, life and self belief, The Secret World of Connie Starr proved to be quite a profound read.
A story told over four hundred pages with a contents, acknowledgements and a family tree cast list, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a sturdy historical saga. Covering the ordinary lives of a township based in country Victoria, Robbi Neal’s novel exposes us to the unfolding drama of a community impacted by the ails of war. Tying in themes of love, faith, family, relationships, health, illness, trauma, loss and vulnerability, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a noteworthy historical piece.
Robbi Neal’s novel is not short on characters and this large cast list at times made it hard to connect completely to the full protagonist set. The title character Connie is slightly aloof but I did find her endearing. I enjoyed travelling with the other female characters in this tale, such as Flora. I thought Neal gave us a good insight and understanding into the female experience of life during and after World War II. Heartfelt, poignant and fulfilling, we receive a detailed glimpse in the mindset of a robust community fold in the Ballarat region. With plenty of hardships and surprising eventualities, Robbi Neal closes her novel off well.
I was delighted to be granted an opportunity to be a part of The Secret World of Connie Starr. This is a noble historical release.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is an Australian historical saga, comprehensively covering the years 1935 through to 1952. Moving, reflective, insightful and emotional, Robbi Neal’s 2022 HQ Fiction AU publication offers a detailed portrait of everyday life in a typical Aussie township.
Connie Starr is the titular character of Robbi Neal’s eloquent new novel. We soon learn that Connie is viewed as different and difficult by her parents. Connie is a unique individual who struggles to be understood by the world at large for the bulk of this novel. With Connie’s favourite pastime being communicating with her ‘angels’ Connie is an outcast in a world filled with war, pain, trauma and broken hearts. The Secret World of Connie Starr takes the reader back to a tumultuous time in our past, as the raging war and life on the home front takes its toll on so many, including Connie. A conglomeration of people, events, births, deaths, marriages and challenges, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a touching tale of bygone times.
Painter and writer Robbi Neal has previously released a fiction novel titled The Art of Preserving Love under the pen name of Ada Langton. The Secret World of Connie Starr is Neal’s latest release and the cover alone seemed to call my name. A story that has a great deal to say about our past, the impact of the war, love, life and self belief, The Secret World of Connie Starr proved to be quite a profound read.
A story told over four hundred pages with a contents, acknowledgements and a family tree cast list, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a sturdy historical saga. Covering the ordinary lives of a township based in country Victoria, Robbi Neal’s novel exposes us to the unfolding drama of a community impacted by the ails of war. Tying in themes of love, faith, family, relationships, health, illness, trauma, loss and vulnerability, The Secret World of Connie Starr is a noteworthy historical piece.
Robbi Neal’s novel is not short on characters and this large cast list at times made it hard to connect completely to the full protagonist set. The title character Connie is slightly aloof but I did find her endearing. I enjoyed travelling with the other female characters in this tale, such as Flora. I thought Neal gave us a good insight and understanding into the female experience of life during and after World War II. Heartfelt, poignant and fulfilling, we receive a detailed glimpse in the mindset of a robust community fold in the Ballarat region. With plenty of hardships and surprising eventualities, Robbi Neal closes her novel off well.
I was delighted to be granted an opportunity to be a part of The Secret World of Connie Starr. This is a noble historical release.
*I wish to thank Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
September 15, 2022
4.5★s
“Connie gave the things of life no thought at all. Instead she was separated from the world and all the people she knew in it and she watched them go about their lives from her special hidden spot in the lemon tree as if the people below were ants scurrying about without any realisation of how small and insignificant they were.”
The Secret World of Connie Starr is the second novel by Australian author, Robbi Neal. The audio version is narrated by Fiona Macleod. Connie Starr is only five when the war begins, but an intelligent and very observant five. The lemon tree her father, a Baptist Pastor plants just before she is born is one of her observation posts from which she spies on her corner of Ballarat, while also seeing above her the demons who wreak havoc, and angels who fight them.
As the world enters into war, once again, the effects on her country and her town manifest in a myriad of ways, many of which Connie finds annoying: rationing means treats are scarce, especially when her mother Flora invites so many of those less well off to share their meagre fare; her mother’s ability to calm the distressed sees her forced to give up her bed to unhappy wives.
While Connie is not a direct witness to all that is suffered, Ballarat also feels the absence of those husbands and sons who go to war. And the later influx of Us Marines on R&R is not welcomed by all. Families battle on without their provider as best they can, with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Of course the war takes a huge toll: many sons and husbands killed, others missing in action, or repatriated mentally and physically broken; few return unchanged.
Spanning almost twenty years the story easily evokes the feel of the small rural Australian city that often feels more like a village, during the war years and their aftermath. Neal gives the reader a large cast of characters but, by the conclusion, the reader is invested in each of their fates, for example, grieving with and later cheering on Birdie, feeling disgust for Aubrey’s behaviour, sad at Joseph’s despair at his inability to keep his children safe, and shock at the revenge a damaged refugee exacts.
The comparison of this novel to Sarah Winman’s Still Life is valid, and it’s a high compliment to say that the story and characters are also reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s work, with the lives of many characters told in vignettes and snippets that weave into each other. But blurb is a little misleading, giving the impression that Connie occupies the central role when, while she is an integral part, the lives of many other community members take turns at centre stage.
As a protagonist, Connie comes across as wilful and prickly, imaginative and given to misbehaviour, ultimately a tragic figure, but unfortunately not terribly likeable. Luckily, many of the other characters more than make up for her, and their joy and sorrows will bring a tear to the eye, a lump to the throat. Compelling, emotional and sometimes quite dark, this is a beautifully written tale.
“Connie gave the things of life no thought at all. Instead she was separated from the world and all the people she knew in it and she watched them go about their lives from her special hidden spot in the lemon tree as if the people below were ants scurrying about without any realisation of how small and insignificant they were.”
The Secret World of Connie Starr is the second novel by Australian author, Robbi Neal. The audio version is narrated by Fiona Macleod. Connie Starr is only five when the war begins, but an intelligent and very observant five. The lemon tree her father, a Baptist Pastor plants just before she is born is one of her observation posts from which she spies on her corner of Ballarat, while also seeing above her the demons who wreak havoc, and angels who fight them.
As the world enters into war, once again, the effects on her country and her town manifest in a myriad of ways, many of which Connie finds annoying: rationing means treats are scarce, especially when her mother Flora invites so many of those less well off to share their meagre fare; her mother’s ability to calm the distressed sees her forced to give up her bed to unhappy wives.
While Connie is not a direct witness to all that is suffered, Ballarat also feels the absence of those husbands and sons who go to war. And the later influx of Us Marines on R&R is not welcomed by all. Families battle on without their provider as best they can, with ingenuity and resourcefulness. Of course the war takes a huge toll: many sons and husbands killed, others missing in action, or repatriated mentally and physically broken; few return unchanged.
Spanning almost twenty years the story easily evokes the feel of the small rural Australian city that often feels more like a village, during the war years and their aftermath. Neal gives the reader a large cast of characters but, by the conclusion, the reader is invested in each of their fates, for example, grieving with and later cheering on Birdie, feeling disgust for Aubrey’s behaviour, sad at Joseph’s despair at his inability to keep his children safe, and shock at the revenge a damaged refugee exacts.
The comparison of this novel to Sarah Winman’s Still Life is valid, and it’s a high compliment to say that the story and characters are also reminiscent of Maeve Binchy’s work, with the lives of many characters told in vignettes and snippets that weave into each other. But blurb is a little misleading, giving the impression that Connie occupies the central role when, while she is an integral part, the lives of many other community members take turns at centre stage.
As a protagonist, Connie comes across as wilful and prickly, imaginative and given to misbehaviour, ultimately a tragic figure, but unfortunately not terribly likeable. Luckily, many of the other characters more than make up for her, and their joy and sorrows will bring a tear to the eye, a lump to the throat. Compelling, emotional and sometimes quite dark, this is a beautifully written tale.
May 20, 2022
Robbi Neal, The Secret World of Connie Starr Harlequin Australia HQ, June 2022.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Robbi Neal has written this book in part to redeem a past that treated a family member with the discrimination and cruelty that was woven into an Australian small-town mentality. She provides no further detail of the offense, perpetrator or victim, so the reader can come to the novel with a mind clear of preconceptions, apart from knowing that person whose real story ended in heart break, in this fictional account gains redemption. Many of the characters have personal flaws, as well as compensatory features. Their stories and personalities demand a thoughtful read to give each character their due. At the same time, the novel proceeds in a simple format in short chapters, with historical events blending with personal stories in a satisfying read.
Connie Starr is born to Flora, the young second wife of a pastor, Joseph. Her youth is an enduring feature of the novel, along side her dedication to her stepchildren and their father, and her disillusion with her own daughter. Connie has a rich imaginary life, an unsatisfactory life in the outside world, as well as being a disruption to the family and a seemingly unwelcome member. She is not a wholly sympathetic character. Her behaviour is perhaps only that of a curious and literal minded child. However, it makes uncomfortable reading at times.
Uncomfortable reading is a phrase that resonated throughout my interaction with this novel. Birdie’s desire to resist happiness is not entirely overcome by the strength of character she shows when her son is at risk; Flora’s disconnect with Connie cannot be hidden by her undoubted commendable support for her stepchildren and husband; Joseph’s publicly benign behaviour is undermined by his controlling domestic behaviour; Connie’s friendship with Gabe later in life is marred by the author’s portrayal of events in their childhood relationship. For me, the explanation for Gabe’s early unkindness does not sit well, conflicting as it does with concepts around women and men’s relationships today.
Where the novel excels is in describing with such a light touch the social and political events that affect Ballarat where it is set. The Depression which impacts upon Connie’s childhood is seen in terms of her dislike of her second-hand clothing, and homeless people being housed briefly at the rectory. The horror of polio and its traditional treatment is compared with Sister Kenny’s enlightened approach. The war leads to loss of lives of characters that have become familiar but are not dwelt upon to the exclusion of the lives that are to be lived.
I have mixed feelings about Robbie Neal’s novel. I like its Australian flavour, and the author’s desire to develop a positive account about an event that clearly made for an unhappy history. The short chapters provided powerful vignettes of events, characters, and relationships. However, I found it difficult to empathise with any of the characters. Their aspirations and their behaviour never seemed to move beyond the strict confines of their town and its mores. Connie’s angels and their fight with the demons, the conflict between good and bad, and her burgeoning lemon tree present some engaging images, but even they appear confined. I would have liked the angels to fly free and the tree grow heavy with glistening pungent fruit, lifting Connie’s story beyond the confines of a rather inhospitable reality.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
Robbi Neal has written this book in part to redeem a past that treated a family member with the discrimination and cruelty that was woven into an Australian small-town mentality. She provides no further detail of the offense, perpetrator or victim, so the reader can come to the novel with a mind clear of preconceptions, apart from knowing that person whose real story ended in heart break, in this fictional account gains redemption. Many of the characters have personal flaws, as well as compensatory features. Their stories and personalities demand a thoughtful read to give each character their due. At the same time, the novel proceeds in a simple format in short chapters, with historical events blending with personal stories in a satisfying read.
Connie Starr is born to Flora, the young second wife of a pastor, Joseph. Her youth is an enduring feature of the novel, along side her dedication to her stepchildren and their father, and her disillusion with her own daughter. Connie has a rich imaginary life, an unsatisfactory life in the outside world, as well as being a disruption to the family and a seemingly unwelcome member. She is not a wholly sympathetic character. Her behaviour is perhaps only that of a curious and literal minded child. However, it makes uncomfortable reading at times.
Uncomfortable reading is a phrase that resonated throughout my interaction with this novel. Birdie’s desire to resist happiness is not entirely overcome by the strength of character she shows when her son is at risk; Flora’s disconnect with Connie cannot be hidden by her undoubted commendable support for her stepchildren and husband; Joseph’s publicly benign behaviour is undermined by his controlling domestic behaviour; Connie’s friendship with Gabe later in life is marred by the author’s portrayal of events in their childhood relationship. For me, the explanation for Gabe’s early unkindness does not sit well, conflicting as it does with concepts around women and men’s relationships today.
Where the novel excels is in describing with such a light touch the social and political events that affect Ballarat where it is set. The Depression which impacts upon Connie’s childhood is seen in terms of her dislike of her second-hand clothing, and homeless people being housed briefly at the rectory. The horror of polio and its traditional treatment is compared with Sister Kenny’s enlightened approach. The war leads to loss of lives of characters that have become familiar but are not dwelt upon to the exclusion of the lives that are to be lived.
I have mixed feelings about Robbie Neal’s novel. I like its Australian flavour, and the author’s desire to develop a positive account about an event that clearly made for an unhappy history. The short chapters provided powerful vignettes of events, characters, and relationships. However, I found it difficult to empathise with any of the characters. Their aspirations and their behaviour never seemed to move beyond the strict confines of their town and its mores. Connie’s angels and their fight with the demons, the conflict between good and bad, and her burgeoning lemon tree present some engaging images, but even they appear confined. I would have liked the angels to fly free and the tree grow heavy with glistening pungent fruit, lifting Connie’s story beyond the confines of a rather inhospitable reality.
May 28, 2022
‘Connie Starr was always a difficult child.’
Set in Ballarat, Victoria, this novel opens with the birth of Connie Starr in 1934. Connie’s mother, Flora, is the second wife of Joseph Starr, a pastor. Joseph has three older children: Danny, Lydia, and Thom. While Flora has an uneasy relationship with her stepchildren, Connie’ s arrival further complicates the family dynamics.
When Connie is five, World War II breaks out and the world changes completely. From her eyrie, high in the lemon tree Joseph planted just before she was born, Connie observes and interprets what she sees. The boundary between observation and imagination is not always clear. There are other families in this novel as well, each with their own stories, hardships and (several) heartbreaks. Men and youths travel off to war, rationing is introduced, and Connie is often annoyed when Flora invites those who are less well-off to share the Starr home and meals. And over the following twenty years, we will travel with some of these characters as their lives unfurl (and, in some cases unravel).
Ms Neal has written an intricate novel, with multiple themes and well-realised complex characters. Many of the characters struggle through World War II and its aftermath, some emerge triumphant, others survive while some of the opportunists meet their comeuppance.
And Connie? She has a journey of her own to undertake.
I really enjoyed this novel, but I must confess that Connie was not my favourite character.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Set in Ballarat, Victoria, this novel opens with the birth of Connie Starr in 1934. Connie’s mother, Flora, is the second wife of Joseph Starr, a pastor. Joseph has three older children: Danny, Lydia, and Thom. While Flora has an uneasy relationship with her stepchildren, Connie’ s arrival further complicates the family dynamics.
When Connie is five, World War II breaks out and the world changes completely. From her eyrie, high in the lemon tree Joseph planted just before she was born, Connie observes and interprets what she sees. The boundary between observation and imagination is not always clear. There are other families in this novel as well, each with their own stories, hardships and (several) heartbreaks. Men and youths travel off to war, rationing is introduced, and Connie is often annoyed when Flora invites those who are less well-off to share the Starr home and meals. And over the following twenty years, we will travel with some of these characters as their lives unfurl (and, in some cases unravel).
Ms Neal has written an intricate novel, with multiple themes and well-realised complex characters. Many of the characters struggle through World War II and its aftermath, some emerge triumphant, others survive while some of the opportunists meet their comeuppance.
And Connie? She has a journey of her own to undertake.
I really enjoyed this novel, but I must confess that Connie was not my favourite character.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
November 22, 2024
This is a tough one for me to rate. I enjoyed parts of it a lot, others not so much. 3.5 stars
June 21, 2022
I was among those fortunate enough to be given such an early copy of this book, it was before ARCs were even available. The downside to this was I’ve had to sit on my excitement about what an absolute stellar of a read it is until now.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a whimsical, beautiful work of historical fiction, set in Ballarat during World War II and a decade or so beyond. It centres on the Starr family, the Baptist minister and head of the family, Joseph, his younger, second wife, Flora, three children from his first marriage and then the youngest child – Joseph’s and Flora’s only child - Connie. From the moment she is born, Connie is marked as different – not so much physically - it’s her way of perceiving the world that marks her out as extraordinary. For Connie experiences life as a never-ending battle between forces of good, evil, daring and cowardice, truth and lies, yet when she tries to explain this to her friends and family, she is blithely dismissed, feared, bullied or her unique way of seeing things is exploited.
As daily life goes on around Connie and the years pass and people come and go, she observes those who enter and depart, most often from the branches of her beloved lemon tree. Beyond Connie’s gaze, however, the reader is given insight into what happens behind the closed doors of not just the Starr family, but others in their tight-knit community – in particular, the Finchleys, Mabbetts and Mitchell families.
This is small-town life writ large and with brutality, rawness and, above all, astonishing beauty. Quintessentially Australian, evoking a time and place at once familiar and strange, this book is an ode to difference, to those who dare to dream, who break the rules, defy authority, but also the high price that is sometimes exacted for such risks. For all its poetic splendour, the book is not without darkness: shadows fall throughout, a stark reminder that even within simplicity and beauty there are dangers hovering in the wings – people, events, accidents, choices, and more. Written in sublime prose, this novel is filled with drama, humour, tragedy, hope, loss, forgiveness and love.
It's an achingly lovely tale that shines long after the last page and I’ve no doubt whatsoever, Connie Starr will set the literary firmament ablaze.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a whimsical, beautiful work of historical fiction, set in Ballarat during World War II and a decade or so beyond. It centres on the Starr family, the Baptist minister and head of the family, Joseph, his younger, second wife, Flora, three children from his first marriage and then the youngest child – Joseph’s and Flora’s only child - Connie. From the moment she is born, Connie is marked as different – not so much physically - it’s her way of perceiving the world that marks her out as extraordinary. For Connie experiences life as a never-ending battle between forces of good, evil, daring and cowardice, truth and lies, yet when she tries to explain this to her friends and family, she is blithely dismissed, feared, bullied or her unique way of seeing things is exploited.
As daily life goes on around Connie and the years pass and people come and go, she observes those who enter and depart, most often from the branches of her beloved lemon tree. Beyond Connie’s gaze, however, the reader is given insight into what happens behind the closed doors of not just the Starr family, but others in their tight-knit community – in particular, the Finchleys, Mabbetts and Mitchell families.
This is small-town life writ large and with brutality, rawness and, above all, astonishing beauty. Quintessentially Australian, evoking a time and place at once familiar and strange, this book is an ode to difference, to those who dare to dream, who break the rules, defy authority, but also the high price that is sometimes exacted for such risks. For all its poetic splendour, the book is not without darkness: shadows fall throughout, a stark reminder that even within simplicity and beauty there are dangers hovering in the wings – people, events, accidents, choices, and more. Written in sublime prose, this novel is filled with drama, humour, tragedy, hope, loss, forgiveness and love.
It's an achingly lovely tale that shines long after the last page and I’ve no doubt whatsoever, Connie Starr will set the literary firmament ablaze.
May 7, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for an uncorrected reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This wonderful novel takes place in 1930’s-1950’s Ballarat Australia. The story describes the lives of the Baptist Church parishioners centring on the parish ministers family the Starrs.
What follows is an intermit delve into the intertwining story’s of the lives of these parishioners before, during and after World War Two. Describing a sometimes dreamlike and other times hardened reality of life in Australia at the time.
This novel evokes feelings of sorrow, fear, heartbreak, laughter and moments of pure joy. Much how we would feel these and more in a life time.
My favourite part of this book is how the story is told. Not only do we get wonderfully curated descriptions of nature and grit of war and the deep darkness of thought but we hear from everyone. There is not just one narrator. All the characters get a chance to tell their story. And they are magically intertwined within chapters, pages and scenes.
Neal has created a novel that is the perfect way to delve into an Australian past and live the lives of a small set of wonderfully simple and complex people.
This wonderful novel takes place in 1930’s-1950’s Ballarat Australia. The story describes the lives of the Baptist Church parishioners centring on the parish ministers family the Starrs.
What follows is an intermit delve into the intertwining story’s of the lives of these parishioners before, during and after World War Two. Describing a sometimes dreamlike and other times hardened reality of life in Australia at the time.
This novel evokes feelings of sorrow, fear, heartbreak, laughter and moments of pure joy. Much how we would feel these and more in a life time.
My favourite part of this book is how the story is told. Not only do we get wonderfully curated descriptions of nature and grit of war and the deep darkness of thought but we hear from everyone. There is not just one narrator. All the characters get a chance to tell their story. And they are magically intertwined within chapters, pages and scenes.
Neal has created a novel that is the perfect way to delve into an Australian past and live the lives of a small set of wonderfully simple and complex people.
April 10, 2022
This tale resonated with my memories of Cloudstreet.
Set in Ballarat around the time of the second world war, the characters are boldly drawn and beautifully depicted.
Connie Starr is the central character with her strange ability to see angels and demons.
Her family features strongly but other families add to the weaving of the story.
I enjoyed the way the story is constructed. It is quite a long book.
If you're a fan of Cloudstreet, Boy Swallows Universe or similar books, this will probably be an enjoyable read for you.
Set in Ballarat around the time of the second world war, the characters are boldly drawn and beautifully depicted.
Connie Starr is the central character with her strange ability to see angels and demons.
Her family features strongly but other families add to the weaving of the story.
I enjoyed the way the story is constructed. It is quite a long book.
If you're a fan of Cloudstreet, Boy Swallows Universe or similar books, this will probably be an enjoyable read for you.
April 18, 2023
For a book set in Ballarat this was surprisingly addictive. I am a sucker for some WW2 historical fiction though
June 20, 2022
The Secret World of Connie Starr - Robbi Neal
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a beautifully written novel that touched my heart. This historically significant novel begins in 1934 and takes the reader to Ballarat where we see the impact of the second world war. Australian men who felt the need to sign up to fight and the many women who were left at home with their children, struggling along. Robbi Neal describes the day to day lives of Australians and although we were far removed in distance, our people were closely impacted.
I enjoyed the writing style and look forward to reading another of Robbi Neal's novels. The author intelligently introduces issues that are not usually discussed and are important when looking back at this time period, including the horrors of polio, horrific actions towards others and the treatment of vulnerable people in society.
Connie Starr comes into the world on 2 April 1934. From the moment she meets her mum there is a disconnect and throughout the novel her voice is heard in ways that no one else hears - we are welcomed into her secret world. The reader gains insight into her thought process and what life is like to be Connie. Connie's father is a pastor and her life is filled with Christian values, however, due to her differences and experience of good and evil she doesn't feel that she belongs.
Connie is a loveable character and when she is hurt, I felt hurt. When Connie is comforted, as a reader, I felt such relief. Back in this time people were not diagnosed and assisted, rather they were social outcasts who were not valued for their individuality.
Connie's connection with Gabe develops and we see an understanding of one another's circumstances. I felt connected to this character who was so disconnected to the many other characters we were introduced to.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a moving novel that had me laughing, crying and hoping for a world where all of the Connies feel that they can live lives true to themselves. The ending is perfect. A story of loss, hurt, pain and horror closes on a note of love.
Thank you @harlequinaus for sending me a copy of this novel to read and review.
#chapterichi
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a beautifully written novel that touched my heart. This historically significant novel begins in 1934 and takes the reader to Ballarat where we see the impact of the second world war. Australian men who felt the need to sign up to fight and the many women who were left at home with their children, struggling along. Robbi Neal describes the day to day lives of Australians and although we were far removed in distance, our people were closely impacted.
I enjoyed the writing style and look forward to reading another of Robbi Neal's novels. The author intelligently introduces issues that are not usually discussed and are important when looking back at this time period, including the horrors of polio, horrific actions towards others and the treatment of vulnerable people in society.
Connie Starr comes into the world on 2 April 1934. From the moment she meets her mum there is a disconnect and throughout the novel her voice is heard in ways that no one else hears - we are welcomed into her secret world. The reader gains insight into her thought process and what life is like to be Connie. Connie's father is a pastor and her life is filled with Christian values, however, due to her differences and experience of good and evil she doesn't feel that she belongs.
Connie is a loveable character and when she is hurt, I felt hurt. When Connie is comforted, as a reader, I felt such relief. Back in this time people were not diagnosed and assisted, rather they were social outcasts who were not valued for their individuality.
Connie's connection with Gabe develops and we see an understanding of one another's circumstances. I felt connected to this character who was so disconnected to the many other characters we were introduced to.
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a moving novel that had me laughing, crying and hoping for a world where all of the Connies feel that they can live lives true to themselves. The ending is perfect. A story of loss, hurt, pain and horror closes on a note of love.
Thank you @harlequinaus for sending me a copy of this novel to read and review.
#chapterichi
May 28, 2022
This is a wonderfully written book, which is based in Ballarat between 1934 and 1952.
The story follows the lives of Reverend Joseph Starr and his family, and also local friends and Parishioners in the area, and the impact that the war had on all of these people’s lives.
Joseph’s first wife died leaving him as a single parent to Thom, Lydia, and Danny. When he met Flora, he fell for her instantly, so they married and then had Connie. From the time Connie entered the world it was clear that she was a different and difficult child who was going to change their lives forever. She sits in her lemon tree in the backyard to spy on everyone below. She sees the world in a whole new way and talks to archangels and believes the Devil intervenes during different stages of her life.
The book takes you on a journey of all different emotions and experiences. You are sure to enjoy this book, particularly those who read and enjoyed “A Nurse’s War” by Victoria Purman, or “The Code Breakers” by Ali Sinclair.
Thank you to Goodreads and Harlequin for the copy of the book.
The story follows the lives of Reverend Joseph Starr and his family, and also local friends and Parishioners in the area, and the impact that the war had on all of these people’s lives.
Joseph’s first wife died leaving him as a single parent to Thom, Lydia, and Danny. When he met Flora, he fell for her instantly, so they married and then had Connie. From the time Connie entered the world it was clear that she was a different and difficult child who was going to change their lives forever. She sits in her lemon tree in the backyard to spy on everyone below. She sees the world in a whole new way and talks to archangels and believes the Devil intervenes during different stages of her life.
The book takes you on a journey of all different emotions and experiences. You are sure to enjoy this book, particularly those who read and enjoyed “A Nurse’s War” by Victoria Purman, or “The Code Breakers” by Ali Sinclair.
Thank you to Goodreads and Harlequin for the copy of the book.
May 19, 2022
The Secret World Of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal has five stars for me! It has the Wow! factor with incredible character development with a story that touches the heart - there is joy, despair, laughter and immense sadness.
Set in Ballarat, Australia between 1934 including World War II and taking us to the post war period up until 1952. It gives a fantastic depiction of life at the time with the backdrop of the war and world events. The characters of the town of Ballarat are simple country town folk who deal with life and death through this period. The reader is taken into the fold and it is hard not to become involved in all that happens.
The writing style is absolutely magnificent. The descriptions come alive and give such depth to the story.
This is one poignant description:
“It was almost Christmas and still the world was at war. So much for peace and goodwill. The world was an asphalt schoolyard where a small push could result in a bloody knee.”
And another one:
“Politicians bickered and parried and the League of Nations took action and told the Soviet Union they were out of the gang if they didn’t stop their hostilities towards poor Finland.”
Highly recommended literary read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher Harlequin Australia via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Any quotes are subject to change with the final publication.
Set in Ballarat, Australia between 1934 including World War II and taking us to the post war period up until 1952. It gives a fantastic depiction of life at the time with the backdrop of the war and world events. The characters of the town of Ballarat are simple country town folk who deal with life and death through this period. The reader is taken into the fold and it is hard not to become involved in all that happens.
The writing style is absolutely magnificent. The descriptions come alive and give such depth to the story.
This is one poignant description:
“It was almost Christmas and still the world was at war. So much for peace and goodwill. The world was an asphalt schoolyard where a small push could result in a bloody knee.”
And another one:
“Politicians bickered and parried and the League of Nations took action and told the Soviet Union they were out of the gang if they didn’t stop their hostilities towards poor Finland.”
Highly recommended literary read.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher Harlequin Australia via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Any quotes are subject to change with the final publication.
May 28, 2022
I loved the delightful style of Robbi Neal. Connie Starr enters the world in 1943 Ballarat, full of determination. Daughter of a minister and his younger second wife, with three older half siblings, Connie feels like an outsider at school and struggles to find friends. With beautifully described characters, we feel part of the community, wanting Connie and her family to succeed whilst they struggle through the war. Reading this book is an absolute treat whilst dealing with much darker themes.
May 22, 2022
recently received an ARC copy of The secret world of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal thanks to #BetterReading preview and @HarperCollins. I loved this family drama firstly as the time period resonates with my life. I was born in 1934 although in Sydney rather than Victoria it gives me a picture of how life was lived as I was too young to remember much.
Connie struggles from day 1. She never really fit in with her nearest and dearest and was treated harshly or dismissed for weird whimsical way of communicating with angels from the branches of the family lemon tree. She wants to be heard and isn't so act's up or prefers her own company.
She encounters much heartache and difficulty in her quest to find her identity and a place to fit in.
I loved this book and felt terribly sorry for Connie's character. It's a great tale reminding us to fight for truth and protection. I strongly recommend others check it out. Thanks for the opportunity to read this interesting read.
Connie struggles from day 1. She never really fit in with her nearest and dearest and was treated harshly or dismissed for weird whimsical way of communicating with angels from the branches of the family lemon tree. She wants to be heard and isn't so act's up or prefers her own company.
She encounters much heartache and difficulty in her quest to find her identity and a place to fit in.
I loved this book and felt terribly sorry for Connie's character. It's a great tale reminding us to fight for truth and protection. I strongly recommend others check it out. Thanks for the opportunity to read this interesting read.
May 10, 2022
I was a huge fan of Robbi Neal’s previous historical novel, The Art of Preserving Love, published under the pen name Ada Langton, so I was very much looking forward to reading The Secret World of Connie Starr. I wasn’t disappointed! This is a story that is haunting and moving in equal measure. It will be sure to stay with you long after you finish reading it.
The Secret World of Connie Booth is set in Ballarat and it takes place around the period of the second world war and the 1950s. It depicts small-town life in vivid and tender detail. Though I’ve only been to Ballarat once, I could visualise the streets that the characters lived on perfectly.
Though the story centres on the protagonist, Connie Booth, throughout her childhood and early adulthood, there is a vast canvas of characters beyond Connie’s whose stories are also told in affectionate and intimate detail. Each character’s hopes and dreams, aches and desires, longings and yearnings, faults and foibles, are told tenderly and with compassion. The story covers everything from war and polio to motherhood and sexual assault, from spiritual failings to romantic love (of both the requited and the unrequited) kind. It is impossible not to be moved.
Connie’s visions of angels and demons movingly illustrate the novel’s greater theme of the battle between good and evil. There is a strong spiritual and religious underpinning to the novel, but this never comes at the expense of what is essentially a rollicking good yarn.
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Copy of this novel from HarperCollins. I can’t recommend it enough.
The Secret World of Connie Booth is set in Ballarat and it takes place around the period of the second world war and the 1950s. It depicts small-town life in vivid and tender detail. Though I’ve only been to Ballarat once, I could visualise the streets that the characters lived on perfectly.
Though the story centres on the protagonist, Connie Booth, throughout her childhood and early adulthood, there is a vast canvas of characters beyond Connie’s whose stories are also told in affectionate and intimate detail. Each character’s hopes and dreams, aches and desires, longings and yearnings, faults and foibles, are told tenderly and with compassion. The story covers everything from war and polio to motherhood and sexual assault, from spiritual failings to romantic love (of both the requited and the unrequited) kind. It is impossible not to be moved.
Connie’s visions of angels and demons movingly illustrate the novel’s greater theme of the battle between good and evil. There is a strong spiritual and religious underpinning to the novel, but this never comes at the expense of what is essentially a rollicking good yarn.
I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Copy of this novel from HarperCollins. I can’t recommend it enough.
May 5, 2022
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
Connie Starr was always a difficult child. Her mother knew as soon as Connie entered the world that day in Ballarat in 1934 and opened her lungs to scream, there was more chaos in the world than before and it wouldn't leave until Connie did. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
This ambitious, complex and insightful novel intertwines numerous stories of lives from before World War II and beyond, recreating with intimacy and breadth a world that is now lost to us. This book is a brightly coloured patchwork quilt of everything from shoes to polio, lemon trees to rivers, death to life that melds into one beautiful, luminous work of art.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
General Fiction
Review:
This book has interesting quirky and colourful characters, who each have a story to tell. The main character is Connie Starr and her family. Set in the Victorian town of Ballarat during the late nineteen thirties till the early nineteen fifties in difficult times, the book explores how a small community deals with the tragic effects of war, disease, religion and conforming to the small community mentality and morale. Specially interesting is how the different characters handle this. A interesting and original story.
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me.
Connie Starr was always a difficult child. Her mother knew as soon as Connie entered the world that day in Ballarat in 1934 and opened her lungs to scream, there was more chaos in the world than before and it wouldn't leave until Connie did. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is - a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies - lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
This ambitious, complex and insightful novel intertwines numerous stories of lives from before World War II and beyond, recreating with intimacy and breadth a world that is now lost to us. This book is a brightly coloured patchwork quilt of everything from shoes to polio, lemon trees to rivers, death to life that melds into one beautiful, luminous work of art.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 3 out of 5 stars
Character development: 4 out of 5 stars
Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Women’s Fiction
General Fiction
Review:
This book has interesting quirky and colourful characters, who each have a story to tell. The main character is Connie Starr and her family. Set in the Victorian town of Ballarat during the late nineteen thirties till the early nineteen fifties in difficult times, the book explores how a small community deals with the tragic effects of war, disease, religion and conforming to the small community mentality and morale. Specially interesting is how the different characters handle this. A interesting and original story.
Review copy provided by NetGalley at no cost to me.
May 2, 2022
The anchor of this enchanting and haunting story is Connie Starr. She is different from the day she was born and she sees angels and demons and the world around her so much more than other people.
It’s a complex tale set in the days before, during, and after WWII and set in the town of Ballarat. The weather is described so well that the heat of a Victorian summer hits your skin as well as the contrasting cold of the winter.
Connie is only one story, there are many others, but they all come back to Connie’s family. There are tragedies and triumphs, losses and gains and I never wanted the story to end. Each character has a tale to tell and even when they are unlikeable they are still people.
The writing is easy to read but paints intricate portraits and landscapes with words.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAustralia for the eARC of #TheSecretWorldOfConnieStarr
It’s a complex tale set in the days before, during, and after WWII and set in the town of Ballarat. The weather is described so well that the heat of a Victorian summer hits your skin as well as the contrasting cold of the winter.
Connie is only one story, there are many others, but they all come back to Connie’s family. There are tragedies and triumphs, losses and gains and I never wanted the story to end. Each character has a tale to tell and even when they are unlikeable they are still people.
The writing is easy to read but paints intricate portraits and landscapes with words.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and highly recommend it.
With thanks to #NetGalley and #HarlequinAustralia for the eARC of #TheSecretWorldOfConnieStarr
March 16, 2022
Reading 'The Secret World of Connie Starr' is an experience that will take a few days to settle in me. It is such an ambitious, original, colourful tapestry composed of many lives intertwined during a period when the sad effects of war, polio, food rationing, trauma, premature death and so on turned personal worlds upside down. The pain and suffering caused by WWII will never be forgotten by those who endured it. For those who lost their loves, lives and families, this era bore tragic twists of fate. The Secret World of Connie Starr clearly demonstrates this and comes across with a setting and time that feels very real when death and life were at odds. Your heart will ache, your eyes will burn with tears as you follow the harrowing experiences of these characters to hell and back. It is a complex story exquisitely told providing a creative portrait of human suffering and how individuals stagger to find purpose, love and acceptance in gruelling times.
From the start, our protagonist Connie Starr comes into the world on a wave of chaos. She is an unusual child with unusual views. She sees angels and demons and her actions are very much influenced by them. Brought up in a strict environment, she and other family members sometimes struggle with the religious views imposed upon them and find ways to compensate. And as we see, even the most upstanding individuals battle evil within. So despite the facades that are worn to hide the truth and shame, darkness still manages to seep out in unguarded moments. Through effective characterisation and plot we learn that appearances can be superficial and do not necessarily reflect the contents of hearts that are capable of carrying both light and darkness.
This is a novel of tragic beauty, of shimmering uniqueness, a tangle of truth and lies, of tenderness and brutality, delicacy and harshness. It is an epic tale that must be read to be appreciated. A novel that will leave your heart and mind seared and softened. And thinking long after the last page. A literary triumph for Robbie Neal. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Au for a review copy.
From the start, our protagonist Connie Starr comes into the world on a wave of chaos. She is an unusual child with unusual views. She sees angels and demons and her actions are very much influenced by them. Brought up in a strict environment, she and other family members sometimes struggle with the religious views imposed upon them and find ways to compensate. And as we see, even the most upstanding individuals battle evil within. So despite the facades that are worn to hide the truth and shame, darkness still manages to seep out in unguarded moments. Through effective characterisation and plot we learn that appearances can be superficial and do not necessarily reflect the contents of hearts that are capable of carrying both light and darkness.
This is a novel of tragic beauty, of shimmering uniqueness, a tangle of truth and lies, of tenderness and brutality, delicacy and harshness. It is an epic tale that must be read to be appreciated. A novel that will leave your heart and mind seared and softened. And thinking long after the last page. A literary triumph for Robbie Neal. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Netgalley and HarperCollins Au for a review copy.
April 10, 2022
Set in Ballarat during the late 1930 thru to the early 1950s the book provides an insight into life in an Australian country town during this period of history. The depression, war time rationing, polio, family relationships and small country town community life. There is joy, sadness, hardships and love.
Connie Starr is born to Flora the second wife of her pastor husband, Joseph in Ballarat. Joseph is a good few years older than Flora and has 3 children from his first marriage. Flora does not bond with Connie and seems to have a better relationship with her stepchildren. Connie is not an easy child and she struggles to cope in a very strict religious home. She talks to angels and see demons from up in her lemon tree but the book is not only about Connie it transverse her entire family and the community.
The book does not give the character driven emphasis as the title suggests but it is a great read and will stay with you for many days after reading it.
Connie Starr is born to Flora the second wife of her pastor husband, Joseph in Ballarat. Joseph is a good few years older than Flora and has 3 children from his first marriage. Flora does not bond with Connie and seems to have a better relationship with her stepchildren. Connie is not an easy child and she struggles to cope in a very strict religious home. She talks to angels and see demons from up in her lemon tree but the book is not only about Connie it transverse her entire family and the community.
The book does not give the character driven emphasis as the title suggests but it is a great read and will stay with you for many days after reading it.
June 5, 2022
Connie is the central character in a novel titled “The Secret World of Connie Starr” by Robbi Neal.
Set in the small Australian country town of Ballarat from 1939-1952 Connie is an odd, disobedient and a right handful of a child. Observing the world from the branches of her lemon tree Connie observes the lives of her family, neighbours and her parent’s friends during the time period of World War II. Connie also observes in her mind the battles of angles and demons in their own war.
Honestly I nearly gave up on the Secret World of Connie Star before I had reached page 50. The religious continuations and the talk of angels and demons bored me and I nearly lost interest. Luckily it was Bridie and Aubrey’s story with a little bit of passion that piped my interest and brought me back into the story.
I loved the history lesson of what it was like for those waiting at home for the war to end, what lengths woman had to go to when they suddenly they didn’t have the support of their husbands, the heartache experienced by the parents who sat wondering, worrying where their son was and was he alive. Robbi Neal also includes history of the diseases present at the time and the horrifying treatment of them. She also addresses what living in society was like in a time when the constraints of Baptist church and society were very restrictive and sexist for females.
The story seemed to be more about the people surrounding Connie rather than Connie herself. She was a hard character to like and I have to admit I did not take to her until the last few chapters. However in saying this by the end of the book I did have a soft spot for Connie who was a very misunderstood girl in a time when the rules of society outweighed the understanding for someone who was a little bit different.
Set in the small Australian country town of Ballarat from 1939-1952 Connie is an odd, disobedient and a right handful of a child. Observing the world from the branches of her lemon tree Connie observes the lives of her family, neighbours and her parent’s friends during the time period of World War II. Connie also observes in her mind the battles of angles and demons in their own war.
Honestly I nearly gave up on the Secret World of Connie Star before I had reached page 50. The religious continuations and the talk of angels and demons bored me and I nearly lost interest. Luckily it was Bridie and Aubrey’s story with a little bit of passion that piped my interest and brought me back into the story.
I loved the history lesson of what it was like for those waiting at home for the war to end, what lengths woman had to go to when they suddenly they didn’t have the support of their husbands, the heartache experienced by the parents who sat wondering, worrying where their son was and was he alive. Robbi Neal also includes history of the diseases present at the time and the horrifying treatment of them. She also addresses what living in society was like in a time when the constraints of Baptist church and society were very restrictive and sexist for females.
The story seemed to be more about the people surrounding Connie rather than Connie herself. She was a hard character to like and I have to admit I did not take to her until the last few chapters. However in saying this by the end of the book I did have a soft spot for Connie who was a very misunderstood girl in a time when the rules of society outweighed the understanding for someone who was a little bit different.
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