The Sirens Sing

by Kristel Thornell

A beautiful novel from multi-award-winning writer Kristel Thornell, The Sirens Sing is about the haunting force of love and desire that ricochets between lives, across generations and through time. It is a portrait of Australian longing.The Blue Mountains, mid-1990s . Heather and David are two young people on the brink of adulthood, drawn together by their study of Italian. David is smitten with Heather, but has no idea how she feels about him. Besides Italian in common, they are both children of struggling single mothers, who raised them in the grungy Inner West of Sydney - share houses, a squat, a Housing Commission flat - before moving to Blackheath. At a festive evening to celebrate Heather's final high-school exam, events take a course that will profoundly change the lives of everyone present.Sydney, mid-1970s . Jan, the unconfident daughter of working-class parents and the first in her family to go to university, strikes up a friendship with bohemian, assured Alicia. They quickly become close. But one night down by Blackwattle Bay - the night of Gough Whitlam's dismissal - things go awry.A tender and poignant novel from award-winning writer Kristel Thornell, The Sirens Sing is a portrait of Australian longing. It explores desire, how it haunts and shapes us, and how, from generation to generation, there are echoes, overlaps and intersections in how we love, who we love, and why we love, as we are compelled to repeat the same patterns over and over again, like moths to a flame.

Genres: Fiction, Australia

304 pages, Paperback

Published September 7, 2022

About the author

Kristel Thornell was born in Sydney, Australia, and has also lived in Italy, Mexico, Canada, Finland and the US. Her debut novel, Night Street, co-won the 2009 Australian / Vogel Literary Award and won the Dobbie Literary Award for a first book and the Barbara Ramsden Award for best book of the year. Night Street was also a finalist for the Glenda Adams Award and the Christina Stead Prize for fiction in the NSW Premier’s Awards,and Kristell was named one of the Best Young Australian Novelists by The Sydney Morning Herald in 2011. Her short fiction, poetry, essays and reviews have appeared in a range of journals. She has completed degrees at the University of Sydney and the University of New Brunswick, and a PhD with the Writing and Society Research Group at the University of Western Sydney. She is based in upstate New York.

Reviews

[Rina · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

This book was a challenging one to process, although if its main goal was to leave a lasting impression, I’d say it was successful. The author’s storytelling style was really unusual and risky - which I could appreciate to an extend.

The book was divided into two parts: The Blue Mountains in mid 90s, where two young people, Heather and David, were drawn together to explore their feelings about life and each other, and Sydney in mid 70s, where Jan stroke up an unlikely friendship with Alicia and mulled over the meaning of life in the 70s.

Part one was quite lyrical and beautiful. I was really drawn to the ordinariness of the setting. There was a lot of references to the Western NSW suburbs which gave me a sense of nostalgia, despite never been living there myself.

Part two was told from Jan’s memory, and therefore it had a staccato style as the memories came and went. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with the characters in this part, but I could really appreciate the beauty of the writing style. Oftentimes, the story didn’t have a start and an end; events jumped years in both directions without warning.

I had incorrectly expected the two parts in the book to merge together at some point, when it wasn’t designed that way. The transition from part 1 to part 2 was so jarring, I felt yanked forcefully from the book and left disoriented. Because of this, I struggled to find my rhythm in the second part - like a wound, it needed time to heal, and even then it left a scar and it was never the same again.

All in all, just like the theme in the book (Australian longing), it left me longing.

(Thanks to HarperCollins Australia for a #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review)

See my bookstagram review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like it when authors try something new.  Not for the sake of it, but to achieve something different, something that only works in the novel because the novelist has been adventurous.

I've been reading Kristel Thornell's novels since she first published her Vogel Prize-winning Night Street in 2010, and each one has been different.

Night Street was a fictionalisation of the life of the Impressionist painter Clarice Beckett, but though it was Thornell's debut novel, it was a masterclass in evoking contrasts in tone.  Where the narrative is about Beckett's confinement to home duties because of her duty to her demanding parents the tone is claustrophobic; at night when she is free, the narrative expands and the tone is sensual.

On the Blue Train (2016) is a mystery, but it's a whydunit, not a whodunit. The story is bookended by the framework of Agatha Christie's unexplained brief disappearance, but within that the narration focusses on the thoughts and emotions of Teresa and her admirer Harry.  Thornell's novels are character-driven in a social context, and I've always liked that.

The Sirens Sing is a step away from narratives with a real-life prompt, and its two-part framework is unusual because its patterns reverberate across generations but the novel begins with the later time frame.  It is also a social novel because it explores how disadvantage shapes personality and behaviour.  Thornell shows how a lack of social confidence impacts on people of modest means when they move into a different milieu.

Odysseus and the Sirens, eponymous vase of the Siren Painter c.475BC (Wikipedia)

The Sirens who fail to lure Odysseus away from his quest do so only because his crew restrains him.  At his command, the men blocked their own ears, and tied him to the mast so that while he could hear the Sirens' song and feel the desire it evoked, he could not act on it.  In different ways, Thornell's characters hear the siren song of desire and do not act on it.  But the unconsummated loss haunts them all their lives.

The first part of the novel features adolescents Heather and David in the 1990s, attracted to each other by their mutual love of learning the Italian language. For both Heather and David, ambitions are constrained by the limitations of their backgrounds as the children of single parents.  Each is hesitant in developing the relationship, not least because they are both from disadvantaged backgrounds and are wary of being judged and rejected.  Sometimes the rent isn't paid and the pantry is bare.  Getting dressed for an outing is filled with anxiety because their wardrobes are so limited.

After agonising over his very few clothing choices, David had gone with the old Levi's, the Doc Martens he'd bought with his first pay from the hotel and the green-and-black-checked shirt he hoped was more urban-trendy than loutish-slacker Westie.  He fussed with the shirt, tucking it in, untucking, tucking, untucking. (p.21)

Their opportunities for meeting extend beyond school when Heather invites David to join her in an Italian conversation class with Ada. Fatally, Heather also invites Robbie to join the class as well although he is only a beginner in Italian.

To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2023/02/11/t...

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Notes

Book: The Sirens Sing
Author: Kristel Thornell
Pages: 294
Platform: 100% Read
Rating: 3/5

I received a copy of The Sirens Sing as part of the HarperCollins Australia First In Best Read program. This is the second of three books I have received.

This book is written in two parts set against the backdrop of New South Wales, Australia.

The first part is set in the mid 1990's. David and Heather bond over their love of languages and their shared struggles as only children to struggling single mothers. Both intimately understand the struggle to make ends meet and were raised in Housing Commission flats before moving to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains.

When Heather finishes her final high school exam, David and Heather join artist Robbie at their Italian tutor's house for a celebration. It's here that their lives change forever.

The second part is set in Sydney in the mid 1970's. Jan is the first in her family to make it this far. Daughter to working class parents, Jan is the first in her family to attend university. It is here in her story that she connects Alicia. One the night of Gough Whitlam's dismissal, Alicia and Jan's relationship takes an unexpected turn down by Blackwattle Bay.

What I liked:
* It was definitely well written and I could feel myself connecting with the Aussie aspect. It's nice to familiar with things like phrases / sayings and even products.

What I didn't like:
* I would have liked a little bit more closure.

Overall Thoughts

My rating is not because I disliked the book so please do not take my opinion as the deciding factor when considering the book. It is more to do with the fact that it just wasn't one for me personally. I just didn't really connect with the book or have a desire to keep picking it back up. This could just be me or my mood and it may be for you!

Thank you to HarperCollins Australia for sending me a copy of The Sirens Sing and I look forward to seeing what the next book is!

[Deborah (debbishdotcom) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Sirens Sing by Kristel Thornell unfolds in two timeframes. Unlike most dual timeline books however, the two aren't intertwined or shared concurrently. Rather - in the first half of the book, set in 1991-1993, Thornell focuses her attention on David, finishing school and preparing to go to University. For us his story starts when he befriends Heather, a year younger but with whom he shares similar interests and a passion and aptitude for the Italian language. The second half of the book takes us back to 1960s - 1970s during which we spend time with David's mother Janet (Jan) when she's David's age.

One of the things that frustrated me about this read was the lack of closure in both timelines. I realise it’s because I’m a control freak and like to know the full story, but both end quite abruptly and we only know that there may be (or is) more to come because we’ve met Jan in the present (though only minimally in David’s story) and future David talks about things-yet-to-happen.

That aside, this brought back some great memories and I liked the way David's life and that of his mother mirrored each other in some ways. History repeating itself or 'the sins of the fathers' or something. Thornell also offers some commentary on politics and reminds us that Australia wasn't (and still isn't) a classless society. Growing up in regional Australia, where most of my friends came from blue collar working class families it wasn't until I moved to the city and went to University that I realised a divide even existed. 
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...

[Heidi Schnee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed aspects of the book as the author is a good writer but I couldn’t help feel too much of the book was a bit too inconclusive for my likening. I found the end of part 1 very unsettling as I am wondering if Heather and David ever get together ( it was hinted that they could possibly) and how Heather is in general after the bath rape episode. There’s a good chance point of this was to be unsettling though. It was touched on but since I really liked the character Heather I wanted a more substantial ending on how she put herself back together and dealt with it all. I liked how in part 2 Lorna who at first seemed like a random character was connected to Jan and her strange behaviour of waiting for the mysterious gardener Claude was explained. I think the ending with Alicia’s betrayal was a bit out of nowhere though….. maybe more hints of attraction beforehand would have been good.
Being a Sydneysider myself I really enjoyed the descriptions of Glebe and the references to the western suburbs. Also being quite familiar with the Blue Mountains myself made the story easy to visualise ( my bookclub actually met in Blackheath to discuss the book which was fun since so much is set there).

[Serene Tansley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novel! I don't often read contemporary fiction but Kristal's writing is so beautifully descriptive and poetic. I was immediately drawn to the characters in part one, particularly Heather and David and the lovely friendship that develops between them.

The first part is set in the beautiful Blue Mountains, NSW which is where I grew up. References to places such as the Blackheath park pool, several spots in Katoomba and Lithgow (my home town) really took me back to my childhood and made me reminisce about many early memories.

I didn't relate as easily to the second part of the novel. Whilst there is a link in the characters (Janet being David's mother) I struggled to find a more direct link between the two parts. I was hoping to know what happened to Heather and how events in part one could have shaped her path. I do suspect that the purpose was to leave us with unanswered questions and have us contemplate the potential impact on these young people's lives.

The nostalgia really made this a beautiful read for me and I managed to get through it in half a day.

[Chrissie Bellbrae · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful story of intense feeling and emotion, of longing and loss, of love, desire and the awkwardness of youth — of wanting what you believe you desire but might not deserve.

This book is two parts of a whole; evocatively set between the 1990s in The Blue Mountains, and Sydney in the 1970s. Each sentence paints a picture of time and place, of class distinctions and views held in religion and politics. Add a cast of characters who battle the boundaries of living within their background, but yearn for freedom outside their narrow worlds— all while navigating the trials of poverty and the longing of youth.

Evocative, lyrical and poignant. Thornell weaves between her characters seamlessly; reading it was like viewing an Australian watercolour at close range painted over with the amber glow of childhood memories. She has a special depth of talent— a mastery for delicious, visceral and heartfelt prose and deep, moving character portrayals.
This is one to savour.

[Lani Tresidder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thornell's story-telling is so great even amidst the high level of textual choppiness. There are some interesting characters nestled in these pages, characters with stories that are rich and burgeoning but ultimately become dead-ended. The eventual dark entanglement between Heather, David, Robbie, Ada and Filippo was screaming to be further developed, but nothing ever came. The origins of Jan were elucidated, but for reasons that were not clear. Far more care could have been given to the lives of our initial characters, and I do wish that it had been. Perhaps through this random narrative structure, Thornell simply sought to communicate that life makes absolutely no sense, and it can be treacherous. I'm 20—I do not know. This book made me fearful and confused, yet animated, too. I enjoyed this read so much, despite the immense absence of conclusion.

[Fiona · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had great hopes for this book having read a very positive review somewhere. I did like the author’s descriptive prose and the story was especially poignant being set in the same timeframe and places where I resided. I felt however, that the flow of the story was disrupted and finished abruptly. Part 1 finished in such a way I assumed there’d be something further down the line to bring all the characters together again. And when Part 2 finished, it too was an unexpected, jolt. It was like the story got too hard so the author just….stopped. I actually went scrolling thinking have I missed the third part…was that really where she was going to end it? So all in all, the novel left me disappointed, unfulfilled and wanting more to round off the story. I would not recommend it.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half of this is set in the 1990s and the main characters, Heather and David, are engaging and empathetic. I really enjoyed it and could have read an entire book about them. Some of their story is left untold and I need to know where they went! Simply riveting. The second half is set in the 1970s and I was less intrigued by this section, however still invested enough to see how it resolved. It's beautifully written yet heart-breaking at times.

Thanks to Harper Collins AU for sending me a review copy as part of their First In Best Read program.

[Toni Umar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mmmmm, absolutely beautiful prose at all times. The descriptive paragraphs are just gorgeous, the story line was nice, the observations around the environment were perfect as were the personalities of the main characters. Seemingly all about every day life, the novel meanders to some unexpected and confronting outcomes. The reader has to decide what has occurred and who is affected. Two stories in the same book, different time lines, keep reading to find out about connections. I would love to hear the author discuss this novel if the opportunity ever arises. 3.5 stars.

[Rachael McDiarmid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Omilordy the writing, the writing! And the memories, the triggers, everything! Growing up in the inner west and reading this book was like watching droplets of my own memories slide down a window pane. Little things you’d remember from the 70s, from Glebe, the city. Everything! And going to college and spending time in the Blue Mountains, even now with our second home, this book oh it spoke to me. I mean it’s main locations were where my suburban heart is! But there’s also what it didn’t say. The fragments. Oh it’s just special. Not for everyone but it spoke to me.

[Don Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Award-winning author Kristel Thornell has produced a poignant novel that will enthrall all readers, but particularly those who know the Blue Mountains, Sydney's western and inner-city suburbs and the city itself. And it will hold particular appeal for those who remember the disgraceful sacking by a foreign queen's lackey of Australia's most reformist prime minister Gough Whitlam.

[Gavan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I quite liked it; but it felt like two novellas published as one novel. Nice character development; good dialogue. Almost ethereal and contemplative writing style. Characters who do not quite fit in. But the links between the two novellas didn't seem that strong (other than the obvious - that the mother of a central character in Part 1 was herself a youth in Part 2). I guess both books were "coming of age" stories in their own way. "Compare and contrast - growing up in the early 1990s (Part 1) versus growing up in the 1960s/70s (Part 2)"? And I really didn't see coming the events surrounding Heather at the end of Part 1.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

‘We are compelled to repeat the same patterns over and over again, like moths to a flame’.

This is a story of love and desire, told in two timelines. Rather than alternating throughout the book, we are told a story from the mid 90s, then one from 20 years before. This structure made it feel like 2 different books in one. I got really invested in the first timeline, to all of a sudden have it wrenched from me and then no further contact with those characters. This bothered me and I had trouble getting as invested in the second timeline.

The writing was beautiful and I loved the descriptions of the Blue Mountains and Sydney, both places familiar to me. I also appreciated the connection between the two stories and how that demonstrates the quote at the top of the review.

I think I would have preferred to stick with the first group of characters and explore the themes of love and desire through them, and the fallout of the events of the last night we were with them, rather than two stories.

Note there are a few trigger warnings with this one, so give it a google before you pick it up if you need to.

Overall, I enjoyed the writing style of this book, but the story missed the mark for my taste.

Thanks to Harper Collins Australia for providing me a gifted copy of this book as part of the First in, Best Read program.