The Hare with Amber Eyes by Edmund de Waal

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Genre - Non-Fiction

The author inherited a fascinating collection of tiny (and valuable) Japanese figures called netsuke. He traces the history of his family through generations of art collecting and European luxury, rise and fall, through the fate of the little netuske. 

The Ephrussi family were fabulously wealthy Jewish merchants, and Charles Ephrussi acquired the figures in Paris during the rage for Japonisme (Charles was a model for Proust's Swann). They were then sent to the Vienna branch of the family as a wedding present, and the magnificent way of life that prevailed under the Austro-Hungarian Empire is vividly described. Yet the same family came to grief in a matter of days when the Nazis took over in Austria, and the collections, furniture, and works of art were all shipped off: the netsuke were thought to be lost.  The story, however, ends in Japan, where a surviving member of the family was able to take them at the end of WW II, and from him the author, a famous potter who had studied with Japanese masters, inherited the netsuke and now tells their story.  This is history at its most engaging, a story of glamour, loss, and redemption.

---- Reviewed by Susan, Montrose

A Widow's Story by Joyce Carol Oates

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Genre - Non-fiction

A very raw and honest portrayal of grief written after the sudden death of her husband of 30 years they rarely spent a night apart.

A prolific writer of novels yet this is a true account warts and all of her emotional and physical journey through the dark landscape of grief that keeps you turning the pages.

Highly recommended.

---- Reviewed by Leonie, Ringwood

Sunshine on Sugar Hill by Angela Gilltrap

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Genre - Biography


Once upon a time, an Australian girl moved to Harlem. This is the true story of ABC “Strictly Dancing” presenter, Angela Gilltrap who grew up in sunny Queensland, shared a flat at beautiful Bondi Beach and chose to live on Sugar Hill in Harlem. Angela fell in love with an African American and went to live in his sixth floor apartment on one of the noisiest streets in Manhattan. She describes her adventures as the only white woman living in this part of the city with humour and tries to explain her attachment to her new home. I especially enjoyed the contrasts with life in Australia … “the trees, the silence, the absence of guys hanging out on my block”.

---- Reviewed by Sue, Knox

Read my heart by Jane Dunn

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Genre - Non Fiction


Dorothy Osborne & William Temple were lovers during the Civil War in England, separated by their families who wanted them both to marry rich partners. Their story is known because they wrote letters to each other for over 6 years before they were finally able to marry. Only the last two years of Dorothy's side of the correspondence survives. They had promised to burn the letters to prevent discovery but William couldn't bring himself to destroy Dorothy’s letters. Even when their families finally consented to the marriage, tragedy was never far away. One week before the wedding, Dorothy caught smallpox & nearly died. Her looks were ruined but William stayed beside her throughout her illness & they married & were devoted to each other for 40 years, although they were frustrated in their desire to have a family. Seven babies died at birth or soon after, & their two surviving children died young. The Temples created beautiful gardens at their homes in England & Ireland & also lived in Brussels where William was a diplomat. Dorothy had an almost equal role in his work as Lady Ambassadress & was even suspected of writing his letters for him. Apart from the great human interest of the story, this is an fascinating look at a period of civil war, Commonwealth & Restoration.

---- Reviewed by Lyn, Administration

Still no fixed address by Jackie Hartnell

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Genre - Non-fiction

Jackie has travelled extensively through the world, mainly by herself and sometimes with members of her family. Her travel dialogues are very easy to read, enjoyable and entertaining.

With a backpack an an enquiring mind, Jackie has adventures in southern England, Spain, Prague, Norway, Cambodia and Vietnam. The details of her 'moto' rides in Cambodia and her funny experiences in outback Australia are just two examples of her travels. Read her first book, No fixed address, for further fun and adventures.



---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

Bad Hair Days by Pamela Bone

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Genre - Non-fiction


This biography was published in 2007 while Pamela was in remission from cancer. Pamela was a well known Melbourne Age journalist, feminist, human rights champion and a passionate advocate for women. This is not a true step by step account of medical intervention but a journey into an extremely interesting and often sad struggle to awake the Australian public about the reality of the happenings to humans in Africa, especially children and women. A moving look at serious illness and how it affects sufferers and their families. Pamela died on 27 April 2007.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

La Vie Parisienne : looking for love and the perfect lingerie by Janelle McCulloch

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Genre - Non-fiction

If you have ever visited Paris, this book is a good reminder of the feel of the atmosphere of this city. Janelle has caught the essence of a Parisian in the respect that she has spent many hours studying the culture, especially the female of the species. Being well dressed and wearing high heeled shoes are a must for the women and the men just love females. There are great descriptions of walking in the back streets of Paris and the gazing that happens when sitting having coffee in one of their many wonderful cafes. You will learn about food, wine and local titbits of everyday life. As quoted in her book, ‘An education in style, glamour, gastronomy and grace in a place where even the asparagus spears are exquisite’. I loved the black and white photographs that really complement the style of book.

---- Reviewed by Julie, Ferntree Gully

Making Nature by Peter Timms

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Genre - Non-Fiction


Take a walk with Peter Timms, or actually six walks, as he meanders off in six different directions from his charming little mudbrick house in Tallarook (where "things are occasionally crook", but more often wonderous; including magical encounters with wombats, with an echidna, with silence, or when closely observing his dog Max.

While walking with Timms through the bush, we are privy to his reflections on the environment, ecology, spirituality, history and on "seeing".

This last observation is prompted by strolling with a friend who has no visual sight, rather relying on some sixth sense.

I found this erudite story a delightful and thought-provoking read.

---- Reviewed by Clare, Guest