The Adventures of Miles and Isabel is a well-written tale of two young Australians in the 1800s, born on the same night, to utterly different lives, who are linked through their devotion to flying. Both lead unconventional lives and thier paths seem to almost cross several times in the novel before they finally meet. This novel is enjoyable and just the right length for its whimsical focus. Have fun.

in 1856, Miles McGinty and Isabel Dowling are born on the same day. That is the accident before fate sets in. Miles serves as medium for the levitator Zbiginil Wolunsky and thus starts his dream of flying. He grows up to be a penniless tinkerer, who refuses to give up his dream. One day he breaks his arm while helping to advertise Horatio's Boomerang Brandy. The kind man who caused the accident takes him in for the duration of recuperation. And there Miles meets Isabel.The youngest of six sisters, Isabel has had it with hand-me-downs, strictures of the household and being the last in the receiving line. So, as a tender teenager, she leaves home and travels through Australia, winding up with Uncle John - where Miles is nursing his broken arm and his dream of flying. After building all kinds of contraptions, he finally comes close to something that works. Isabel, of course, helps him and the two grow close.

I will not divulge the ending because it is too beautiful to be messed with by an amateur. Mr. Gilling, who wrote the incredible "The Sooterkin", again uses his unique imagination and the beauty of his language to give us a novel that will stay in our memory for a long time and uplift our spirits.

In "The Adventures of Miles and Isabel", Tom Gilling brings back the classic story of fated romance, but without any of the frivolous swooning our twenty-first century culture prefers to do without. This love story is set in the pre-aviation era of the 1850's and 60's... only it's not so much about the love between a boy and a girl as it is between a boy and a girl and their obsession with flight.

Miles is an intelligent, restless boy who is bursting with the unwavering confidence of his own ideals. He is the only son of Eliza McGinty, famed Australian stage actress, who went into labor with him during her controversial rendition of Hamlet. Isabel is an independent young lady who is submissive to nothing but fate. She is very much like her progressive and headstrong mother, Lousia Dowling, who was in the audience the night Eliza fell into labor with Miles. In a manner only providence can predict, Louisa's own contractions begin as she witnesses Eliza's laboring... and so Miles and Isabel enter the world.

The first two-thirds of this book set-up the inevitable meeting of the two young characters. Isabel is taken for a brief, impromptu flight in a hot air balloon by Tobias Smith, the area's first aviation entrepreneur. Several years later, Miles encounters a broken-down Mr. Smith who passes to him his personal journal full of notes and sketches of various flying machines. This is the beginning of a series of what some skeptics might call 'coincidences', but what the rest of us will firmly believe is 'fate' by the time the story is finished.

Gilling displays a commendable amount of research in this book. His grasp of the historical facts keep the story strong and intact. The engaging dialog between his unique characters is one of the facets that keeps you glued to the page. I highly recommend this book to any creative person. It combines the perfect mix of history, human interest and fantasy that makes a book truly timeless.

I really enjoyed this book and could not put it down. The author was frank in his criticisms and flowing in his praise. I thought the descriptions of the tactical battles from the brigade commander's perspective were fascinating. The diagrams of 3 Commando Brigade's major battles were invaluable in digesting the detailed narrative and fully appreciating the enormity of the Brigade's mission. The professionalism and proficiency of this storied unit is given it's just due on these 159 pages. I think the true legacy of this text for me was how it has ignited a curiousity in me to read more about The Battle of the Falklands. Would like to know if there is a companion book out there from the Argentine infantryman's perspective that would shed some light on their actions.

This book is an excellent and readable memoir that anybody with an interest in the Falklands War, or in the Royal Marines, would be well advised to read. It is an easy read, but this doesn't detract from the fact that it is a serious piece of work that will hopefully have enduring value.

A previous reviewer describes the book as "boast and brag" and "accusations and self defence". Any member of the British defence community will tell you that the words "boast and brag" and Major-General Thompson are entirely incompatible. You will find no self-justification here and a refreshing lack of inflated ego.

Julian Thompson's NO PICNIC is an easy to read yet informative account of the 1982 Falklands War. Julian Thompson commanded the 3rd Commando Brigade, the initial assault force, during the Falklands War. From that perspective, he provides a history of the war. Unsurprisingly, the book focuses on the ground aspects, rather than the sea or air aspects of the war. All of the major ground battles are described. Moreover, Thompson gives in-depth insight into the operational level decisionmaking of the war. The book has a scholarly flavor because of Thompson's access to his own correspondence, assessments, and operational reports. In general, NO PICNIC is an instructive account of ground operations in modern warfare.

I have read all of McNab's books and enjoyed all of them. This new character Denise is slightly more difficult to get into. The story line is much harder to do of course because Denise is undercover and a member of a much more secretive organisation. This means that McNab has less characters to feed off and must work with Denise alone. However, a good read if somewhat lacking in punch. I guessed the story line from the end of the fourth or fifth chapter.

Working undercover at the notorious Hiddwing Institute, Agent Denise Cleever assumes an inside position as their public relations manager. A group with strong racial and social prejudices, the powerful Hiddwing family will take any means necessary to instill their ultraconservative values into the heart and minds of those they consider essential to their cause.

Cleever's risk is heightened when Rhys Hiddwing, one of the leaders recognizes her from somewhere in his past. Although threatened by the possibility of discovery, Cleever's role becomes paramount when a murder occurs that threatens national security. Inside the chambers of the organization, Cleever must also protect herself from those who openly suspect her intentions. Her task becomes more daunting when Becky Hiddwing, Rhys' sister, expresses a strong sexual attraction to Cleever. Struggling with her own beckoning desires, Cleever's resistance to the beautiful, charming Becky weakens.

"Death Understood" is an action-packed mystery that is difficult to set aside. Claire McNab plots a story as well as she writes. In this reader's opinion, both are 'superb.'

Working undercover at the notorious Hiddwing Institute, Agent Denise Cleever assumes an inside position as their public relations manager. A group with strong racial and social prejudices, the powerful Hiddwing family will take any means necessary to instill their ultraconservative values into the heart and minds of those they consider essential to their cause.

Cleever's risk is heightened when Rhys Hiddwing, one of the leaders recognizes her from somewhere in his past. Although threatened by the possibility of discovery, Cleever's role becomes paramount when a murder occurs that threatens national security. Inside the chambers of the organization, Cleever must also protect herself from those who openly suspect her intentions. Her task becomes more daunting when Becky Hiddwing, Rhys' sister, expresses a strong sexual attraction to Cleever. Struggling with her own beckoning desires, Cleever's resistance to the beautiful, charming Becky weakens.

"Death Understood" is an action-packed mystery that is difficult to set aside. Claire McNab plots a story as well as she writes. In this reader's opinion, both are 'superb.'

Drowning Towers is the first George Turner novel I've read and I certainly plan to correct that problem from now on. I was immensely impressed with the well-developed characters, the feasible futuristic world and how the plot itself kept moving and evolving right to the end. The novel was set in Australia but it could well have been set in any developed country. Though Turner's imagination delves into the politics, economics and technology of this future world it mainly is a human story. Its shows the possible results of how the communities and countries of the present could bring the future generations close to extinction. The main part of the novel revolves around 1 futuristic family and other individuals connected with it and their fight for survival and quality of life in a world that is spiralling into self-destruction. The switch between narrators gives the characters dimension and mortality. Turner's chapters, even his sentences, are rounded out and stand so well on their own - so many are poignant - but you don't get the feeling he was trying to show off...the wordiness works for him. By the end of the novel I felt attached to the characters and prompted to consider what seems to be a very realistic and well thought-out view of the future, hence, essential Sci-Fi and a very good read.

As this book is set in my home suburb, I feel close to the 'action' in a way. The book deals with overpopulation and how this will affect both the economic and social fabric of our society. It deals with the collapse of society due to population/global warming/lack of ANY contingency plans for economic collapse, through the eyes of a not particularly likeable family. It should make the reader think (which is always a good thing) about our political system which can see no further than the next election.

George Turner has an extraordinary way with characters and situations in a human culture rapidly on its way down. This novel is an enthralling snapshot before it hits bottom.

No aliens, no hard sci-fi, just an appalling vision of a degraded society reduced to "sweets" and "swill". Turner requires few words to paint a dense and intense reality peopled with unlovable but heroic and respectable individuals.

The story is told in the several voices of its players, a well employed technique that permits insight into the otherwise obscure internal worlds of the actors.

The main plot is concerned with a relatively brief incident that becomes a fulcrum on which are balanced and revealed remarkable revelations of the past that led to this extremity and of the possible futures that inaction and lack of forethought might well bring.

A most thought provoking and worrying novel, an intense good read, a plea for wisdom and more than just being.

Read this book!!!

Clark's writings in this book give you an insight into penal life in Australia's early history. His writing style gives you an empathy with the characters,and his descriptons of the Port Arthur site make you feel as if you are there. Some time later I visited Port Arthur, and Clark's writings came back. When you have been there you realise how good the book is.

I am planning a trip to Tasmania and it was recommended that I read Clarke's epic tale. It is one of inspiration and great character and describes life, the conditions and environment in which those men and women suffered. I am particularly looking forward to visiting Sarah Island and Port Arthur so I can get a taste of what those people (both innocent and guilty) had to endure. Definately recommended reading for those planning a holiday to Tassie!

This book is a novel that reads like history. It offers interesting insights of the history of Tasmania. This book is an Australian classic. Highly recommended.

Two Australian girls, strangers to one another, decide to join forces on a hiking vacation. One of the girls is a savvy traveler, the other a complete neophyte. The match up was not made in heaven, and soon the girls are entangled in a web of forced dependence upon each other that ends up in a shocking murder of an innocent bystander.

Ms. Carlon sets us to the task of figuring out which girl did the dastardly deed. Each of their stories is seamless, verifiable, and each accuses the other of the crime. I liked the set-up; I just wished their trip was more interesting. They never seemed to have a destination and their actual routes were a dull slog indeed. There were no scenic descriptions, only a lot of dust, heat, rain and wind. Their interactions with other people were brief and rare. Their mode of transportation was hitchhiking which seems a strange choice for two middle class girls in the '70s. The author did a good job of characterizing the girls; they both seemed believable if not very likeable. That was my problem as a reader; I didn't care much what happened to them.

The solution, while neat, was not believable and I closed the book disappointed. I might give Ms. Carlon another try as she writes a tidy plot and has strong skills in characterization. "The Souvenir" needed more color and life.
-sweetmolly- Amazon[.com] Reviewer

This mystery has a wonderful feel to it of a bygone time. First published in Great Britain in 1970, it was not published in the United States until 1995. Its author, Australian Patricia Carlon, is heralded for her crime novels. Fans of Ruth Rendell, in particular, should enjoy this well-written mystery.

The mystery revolves around two teenage girls, Peta Squire and Sandra Trilby. They meet up while each is going hitch-hiking. Peta is an experienced hitch-hiker, while Sandra is a novice. After teaming up, they discover that theirs is not a match made in heaven.

After cadging a ride from an elderly couple, one of them steals a pill box with medication that proves to be a matter and death for the wife. Discarding the incriminating pill box, which had been taken as a souvenir, it is found by young children, leading to tragic circumstances.

A hunt is on for these two teenagers. Just as they are each about to go their own way, they argue violently. When a young man, Jack Burton, intervenes, he ends up being stabbed to death. But which of the two is responsible for this and the pill box incident?

Well, Peta and Sandra point the finger at each other. Their stories remain unshakable, and the murder remains unsolved, as the police could not break either of their stories. Four years later, Marion Burton, sister to the deceased, hires Private Detective Jefferson Shields to crack the case. You see, Marion has fallen in love with Ward Wincham, Peta's step-brother, and she needs to know the truth before she can take the relationship to the next level.

What Jefferson Shields discovers may or may not surprise the reader. It depends on how good a detective the reader is. The clues are all laid out, but it may not be as easy as the reader thinks. This is a tautly written, densely plotted, intriguing page turner, which I could not put down, having started it.

A really compelling read with a building sense of menace and an addictively enjoyable plot. If you enjoy mystery fiction you will enjoy this one!

This book is dated, superficial, and at 70 pages of fairly large type, barely a book at all. I most enjoyed counting the number of times the authors wrote "tall poppy syndrome."

After reading this book and agreeing with it's analysis of Americans, I let some of the Americans with whom I work with read it...and yes, they agree that it fits me (an Australian) down to a tee.

The book outlines some basic cultural differences that are hard to finger when you first arrive in the USA from Australia. Many of my work and social experiences living in the USA (from Australia) made a whole lot more sense after reading this book - for example the emphasis Americans place on their job titles, and their comparitive lack of long term friendships... Definitely worth a read for Australians planning to live or do business in the USA.

A true account told by one of the daughter of 3 young mixed blood girls. Living on an outback property the girls are taken from their aboriginal families and taken down south to a town where 'others' like them (half bloods) are to be raised, educated and cultured. The premise of the book and movie is how these young girls escape and manage to walk hundres of kilometers back home.

The book is just small and easily read in a few days. Told somewhat like a history book, it has actually accounts and police recorded information on the progress of the girls escape. It takes a little while to get into it but if your interested in Australian scenery, the outback, early Australian history, then give it a go. It is by no means a book to rave about, but a nice easy read, thats not heavy going.

What an amazing story. It's made all the more powerful by the blending of historical background and the knowledge that the story is being told by someone with firsthand experience of the institution as well as a direct connection to the main characters. This is a good read, about a subject not often heard about in the States. This book will be making the rounds of my friends and family.

The story is only 135 pages long. There's very little speculation on what could have happened during the weeks of of the girls' trek home. The book is very matter of fact.

I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm glad I read the book first. I suspect they'll be adding "Hollywood" to the screenplay.

Pilger's monumental left-wing bias distorts everything he writes and this book is no exception. His social conscience is completely one-sided and his indignation is selective. forget it.

This book describes Pilger's interpretation of some of the most significant and tragic world events of the last forty years, but instead of focussing on presidents, generals and politicians, Pilger's account is told as it ought to be, through the lives of ordinary people, unfortunate enough to be caught up in extraordinary and sometimes horrific situations. It serves as a reminder that no human being in the world is any more or less important than any other human being - something which world leaders apparently need to be reminded of.

This is one of the most wonderful books I have ever read. It is informative and interesting. It gives a wonderful first-hand telling of some of the most important events of the past four decades.

This book is dated (c.1975) sexist, racist and vulgar. Be warned if you are a woman, a person of color or have anything approaching a 21st century sensibility.
Sample quote: "bum - is what you sit on. Les femmes in New Zealand appear to have an unusually high proportion of broad ones and sturdy legs to match. Pioneer heritage?"
Not my idea of amusing.
If you want to find out about New Zealand, there are many websites that will give you a clearer idea of the place and the people than this book.

Even if you don't plan a trip to New Zealand in the near future, you can read this book and spice up your vocabulary. I've rated it four stars instead of five merely because it's now eleven years old.

NZ slang evolves quite quickly, partly due to the prevalence of what's known as the Big OE--the big overseas experience, where young Kiwis take off for England and the Continent for a period of years, some never to return. This foreign immersion results in the inclusion of English slang expressions into the NZ idiom.

As a 30-year expatriate Kiwi, I found myself enjoying again the colorful language I heard and used in my youth. A new edition would be greatly appreciated, and a must for every traveler planning on spending more than a couple of weeks in NZ.

Although not required for understanding New Zealanders, this dictionary is great for getting acquainted the local slang. It is written in a way that talks to you. I found some of the definitions to be very funny!!