Australian Fiction

Disclaimer: I’m already a fan. I’ve read the author’s previous work and was impressed at once. From contemporary crime fiction, ‘Headland’; to the WWII and Great Depression saga ‘The Youngest Son’; this latest epic takes place during World War I and the years preceding.
The writing is sophisticated, assured. John has honed his style – and it’s magnificent.

If you’re after gritty realism, then you’ve come to the right place. Brace yourself for graphic battlefield scenes; confronting social crises; and a dash of searing eroticism for good measure. Expect also, moments of raw tenderness and understated poignancy. John’s ability to describe the full gamut of human sensibility, and to explore the dark corners and jagged edges of humanity, is undeniable.

Each character feels like they existed as part of history …of course they didn’t – but fictional characters are a reflection of ourselves in some way or another. The lead female, Angeline Dubois, is spectacular… She’s actually everything I ever wanted to be: Precocious, resilient, self-made – not made by her lot. Oh, and she’s hot as ****.

When you pick up a John Byrnes novel, the immersion is swift and affecting. This one is about as cinematic as it gets – brilliant imagery, universal relevance, and a captivating plot. It paints a picture of an era that was different in many ways…but the more you read, the more you realise that the ways of people; their motivations and struggles – mostly stay the same.

I suspect that SINS OF THE FATHERS will live in the hearts and minds of readers long after they’ve closed the book.

Reviewed by Eve Stephenson
(Brisbane, Queensland)
IG @evielou81

Sent this to a friend and this is the message I received when it arrived:
‘… it is the most beautiful care package . So thoughtful and I am so teary from receiving this… makes me feel better already. Also the bookmark - seriously gorgeous.’

I have been getting the Booxies monthly YA subscription for a little while now and it's a great treat everytime it arrives. A great book and locally sourced gifts to get you aware of other great small businesses that are around. It's also a great way to read books you might not naturally pick up.

It’s gets my blood pumping every time my monthly subscription arrives. I’m always excited to see what is in store from me. Everything arrives in such great condition and the price works so well with my budget. I cannot get enough!

I got the Booxies subscription for a friend for her 40th birthday, and every box looked amazing and she loved it so much.

Gorgeous little comforter super soft a beautiful baby gift

Beautiful little story, well made book that my daughter cant rip the pages

My gift recipient described the book as one of the best they had read in quite some time. Thank you Booxies for the great selection!

I ordered a box for my mum for Mothers Day and she absolutely loved it! It was easy to order and even with me making a mistake, the team were onto it and had it fixed immediately.

Best birthday gift for book lovers far away.

The team here are genuinely the best, and made me look like a mindreader. I gave them an incredibly brief prompt; a series and genre my SIL loves and not only did they send her a book she hadn’t read yet (which is hard enough!) but also one by her favourite author! I couldn’t recommend them more.

I am enjoying the book they chose for me. The shipping was fast even with all the public holidays.

Love that I can suprise myself with a gift - the ultimate luxry!

Can't beat these little but mighty Loco Love

I love this monthly subscription as I sometimes receive a book I’d never seen before or would never think to choose - they turn out to be great books!