My review for The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas is now up here at Bookgeeks.
The Slap has been one of my absolute favourite reads of 2010 so far. The combination of the controversial catalyst at the beginning of the story combined with the different narratives of such a diverse range of characters was a real joy to read. Tsiolkas doesn’t sugar coat his characters – each have their major flaws which make them feel more human and instantly sets up a perfect introduction to the Australia us foreigners don’t get to see: a new country full of people struggling to find their identities in a place where old cultures still reign heavy.
I couldn’t urge you more to get your hands on a copy of this.
On another note, this is the fourth book I’m including for my GLBT Reading Challenge. Not only is the author an openly gay man but he touches on the subject of homosexuality with his character, Richie, a teenager struggling to come to terms with his sexuality in the seemingly machoism-dominated world he and his friend, Connie, surround themselves with.
[...] Bjorkman 2) Girl With a One Track Mind: Exposed by Abby Lee 3) And This is True by Emily Mackie 4) The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas 5) 6) 7) 8 [...]
It sounds like a very interesting book. I like the idea of reading more about the unfamiliar Australia. I’ve read so much of their history but I definitely stopped with current events. I had never heard of The Slap before your review. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
Glad you enjoyed it, great review over at bookgeeks! It does sound like a really interesting read. I wonder what happened after the slap.
I have heard a lot about this book. I’m actually looking for good GLBT books, this one seems like a good choice.
Wow – best of 2010? That makes me want to check this one out.
Wow, sounds like a MUST read! I really have to get my hands on this one!
A lot of characters, sounds interesting.
I’m glad you enjoyed the book so much, I have to admit I wasn’t as swept away by it (http://tinyurl.com/6azptfg). However, I think you’re right – some of the characters were drawn sensitively and provided interesting perspectives on different sections of society.