A Little Gods Work

---

The setting sums up small town summers in Australia where imaginations can run wild this being the case for Olive and he A young girl searching to uncover buried secrets that her close extended family seem intent to keep from Olive.

The story unravels slowly sometimes too slowly and at times this added some frustration as I felt some parts were overly descriptive and hampered the flow of the story. View all 8 comments. Sep 08, Sharon rated it really liked it Shelves: Being an only child, Olive Lovelock didn't get along with other children at school and she didn't much care for the teachers either.

Olive had just one friend, Peter. After school they would hang out together riding their bicycles to the local swimming pool. Olive believed listening to other people talk was a way of learning things, but there are some things you shouldn't listen to as Olive soon found out. When Olive finds out about something that went on in her family she's not convinced about Being an only child, Olive Lovelock didn't get along with other children at school and she didn't much care for the teachers either. When Olive finds out about something that went on in her family she's not convinced about how it happened.

She has her thoughts on it, but proving she is right could take time and turn out to be quite a challenge as she is faced with more family secrets. This story is set in the Malley religion in country Victoria. A compelling tale of family secrets and a young girl who is insistent on finding out the truth.

Little Gods by Aussie author Jenny Ackland was a really entertaining read. May 07, Robert Lukins rated it it was amazing. Apr 05, Theresa Smith Writes rated it really liked it Shelves: I really think this is a story that will play out well on the big screen, it has all the qualities essential for a timeless Aussie movie.

Fingers crossed for Jenny! In Olive, Jenny has created one tough little cookie. Smart, fearless, and highly imaginative, Olive is the sort of girl who makes other girls nervous, and consequently, she spends all of her time with boys, and even they have to rein her in sometimes. It was nice to at last get an Australian coming of age story with a girl front and centre; any others that spring to mind have all been about boys. Little Gods is very much a character driven story. It meanders along with Olive as the main narrator — in fact, there are only a few instances where this changes within pivotal scenes — and much of the story is concerned with the daily comings and goings of a twelve year old girl.

But there were other times when I tired of Olive. Child perspectives within novels for adults can be tricky to maintain, particularly within a story that is not especially plot driven, and consequently, my attention wandered quite often while reading Little Gods. The Lovelock family reminded me a little of my own, all involved with each other, cousins growing up side by side, secrets swept under the doormat and mental illness managed in-house; your typical Australian family from the s. The nostalgia is rich throughout Little Gods and that carried me through. Yet this was common.

I had friends with missing fingers and toes from preventable accidents and yes, missing siblings too, who had been run over or drowned. This was not unusual. Now, we watch our children constantly and rush them to the emergency room for every fall they have. Some days I doubt they could cross the street without a near miss! Little Gods is a slice of life from days gone by and I loved the authenticity of it.

Thanks is extended to Allen and Unwin for providing me with a copy of Little Gods for review.

See a Problem?

Apr 01, Marianne rated it it was amazing. She made sure to sleep with her jaw clenched and woke in the mornings, wrenched out of her sleep to lie in bed, heart throbbing with a dream-fear so thick and real it was as if she might make everything come true just by imagining it. Olive Lovelock has just turned twelve and is looking forward to the summer break spent with her cousins on their farm, Serpentine.

But a chance remark by one of the Sands brothers at the local pool gives her a mystery to solve. Did she once have a baby sister? What happened to her? Why does no-one talk about her? Olive is clever and wilful and, under the influence of her unconventional Aunt Thistle, daring, confident and determined. But helping her to extract a confession and mete out justice to the person she believes responsible for the tragedy, is that a step too far?

Little Gods oozes authenticity: Ackland gives the reader some marvellous descriptive prose: How would it be to float out of the window up over the roof and away from earth? To be far from the hard emotions that ran underneath the dinner noises? With thanks to Allen and Unwin for this Uncorrected Proof copy to read and review. Aug 05, MaryG2E rated it it was ok Shelves: I am always grateful to receive an advance copy, or in this case an uncorrected proof, of a novel from the publisher in return for an honest review.

I started this book several weeks ago, but put it aside after about 80 pages because I was not enthused. I took the book away on holidays, thinking that a leisurely environment might afford me a better entry to the story. Perhaps there is something wrong in my head, as I see so many 4 and 5 star ratings on Goodreads for a book that I really, seriously did not like. There was not one main character in the book that I could engage with. The two principal characters, Olive Lovelock and her aunt Thistle Nash, annoyed me intensely.

I enjoyed the authenticity of the s setting in country Victoria. References to events, people and products that were present in that time were enjoyable and added validity to the story. What happened to her back then was typical of social practices and attitudes at that time, things that we find truly appalling today. But I really could not warm to Olive at all. The girl was undeniably precocious, but she did not strike me as particularly bright. Rather, she was conceited, convinced of her own superior ideas and thoroughly lacking in emotional intelligence.

Lonely, suffering badly from parental indifference, her behaviours and utterances alienated her from potential allies and friends. OK, Ms Ackland, I get it!!

Little Gods

It became a struggle for this reader to slog all the way through the verbiage. My dislike of the book stems not from its ideas, which are sound and relevant, but from its writing style and plot development. This book probes deeply into the workings of a dysfunctional family. The author focuses on minute details of mundane domestic life, to an excessive extent in my opinion. The narrative threads are drowned in a flood of words.

I found this surfeit of banality to be mind-numbingly boring. Another thing that really bugged me was the unevenness of the pitch. Did the author want me to empathise with this character or what? At some points the story took a mildly comedic turn, so I thought I might be reading a satire, but in other chapters the tone turned dark and somewhat Gothic - I wished the author would make up her mind!

At its core the book contains some genuinely poignant passages, which reflect prevailing social issues and personal pain. It was a great shame that this reader had first to endure thousands and thousands of excessive words, most told in the voice of a thoroughly obnoxious child. Apr 22, Mish rated it it was amazing Shelves: Incredibly beautiful, breathtaking novel that centers around an adorable little girl who left her mark on me. The heart of the story is 12 year old Olive Lovelock with a wilfully strong personality, and an inquisitive mind.

She has a bad habit of ears dropping into adult conversations - but can miss interpret what they say or do - and loves digging around places where she not allowed to be. She probes and probes, and she asks too many questions until it becomes too much! And this is where the problem begins. I developed a really strong connection to Olive like she was my own child.

Seeing her being rejected by teachers, treated unkindly by her classmates, and trying to deal with grief and loss over the death of a loved one or pet was heartbreaking — If I could pluck her out of the book to ease her pain, I would have. Little Gods is a beautifully written coming of age novel. I urge you to read it. Thanks to the publishers, Allen and Unwin, for my review copy View all 3 comments. Feb 12, Kali Napier added it Shelves: In this novel, y. Olive is the protagonist, as she spends a summer at the family's farm, catching snippets of adult conversations ranging from the prosaic and mundane, to mysterious allusions to a 'sister'.

When she discovers photos of a red-headed child, Olive becomes determined to find out what happened to her. Olive reminded me of Harriet the Spy, cruising the streets on Little Gods is the second novel from Jenny Ackland, and is quite different in form and setting to her The Secret Son. Olive reminded me of Harriet the Spy, cruising the streets on her pushbike, binoculars swinging around her neck. People, even her cousin Seb, are reluctant to tell her the whole truth, and Olive has to piece together what she thinks happened to her baby sister Aster.

When she realises her main suspect, she puts a plan in place, becoming judge, jury and executioner. The Little Gods of the title is a reference to judging others on their deeds, and not who they are. Olive's family tree is criss-crossed, with wild loops, unlike the linear forms of her classmates'. Her mother and one aunt are married to brothers. And the unmarried aunt Thistle and unmarried uncle Cleg provides her with an extraordinary vocabulary, as well as more practical life lessons. There are some beautiful words in this coming-of-age story, and though we're not meant to quote directly from ARCs, I must mention "A caged corvid will dement.

This is a book to sink into, with observations about human nature and the natural world, and meditations on 'truth'. Nov 26, Lucy Treloar rated it really liked it. I loved this book for its great big heart, and for wonderful Olive, and for its rich, rich atmosphere. Feb 16, Jennifer rated it it was amazing Shelves: This book took a while to get going, but once it did, it was great.

I found it to be a very different book to The Secret Son, and I mean that as a good thing. I found aspects of that book pretty good and other aspects underwhelming. But this book was one of those that was a slow burn. It started off a bit iffy, and it seemed as if the different threads linking the characters was going to be difficult to discern, even down to figuring out who Olive's father was.

However, I think that was a reflect This book took a while to get going, but once it did, it was great. However, I think that was a reflection of the main voice, that of Olive's being a child narrator, and as a result her immaturity rendered her a somewhat unreliable narrator. She saw everything, but she also saw connections where there was none or drew conclusions that were informed by what she wanted to believe. In this way, the voice of Olive was honest, sincere and realistic.

Rest assured, the pieces of the story do come together.

While some clever editing could probably improve this, I think it would be a mistake to do away with this aspect of the narrative altogether. Part of what made Olive an unreliable narrator were the 'secrets' that were kept from her by the adults in the story. It is clear in the book that this was done to either spare Olive pain, or more likely, to save the adults from the pain of recounting the events to Olive. But as children and most of us adults are apt to do, in the absence of information, they will create their own. And it is in this creation that Olive finds herself on a path that she believes will atone for losses in hers and her family's lives.

Her efforts bring them to the fore in spite of attempts to ensure they remain hidden, and what Olive finds out isn't what she expected. Olive is a fiercely smart and determined little girl. Unfortunately this fierce spirit takes a bit of a beating in her attempt to uncover her family's secrets. Olive is transformed by this experience, and has a much more subdued sense of her own strength and worth. However, this is probably a universal experience, as we all have to swallow that bitter pill of not being quite as fantastic as we thought we were, and I think this is a big part of Olive's journey.

Her hurt is palpable as this is her first discovery that her reasoning and her judgement are fallible. Ackland's writing is lovely; she clearly and beautifully evokes a childhood in Australia. The reader is right there beside Olive every step of the way. A lovely and sad book. Mar 12, jeniwren marked it as to-read. May 20, Kerri rated it really liked it Shelves: It took me a while to fully appreciate the author's style of writing but once I did, I really enjoyed reading this book. A lot of that enjoyment I guess, was because it reminded me so much of my own lazy Summer days, growing up in a small town in country Victoria.

Riding my bike to the shop for a Razz or Glug and days spent soaking up the sun at the local pool. I would have loved to have a little more clarity regarding the relationship between the sisters. The author hinted at events, at times I It took me a while to fully appreciate the author's style of writing but once I did, I really enjoyed reading this book. The author hinted at events, at times I feel I may have missed picking up on some things that occurred due to the subtlety of the writing.

I found this a little frustrating at times as I really wanted to know what was what view spoiler [Who was the father of Thistle's baby? Was it one of her sister's husband's? Feb 20, Liam rated it really liked it Shelves: Olive is a girl in between childhood and adulthood and is coming to discover the complexities and secrets inherent in an adults life.

She was a great character. As were the others around her, from cousins to friends to the adults. Each one of hem felt very real. I also loved and related to the whole aspect of growing up in Australia. As well as the references to Aussie things like Vegemite and stuff. Just something I found nice since I rarely read any Australian books. The story itself started slow Olive is a girl in between childhood and adulthood and is coming to discover the complexities and secrets inherent in an adults life.

The story itself started slow, but really got going and even had a little mystery which did really pique my interest. This mystery was to do with uncovering her families secrets. Which led down an interesting path of creating her own truth when nobody else would tell her the actual truth, wether they knew it or not. The one downside was the character voice. Especially in scenes where many characters were present. This may have also been due to my copy being an uncorrected proof. All in all a great book that really evokes this sense of growing up in a harsh and secretive world.

May 29, Rebecca Altmann rated it really liked it Shelves: I recommend lining up a friend to read this at the same time as you as you are likely to want to talk it over - lucky for me I had someone to have an hour-long conversation with - about plot, character, setting - everything really. For me this was very Australian - the descriptions of the bike rides and olympic pool and silos put me right back to my childhood. However, the setting could just as well be Texas or a similar dry American state, as the Australian references are fairly subtle. In fact, I recommend lining up a friend to read this at the same time as you as you are likely to want to talk it over - lucky for me I had someone to have an hour-long conversation with - about plot, character, setting - everything really.

In fact, the whole book is fairly subtle, with lots of subplots and backstories hinted at but not explored - left to the reader to draw their own conclusions. I think that is a real strength in this book. Not tying up all the loose endings gives you something to mull over and think through long after you have finished reading.

Really worth a read. Feb 09, Olivia rated it really liked it Shelves: Do you hate Catholics? Are the Apparitions of Mary from God? Do we tithe on net or gross? Why do people fall down in church?

What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit? What is the baptism in the Spirit? Should Tongues be spoken in public? Is killing in war a sin? Should churches serve beer to attract members? Shouldn't Christians be tolerant? What does the Bible say about Tattoos?

Should Christians celebrate Christmas? Is it wrong to borrow money? Is it a Sin for Women to Wear Pants? Is Gambling a Sin? How Can I overcome inferiority? Do I need to keep asking, or confess the answer? Is Drinking a Sin? Can I still take medicine and trust God for healing? Is masturbation a sin? Does the love walk make me a doormat? Do I have to obey my pastor? Is Worry the same as Caring? Is Smoking Pot a Sin? Is it a sin to have gay feelings? Is the Death Penalty Scriptural?

What does the Bible say about Interracial Marriages? What future events does the book of Revelation foretell? What does the Bible say about same sex marriages? How do I rekindle our marriage? What is the Occult. What does Jesus Look like? Freedom Victory Bible College. How to Get Your Prayers Answered. Atheism is a Lie. Can Christians Lose their Salvation.

The Role of Demons and Disease. God's Neglected Means of Communication. The Secret to Greater Power. Did Jesus die on Good Friday? Its cause and cure. Healing in the Atonement. Healing in the Atonement II. Healing in the Atonement III. How to Cast Out Demons. Quit Tolerating the Jezebel spirit. Joy of the Lord. The real solution to addiction.

Why Words Are So Powerful.

• Gaïg 6 - Les bandits des mers (French Edition)
• Simple ways to reduce and maintain weight – How to avoid Yo-yo effect?
• A Funny Thing Happened on My Journey to Heaven
• La Honra del Ministerio (Spanish Edition)
• Henry Builds a Cabin
• Resurrection of Jesus Christ: Four Views, One Truth
• The Vanishing Walkers