Monday, March 26, 2007

The Broken Shore by Peter Temple

This one's an Advanced Reader's Copy that I'm reviewing for Estella's Revenge, so I'm not going to post the full review on my blog. Instead, I'll post a link when the next issue of Estella becomes available, in April. However, I'll say a few things:

1. It's an Australian crime novel.
2. Peter Temple is an award-winning author in Australia, but his first American issue was released, says Peter in an interview I located online, "to the sound of one hand clapping." Not an auspicious beginning, but not unusual from what I can tell. Australian books seem to have a hard time kicking open the door to America and sneaking in.
3. The slated release date in the U.S. is June of 2007.
4. Don't let the lousy reception of that first book fool you.

For the uninitiated, there's a glossary of Australian terms in the back, which I can tell you I definitely appreciated. Somewhere around here, I have a dictionary of Australian slang but this particular glossary is focused on the terms used within the book.

Happy Monday!

13 comments:

  1. Looking forward to your review!! I've noticed, it seems to take awhile for Australian books to make it over here for some reason.

    Besides, I dig a good crime novel!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stephanie,

    I've never quite figured out why it takes so long for Australian books to make it to the U.S., but it does seem to take forever.

    I can tell you I really enjoyed The Broken Shore and I'm not normally a crime-novel reader. I'm a certified wimp. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've never heard of Peter Temple, and I live in Australia!

    It actually is the same with everything trying to get into America - music, movies, books!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Marg,

    I looked Peter Temple up on Wikipedia, while I was working on my review, and it said he's won 5 Ned Kelly awards (and some others I hadn't heard of). Plus, The Broken Shore was long-listed for the Miles Franklin Award - which is the only award list I ever really bother looking at; don't ask me why!

    You're right, it's difficult finding Australian films, too (don't know about music). I had an old favorite called (I think this is correct) Rikki and Pete on VHS and I accidentally taped over it. I've never quite forgiven myself because I can't find that movie anywhere!

    The Dish is one of my all-time favorite movies. Are you familiar with that one?

    ReplyDelete
  5. The most successful Australian authors operating in America are happening in Children's Lit I think. Lots of Australian books and authors making their way into my classrooms, anywho. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oops, forgot to sign out of the Estella account. lol

    ReplyDelete
  7. Andi,

    I was going to be silly and address you as "Andistella," but it looked a little too close to Godzilla. ;) I used to forget to change my identity all the time. No biggie. I know who you are!

    Well, shucks, I need to peruse the kid lit. I love Australian authors. I have noticed John Marsden's Tomorrow When the War Began series finally has made it to paperback. Woohoo! I love those books! I need a boxed set. Recommendations are welcome. I'm a big fan of YA books.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I like the cover on this one.:-) It sounds good too from what I've read about it. I look forward to reading your review, Nancy!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Wendy,

    I'm rather fond of the cover, too. It's a good book, IMHO. The only real negative I gave it was a strong language warning.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I live in the U.S., and I consider Peter Temple one of the best crime writers in the world. I've posted about him often on my blog, most recently about The Borken Shore, which I hope will get the reception it deserves here. (You can read some of posts on Peter Temple at http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/search/label/Peter%20Temple) .
    ===================
    Detectives Beyond Borders
    "Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
    http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks, Peter.

    I agreed with your thoughts and hope to read more of Peter Temple's novels. I thought the book was excellent.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I can recommend Bad Debts and Black Tide.
    ========================

    Detectives Beyond Borders
    "Because Murder Is More Fun Away From Home"
    http://detectivesbeyondborders.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  13. Super, thanks Peter!

    I'll add them to my never-ending wish list. :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting my blog! I use comment moderation because apparently my blog is a spam magnet. Don't worry. If you're not a robot, your comment will eventually show up and I will respond, with a few exceptions. If a comment smacks of advertising, contains a dubious link or is offensive, it will be deleted. I love to hear from real people! I'm a really chatty gal and I love your comments!