I added “The Fine Colour of Rust” by P A O’Reilly to my TBR pile after reading ShelleyRae’s review. I’m so glad I did. Thanks, ShelleyRae.

Loretta, the story’s heroine and narrator, is brilliantly conveyed in her humour, failings and courage. Her small town home is portrayed with an awareness of its shortcomings and yet, celebrates a sense of community.

I’m not sure how to phrase my response to this novel — reviewing is a tough gig!

The thing is, the theme of The Fine Colour of Rust seems to me to be desperation. But if I say that, you’ll think the book is depressing, and it’s not. The book is funny and (I know this word is overused) heartwarming.

I enjoyed the book’s style. I could smell the dust, feel the heat, hear my neighbours in the characters’ conversation — though I confess I’m a suburbanite, not a country dweller: most Australians are 🙂

The Fine Colour of Rust felt like an honest conversation with a friend. A wonderful read!

[and yes, I did finish reading the book while eating a mini-pavlova. What can I say? I felt all patriotic 😉  and The Fine Colour of Rust was as yummy as the pav.]