Craig:
What is one of the books you have enjoyed reading this year?
I recently finished The Wild Date Palm by Australian author Diane Armstrong. It’s about espionage set in the Middle East during World War I. It’s a fictional story based upon actual events. It was a riveting read, so much so that I couldn’t put it down and completed it in two days!
Since then I have gone back to re-reading The Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence, which is set in the same time and place as The Wild Date Palm.
What’s your favourite biography?
I do prefer biographies, especially about politics. One of my favourites is about Australia’s first Labor Prime Minister, Andrew Fisher. It was very interesting and written by Australian author David Day who specialises in historical writings.
Another book that I highly recommend is, One Crowded Hour by Tim Bowden. This is a brilliant read about Australian combat cameraman Neil Davis, who hailed from Tasmania and reported on the Vietnam War.
Pat:
What is one of the books you have enjoyed reading this year?
Under the Foot of the Cherry Tree by Alli Parker, it is her debut novel about forbidden love based on a true story of Australia’s first Japanese war bride. It was easy to read and I connected to a lot of the history. The Parker family spent their Christmas’ at Lillydale lake.
Do you frequent the local libraries?
I do visit a lot, I am an avid reader. I can read one or two books a week! I enjoy going to events such as listening to authors giving talks and looking out for new books too. Craig from the Croquet Club highly recommends The Wild Date Palm so that could be my next read!
