The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold ***

A novel that begins with the primary character intentionally extinguishing the life of her mother who is rampantly dementiated is a tough way to start. It is almost too overwhelming to continue. Alice Sebold, the author of "These Lovely Bones", does create a magnetic curiosity by weaving the historical development of the circumstances that ultimately resulted in the murderous act of daughter on mother. Other family relationships are revealed as the daughter tragically struggles to deal with the deathly impulsivity of her act. A collage of characters including her ex-husband, her children, her deceased father, the neighbors of her parents, her best friend, and a totally abandoned sexual encouter with her best friend's son has enough attraction to maintain the curiosity and interest of the reader. However, it is not a cheerful read.

The Highest Tide ***

The Highest Tide is one of those delightful surprises you pick up off a discount table and then thoroughly enjoy the book even though you never heard of the author. The book focuses on a thirteen year old boy who continously explores the Tidal Pools in a small Oregon town. When he discovers some exceptional species that are 1000's of kilometres from their habitat and some which are assumed to be extinct he becomes a local hero. The book is filled with an incredible amount of fascinating information about marine biology. This all unfolds against a backdrop of a thirteen yearold who is dealing with his own adolescent development. Highly entertaining and an easy read.

Aztec Rage by Gary Jennings ***

Having read most of Gary Jennings' earlier books "Aztec", "Aztec Blood", "Aztec Autumn" I was surprised to receive this novel as a gift because Jennings died in 1999. This novel was a completion of his notes and previous research by his former editor and a co-author. The style of Jennings' tradition is maintained. This book, however, focuses primarily on the aftermath of the Spanish invasion of Latin America and the reality of the demise of the Aztec people and the destruction of their culture. Spanish greed and the religious intolerance of the Catholic Church are boldly exposed for the insensitivity of their invasive actions. At the commencement of the book the primary character, Don Juan de Zavala , is a dashing caballero. He is shockingly roomed from this lofty position of the upper classes when the truth about his heritage is revealed by an uncle who, in attempt to murder Don Juan de Zavala accidently kills himself. The rest of the book traces the adventures of the fallen hero throughout the country of Mexico, the Franco/Spanish war, and an eventually uprising of thousands of the Indios who attempt to regain their freedom from Spain. It is lively read, for those who are interested in this period in history.

Tasmanian Trilogy by Bryce Courtney ***1/2

1. The Potato Factory
2. Tommo & Hawk
3. Solomon's Gold

These three historical novels takes place over 4 generations. "The Potato Factory" starts in England in the early 1800's and focuses on the feature character Ikey Solomon (who is apparently was a genuine individual) Solomon is nothing short of a scoundrel and a thief and schemining individual who exploits a band of homeless youngsters to commit much of the crime. It is suggested that the Charles Dickens (who makes a brief appearance in the book) based his character "Fagan" in the novel "Oliver" on Solomon. With some assistant from his disreputable wife and ultimately from the hiring of a homeless but talented and intelligent woman, "Mary Abacuss", he amasses considerable wealth. Eventually the police catch up with him and in remotely connected circumstances both his wife and Mary are arrested and sentenced to a prison in Tasmania. Ultimately Ikey is also transported to the colony to serve his prison term.

The second in the series, Tommo and Hawk, focuese on the two boys that Mary adopts who are twins...meaning only that they were given birth by the same prostitute mother but had two different fathers. Tommo is white and Hawk is black. The book journals their abduction and abuse by separate wildmen but are eventually returned and raised by Mary. As a result of abuse Tommo is addicted to both alcohol and heroine but under the care of Hawk they join a whaling ship and work for 3 years in treacherous circumstances. They end up in New Zealand where they join the Maoris in their fight against the British and Tommo marries a Maori woman and they have a child. During this time Mary establishes a series of industies including a brewery "the potato factor" and starts to thrive. When the boys eventually return to Tasmania they become involved in supporting the business, but Tommo has two children but is not able to overcome his addictions. His restless wife also gets caught up in the seedy side of life which takes its unavoidable toll.

The final book, "Solomon's Song" begins with the death of Tommo, and the business success of Hawk and Mary. A considerable amount of the book depicts in graphic, but tragic detail the doomed invasion of Gallipoli by the ANZACS. The grandson of Tommo, Ben, and one of the grandson's of Solomon's wife are primarily featured in the war sequence. The grandaughter, Victoria, evolves into a highly successful business woman and succeeds Mary Abacus & Hawk in the management of the families various enterprises.

Within the book there are graphic descriptions of violence and human abuse that although disturbing are probably accurate descriptions of the historical times. Notwithstanding the vividness of these occassional passages, all three books are captivating reading.

Tasmanian Triology by Bryce Courtney ***1/2