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heather_freshparchment's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
What a great start to my reading year this book made! I hadn't heard of Victoria Purman or this book before, but I was intrigued to find out more about radio broadcasting in post-war Australia. I never expected to have this book worm its way into my heart and make me feel empowered to forge my own path with courage. Martha and all the other secretaries and actors at the ABC are wonderfully realized and, just like Martha's episodes of As the Sun Sets, their experiences highlight such important issues that, sadly, we are still facing today. This book is approachable and inspiring and I would be happy to read similar books by Purman in the future.
What a great start to my reading year this book made! I hadn't heard of Victoria Purman or this book before, but I was intrigued to find out more about radio broadcasting in post-war Australia. I never expected to have this book worm its way into my heart and make me feel empowered to forge my own path with courage. Martha and all the other secretaries and actors at the ABC are wonderfully realized and, just like Martha's episodes of As the Sun Sets, their experiences highlight such important issues that, sadly, we are still facing today. This book is approachable and inspiring and I would be happy to read similar books by Purman in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Alcoholism, Xenophobia, Vomit, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Minor: Eating disorder and Lesbophobia
bookb1itch's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Having really enjoyed Purman's take on women's rights in 1956 Australia in "A woman's work", I was ready to be angered again by what our predecessors had to put up with. This was superb - I didn't know there was actually a LAW against married women working in that era. Long after it was abolished in the UK. I have been told 50s Australia was ultra-conservative. This fun story shows just how much. Some fab characters, who I hazard can only exist with the benefit of looking through a 2020s lens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Sexism, and Alcohol
Moderate: Bullying and Sexual harassment
growinghelpfulhabits's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Really thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it very easy to read, the characters were well developed (Quentin Quinn's behaviour being infuriating!) There were messages around discrimination, societal values, chasing your dreams and women's rights (and the fight for them).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual assault
christygsp's review against another edition
3.5
Quite liked it but there sure was a ton of sexism thrown in - to the point that it actually annoyed me and pulled me out of the story.
The general plot was quite good, and it felt really casual - like I was reading about real people and not fictional ones.
The general plot was quite good, and it felt really casual - like I was reading about real people and not fictional ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual harassment
Minor: Sexual assault