Kim Kelly (1)

I won this book through a giveaway on With Love for Books run by Suzanne and Anniek. Thank you!

4.5 stars
A beautifully written story about family, love, and the importance of a person's origin and ancestry. This short book is set in Ireland and Australia telling the story of the Kennedy family: Brigid, Dan and their fourteen children; the only girl, Nell, and her own family ending with one of Nell's granddaughters, Brigid, telling the whole story while looking for a place to settle down with her husband and write all the stories her grandma told her. After finding a field full of chicory flowers she knows she's arrived at the right place. Wild Chicory is a wonderful tale told in just a hundred pages inspired by Kim Kelly's own relationship with her grandmother.

Chicory Flower… (meer)

Her Last Words is a stunning contemporary novel from author Kim Kelly, best known for her works of historical fiction.

Seven years after young aspiring writer Thisbe Chisholm stormed out of her boyfriend’s Bondi flat after a petty argument in the early hours of the morning, the coroner’s inquest into her murder decisively exonerates John, but does little else. Stuck firmly in the grip of guilt and depression, John’s bright future as an actor has long since dimmed, and even Penny, Thisbe’s best friend and his stalwart supporter, seems to have reached her limit. Perhaps it’s time to let go...

Kelly was inspired by personal events to create this literary gem. Her Last Words is a heartfelt, poignant story, which explores the themes of love, grief, release and redemption.

While unfolding from multiple perspectives, John and Penny are the central protagonists of the story. Since Thisbe’s tragic death the two have never quite been able to let go, of her, or each other. The coronial inquest serves as a catalyst as John contemplates ending everything, and Penny considers finally moving on.

Fate gives Penny, a book editor, a push when a local bookstore owner discovers Thisbe’s long missing bag and manuscript, prompting the unraveling of not one, but two crimes, and placing Penny on a deserved new path.

John comes very close to getting his wish, just as he realises it’s not really what he wants. Kelly’s insight into John’s depression is thoughtful and empathetic as he struggles both mentally and physically, haunted by his last moments with Thisbe.

With exceptional characterisation, eloquent prose, and raw emotion, Her Last Words is a compelling read this review can’t begin to do justice.… (meer)

Set on Bondi Beach in Sydney, this is a moving story revolving around the circumstances behind the murder of a budding young author and the theft of her manuscript.

Her Last Words is a fabulous read. It’s beautifully written with some realistic and likeable characters. I was totally immersed in their lives, their trials and tribulations. I liked the engaging chapter headings which give little clues or hints to the content. This wonderful tale had me captivated from beginning to end. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a story with a very touching ending. I loved every moment!

Thanks to Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book.… (meer)