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Silver Wattle  By  cover art

Silver Wattle

By: Belinda Alexandra
Narrated by: Caroline Lee
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Publisher's summary

In fear for their lives after the sudden death of their mother, Adéla and Klára must flee Prague to find refuge with their uncle in Australia. Later, Adéla becomes a film director at a time when the local industry is starting to feel the competition from Hollywood. But even while success is imminent, the issues of family and an impossible love are never far away. And ultimately dreams of the silver screen must compete with the bonds of a lifetime.

Silver Wattle confirms Belinda Alexandra as one of our foremost storytellers. Weaving fact into inspiring fiction with great flair and imagination, this is a novel as full of hope, glamour and heartbreak as the film industry itself.

©2008 Belinda Alexandra (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about Silver Wattle

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Groan, Snore and Wince!

This novel is like a rag rug, pieces of other people’s masters. Alexandra tries to create an interesting and complex fiction but ultimately bores with too many conflicts, characters and ideologies!

Silver Wattle’s conflicts journey along; murder, mental illness, polio, tuberculosis/consumption, high risk pregnancy of twins, murder AGAIN, and (I jest not) a snakebite. Besides the protagonist, characters comprise in part of, sister, mother, father, step father, step father’s girl friend, aunt, uncle, uncle’s wife, nephew, landlord, boyfriend, husband, lover, sister’s husband, landlord, camera man… and sooo many more. Everyone is proficient! There is a prodigy piano player, renowned interior designer, expert doctors, brilliant photographer, successful scriptwriter, movie producer, biologist, entrepreneur... REALLY! I wished there had been an accomplished author.

The locations that are expounded on are Checkesolvokia and too many places in Australia to care. We encounter a castle, a shanty, a shack, a cinema, a mansion, a cottage... are you beginning to feel the groan?

We visit social concerns like animal cruelty & vegetarianism, racism & discrimination, woman’s liberation, high society, philantropy & poverty, greedy Americans & altruistic Europeans, Catholicism & spiritualism (complete with ghost and apparition), wincing yet?

The inappropriate lover vs. husband tension is simply resolved by the death of one them. Writer’s copout! Which brings me to the lack of strength and morality of the protagonist, perpetrating such betrayal and dishonor on her husband. Albeit, she would never have acted that way towards an animal!

Lewd writing was minimal but that “rag” was in there too. A descriptive scene of touching a naked body part cheapened the read, in my opinion, to porn.

In conclusion, Narrator Caroline Lee did a good job except for the fact I could hear her eyes rolling to the back of her head. Too many words, no respect for words and certainly not a master of them! Avoid at all cost.

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18 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

a really terrific read

This is one of the best books I have ever read or listened to. I found the setting of Prague fascinating and then secret migration of the young sisters to Australia kept me in suspence as the story unfolded. Having spent my childhood in Watsons Bay, but of course at a later date, it added extra personal interest for me. The narration by Caroline Lee was excellent. I couldn't wait to start the next Belinda Alexandra novel.

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11 people found this helpful

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Rivals 'Golden Earrings', my all time FAVORITE

Wonderful detailed story. Love how she takes you through numerous chapters of her characters lives. And, Caroline Lee is one of my top favorite narrators. She brings the book to life.

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8 people found this helpful

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Hated to have it end!

I choose this book because of the narrator but I enjoyed it so much that I've just chosen another title by the same author. Very interesting period piece with characters who kept you invested and caring about what happened to them. The inclusion of silent pictures in the story and all of the detail in that was very interesting. Very enjoyable story! Moving on to the Golden Earrings with much anticipation.

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Not what I expected

What did you love best about Silver Wattle?

It's been a while since I listened, so I don't have the vivid memory of it I'd like to while reviewing. I did enjoy the book, however.

I appreciated its twists and turns, thoughtful reflection, and interesting background regarding the film industry.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Caroline Lee is one of my favorite readers. In fact, the reason I selected this book in the first place was because she'd be narrator.

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4 people found this helpful

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Surprisingly good!

You really can't go wrong with a story by Belinda Alexandra. I needed another book to listen to on my commute, but the summary just didn't appeal to me. I love to listen to Caroline Lee narrate so I chose it. Great story line, educational, and touching. Don't pass this one up!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Best Belinda Alexandra so far

Would you listen to Silver Wattle again? Why?

Yes, very entertaining. Often listen on commute back and forth to work. Helped to break away from the work mode.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard a book narrated by Caroline Lee I haven't liked, so far. Intrigued, by her ability to change accents to the occasion. Love it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Spectacular!

This book was a joy to listen to. Caroline Lee is a wonderful narrator and draws you into the story until you feel like you are truly a part of it. I felt my palms sweat with the intrigue and suspense, my heart break with love that is denied, and tears prickle my eyes with the unexpected light in the darkest of times. This type of book really isn't what I usually go for, but I was not disappointed with it on any level.

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2 people found this helpful

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Another great read from this author.

I always like her stories because of the time span covered and the depth of each character. I always learn some history of lessor known times periods or people groups. The narrator is wonderful. She really gives definition to each character.

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1 person found this helpful

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Another stunning novel by Belinda Alexander

Well researched and moving story. One of my favorite authors. Always a pleasure to move into her magnificent stories.

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1 person found this helpful