I really do want to read this one day, but have bought it for an Australia Day RABCK

Received in the mail today as a RABCK. Thanks newk.

A true story, Bryce Courtenay writes about his son Damon. Damon is a haemophiliac, and like many others who required treatment with blood products in the early days of the history of the virus, he tragically contracted HIV/AIDS, and died in his 20s.

It is an extremely passionate book, sad to the point of making you cry, and yet is also inspiring. It brings out the anger and frustrations felt by all those involved - towards the hospital system and towards society's prejudices.

However unfortunately, my overall lasting impression was one of self indulgence (by Bryce himself).

Placed into the "already crossed" bookbag.

Caught from the 'Already crossed' bookbag. Wasn't planning to take it but started reading and now I'm engrossed in the intensely personal and tragic story of Bryce's son, Damon. Thanks for including it, crimson-tide. I'll finish it and release in some way.

I am not a fan of Bryce's writing at all, but I appreciated the opportunity to read this very passionate retelling of Bryce's youngest son's Damon tragically short life. As well as a story of great compassion and love, it's a harsh indictment of the medical profession's slowness to respond to the dangers of HIV transmission by blood products, and of dreadful attitudes towards victims of HIV/AIDS in the late 80s and early 90s. Thanks newk and crimson-tide for the opportunity to read.

(newk, I can send it your way, as you said you'd like to read it...?)