The Dry: A Novel
26 journalers for this copy...
About the author:
Jane Harper is an author who won the 2015 Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript for her novel The Dry. The $15,000 award was presented at the opening night of the 2015 Emerging Writers Festival. Harper's winning manuscript was chosen from a shortlist of three from more than 130 entries.
The Dry tells `the story of a city policeman who is dragged back to the country township he fled years earlier to investigate a multiple homicide'.
The Victorian Premier's Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript is administered by the Wheeler Centre.
Journal Entry
2 by
J4Shaw at
Brisbane, Queensland Australia on Wednesday, June 7, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (6/7/2017 UTC) at Brisbane, Queensland Australia
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
MY REVIEW Ok so firstly I need to point out that earlier this year I read an amazing book, by one of my favourite authors of all time that was similar to "The Dry", so I couldn't not compare the 2.
I have purposely rated this lower than the other book, as I did enjoy that one more.
Ok that over with, what do I have to say about "The Dry".....
I did really enjoy this book and it did stack up to the majority of the hype that has been around it since taking out "book of the year" prize at the Indie Awards back in March.
I do really enjoy reading books set in obscure remote areas of Australia and having lived in the NT for a significant period of time, I really feel at home in that barren dry heat that Australia turns on for most of it's vast land mass.
A gutsy plot for a debut novel - triple suicide - that is well written and really does propel you through the storyline with increasing intrigue into the "who dunnit".
I've seen reviews of people who foresaw the ending and listed that as a downfall of it, but for me there was enough going on throughout the book to keep me engaged enough to not be able to positively pinpoint the ending myself, until I actually got there.
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I have decided to share this book out into the universe by way of an international Bookring. You can sign up to receive it HERE
Participants:
Sedna5213 (Germany - Int shipping)
Penelopewanders (Switzerland - EU shipping)
Icila (France - Int shipping)
Florence71 (France - EU shipping)
ReetPetite (England - Int shipping)
Bookfrogster (Scotland - Int shipping)
JemmaJ (England - Int shipping)
Kiki66 (Germany - Int shipping)
freuju (Germany - Int shipping)
VintageVanguard (Germany - Int shipping)
Jotka (Germany - Int shipping)
iiwi - (Netherlands - Int shipping)
T02S03B11D20 (USA - domestic shipping)
JudySlump612 (USA - Int shipping)
Mcsar (Canada - USA shipping)
Wilena (France - Int shipping)
Estelle1806 (Ireland - Int shipping)
kisses-cuddles (UK - Int shipping)
Lubiette (Greece - Int shipping)
LysMibo (Ireland - EU shipping)
Bjorg (Iceland - Int shipping)
greenbadger (UK - Int shipping)
dutch-book (Netherlands - Int shipping)
perryfran (USA - domestic shipping)
>>>PM J4shaw<<<
Journal Entry
3 by
sedna5213 at
Charlottenburg, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, June 21, 2017
The book arrived safely in Berlin. Will start reading very soon. Thanks a lot for sharing J4shaw!
****
A very good book, one of those which you want to read in one go!
Journal Entry
4 by
sedna5213 at
Charlottenburg, Berlin Germany on Tuesday, July 4, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (7/4/2017 UTC) at Charlottenburg, Berlin Germany
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book is on its way to the next reader. Enjoy!
Journal Entry
5 by
penelopewanders at
Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Wednesday, July 12, 2017
This arrived safely in France (although bookcrossing is being bolshy about letting me indicate that...) A few rings and rays rolling in this summer, but I hope to get to this soon. Thanks so much for sending, and for making it available.
Journal Entry
6 by
penelopewanders at
Saint-Loup-des Vignes, Centre France on Friday, July 21, 2017
This came in as a ring, and I have to say I'm intrigued to see it seems to be the first in a series. I was immediately caught up in this story. The descriptions of the landscape and the people were very evocative and the plot twisted and turned. I found the main character appealingly ambiguous - could he have done it (the older mystery, obviously) - could his friend have done it? A very good read.
Journal Entry
7 by
penelopewanders at
Beaune-la-Rolande, Centre France on Friday, July 21, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (7/21/2017 UTC) at Beaune-la-Rolande, Centre France
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This now leaves the center of France and heads a bit further towards the coast, if I'm not mistaken... Thanks so much for making this great book available.
Journal Entry
8 by
Icila at
Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Thank you penelopewanders, the book is now with me by the French Atlantic coast. I'm very looking forward to reading it.
A dry season in France, many fires in the South...
Journal Entry
9 by
Icila at
Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Saturday, July 29, 2017
I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down within a reasonable hour at nights. So be careful when you plan to begin the reading...
Edit 3/11/17 : There is a sequel:
http://www.bookcrossing.com/title/5300024
Journal Entry
10 by
Icila at
Nantes, Pays de la Loire France on Monday, July 31, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (8/1/2017 UTC) at Nantes, Pays de la Loire France
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
In the mail towards florence71.
Bonne lecture et bonnes vacances !
Journal Entry
11 by
Florence71 at
Fontenay-sous-Bois, Ile-de-France France on Friday, August 4, 2017
Well received today, thanks Icila ! Another gripping story as I like it !
Journal Entry
12 by
Florence71 at
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, September 25, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (9/26/2017 UTC) at Nottingham, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book follows his journey towards England. Enjoy !
Journal Entry
13 by
ReetPetite at
Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Friday, September 29, 2017
Thanks Florence71 & thanks for the Paris postcard.
Journal Entry
14 by
ReetPetite at
Beeston, Nottinghamshire United Kingdom on Saturday, October 7, 2017
Another author to watch out for. A great read. Thanks for sharing J4shaw.
I found a cute bookmark when I started to read it, is that from you Florence71? Thanks.
Journal Entry
15 by
bookfrogster at
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Monday, October 16, 2017
This has now arrived safely in Edinburgh. Thanks Reet-petite and J4Shaw. It looks very good, and I should be able to get it read this week.
Journal Entry
16 by
bookfrogster at
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Like the other readers so far I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was a great story. There was a lot going on, but not so much that it was confusing. You really could feel the parching heat as you read. Thanks very much for sharing this one. I'd definitely read more by this writer.
I've now got JemmaJ's address so should be able to get this posted by Saturday.
Journal Entry
17 by
bookfrogster at
Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom on Saturday, October 21, 2017
Released 6 yrs ago (10/20/2017 UTC) at Edinburgh, Scotland United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
And off it goes to JemmaJ, the next person on the list. Happy reading!
Journal Entry
18 by
JemmaJ at
Exchange/Trade, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Just arrived and I cannot wait to get into this book
Journal Entry
19 by
JemmaJ at
Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Friday, November 3, 2017
Almost done with this book - messaged Kiki66 for their address to get ready!
Journal Entry
20 by
kiki66 at
Gauting, Bayern Germany on Monday, November 13, 2017
..and now the book is back in Germany!
thanks for offering - and thanks for sending it my way..
Will start reading immediately ("Rebecca" has to wait ,-))
Journal Entry
21 by
kiki66 at
Gauting, Bayern Germany on Sunday, November 26, 2017
I must admit that for the whole time reading this book I only showered for about three minutes (as was the advice in the room Falk rented..) - and this in a country where we have rain in abundance ;-)
I don't think I could live in a place like described in this book..
As for the story - I liked it, I liked Falk, I never suspected the one who "did" it, but found it rather convincing!
I wasn't so happy with the very final ending though - it left me (at least) with two possibilities. And now I will be always wondering whether he did something with his newfound knowledge or not.
The book will be on its way as soon as I have the next address!
Edit to say that I learned some new Australian words - and I never ever want to meet a huntsman!
But "ute" amused me no end because it is such a German name for a woman ;-))
Edit 2: on its way to Freuju (27.11.17)
Journal Entry
22 by
freuju at
Waldkirchen, Bayern Germany on Monday, December 4, 2017
The book arrived here in the snowy hills of the Bavarian Forest and I am looking forward to reading a story set in an entirely different landscape. :)
Journal Entry
23 by
freuju at
Waldkirchen, Bayern Germany on Sunday, December 31, 2017
Great book! I really enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing!
The book is on its way to Berlin.
A very good new year to everyone! :)
Journal Entry
24 by
VintageVanguard at
Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany on Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Arrived in rainy Berlin. The envelope got pretty wet but the book survived the bad weather just fine!
Journal Entry
25 by
VintageVanguard at
Friedrichshain, Berlin Germany on Thursday, January 25, 2018
This book really made me not wanting to travel to Australia. Ever.
The unbearable heat and dryness, the casual mentioning of dangerous spiders and snakes.
Other than that the book was very good. The crime plot was very good, Harper put me on the wrong track who the murderer could be a couple of times. In the end I got really impatient to know who did it.
The story about Ellie was heart-wrenching and I really hope everyone got what they deserved in the end.
Thank you for offering this as a ring!
Journal Entry
26 by
VintageVanguard at
-- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Berlin Germany on Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Released 6 yrs ago (2/6/2018 UTC) at -- Per Post geschickt/ Persönlich weitergegeben --, Berlin Germany
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to the next person in line. Thank you for offering this ring, I really enjoyed the book!
Journal Entry
27 by
Jotka at
Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany on Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Book is now in Cottbus. Thank you very much for sending it. I hope it will be so gut like the other one I have received once from J4shaw (The Household Guide to Dying, http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6874919/).
March 2018
I can subscribe every word VintageVanguard wrote :)
Journal Entry
28 by
Jotka at
Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany on Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Released 6 yrs ago (3/14/2018 UTC) at Cottbus, Brandenburg Germany
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
I'm sending the book today to iiwi.
Journal Entry
29 by
iiwi at
Zeist, Utrecht Netherlands on Thursday, March 22, 2018
Received today!
Journal Entry
30 by
iiwi at
Zeist, Utrecht Netherlands on Tuesday, April 24, 2018
This was an enjoyable read, though not one that would make my top of the year. The flashbakcs for instance I found more or less repetative and unnecessary. I am picky about thrillers; I do not read much of them, so when I pick one I tend to choose the ones in which something really catches my interest. In this case the backdrop of Drought in middle Australia.
When Jane Harper moved from the north of England to southeastern Australia, her new home was enduring its worst drought on record. As a reporter on the Geelong Advertiser in the late Noughties, she would visit parched rural farming communities in the state of Victoria, desperate after more than a decade of poor rainfall. I read in the Sunday Times, so she used the tip everyone gets on a creative writing course: write what you know about.
Journal Entry
31 by
T02S03B11D20 at
Springport, Michigan USA on Saturday, May 5, 2018
Received this yesterday, along with several postcards and bookmarks. There were some origami items, and a little book to record good deeds in. Fun reading them. I also got a large chocolate bar, thank you, that's always great.
Journal Entry
32 by
T02S03B11D20 at
Springport, Michigan USA on Friday, June 1, 2018
This was an interesting book, in the end. While I was reading it, I liked it. But when I put it down, it seemed like I was not in a hurry to pick it back up. In fact, I read a whole book while I was also reading this one. Maybe half way through it started to get more interesting. Not worth the hype, in my opinion. First time I have read this author.
Journal Entry
33 by
T02S03B11D20 at
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Friday, June 1, 2018
Released 5 yrs ago (6/1/2018 UTC) at Minneapolis, Minnesota USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Going on to the next person in line for this bookring.
Journal Entry
34 by
JudySlump612 at
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Friday, June 8, 2018
Arrived here safely today, and I'm very happy to have it. Thank you for all the nice BC goodies, and I'm REALLY impressed by the little book of Travelling Kindness! I must think carefully to choose a worthy act to join the others.
Journal Entry
35 by
JudySlump612 at
Minneapolis, Minnesota USA on Wednesday, July 11, 2018
I'm very glad I got to read this book. For one thing, my age and so-so health make it very unlikely I'll ever visit Australia, so reading about it is the closest experience I can get. Also, I did not foresee the ending, although when I re-read the book, the clues were all in plain sight. Good mystery writing, and I'd say Harper deserved the Premier's Award.
Two small episodes stuck in my memory. First, the young Falk watches Mal Deacon shearing his sheep so badly he leaves them bloody. I'm still shocked at this. If there's anyplace in the world that understands and practices good sheep management, surely it's Australia, and here's a man hurting his sheep just because. I can't imagine a better way for Harper to signal how vile he is.
Second, one night the adult Falk goes for a walk at night, and discovers that the river that anchors so many of his boyhood memories is now completely dry and empty. The writing is powerful and evocative, and shows us in two pages how much damage the drought has done.
And curses on my careless head - I've lost the little book of Travelling Kindness! I'd made up my mind that my act of kindness was to send a Wish List book to Mcsar, who has such wonderful taste she's a pleasure to share with. I encourage future readers also to indulge the world with a kindness.
I kept the British Red Cross bookmark. I'm an American Red Cross blood donor and volunteer, two roles that mean a lot to me, so I could not pass up the Red Cross emblem. In fact, if anyone is having trouble thinking of a kindness, how about a blood donation?
Journal Entry
36 by
JudySlump612 at
By Mail, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Released 5 yrs ago (7/11/2018 UTC) at By Mail, Book Ring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to Mcsar, next in ring
Journal Entry
37 by
mcsar at
Richmond, British Columbia Canada on Thursday, July 19, 2018
Thank you J4shaw for sharing the book on a bookring and thank you JudySlump612 for sending the book to me. Your kind comments on the journal entry is making me blush.
Thank you for your act of kindness. I appreciate the wish list book, From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell. I will surely follow your lead and do an act of kindness upon release.
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Updated July 28, 2018
A great debut novel. It is one of the best books I have read this year. The story draws me in right from the get go and the mystery and intense atmosphere sustain the tension throughout the book. I look forward to reading other works by the author.
Journal Entry
38 by
mcsar at
To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Friday, August 10, 2018
Released 5 yrs ago (8/10/2018 UTC) at To the next participant, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Finally on its way to the next reader. I hope you enjoy this gripping thriller as much as I did.
Journal Entry
39 by
Wilena at
Entraigues, Auvergne France on Wednesday, September 19, 2018
The book arrived today ! It comes to the top of my TBR !
Journal Entry
40 by
Wilena at
Entraigues, Auvergne France on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
A really good book which takes us in the australian bush, with its secrets, its codes, its hopes and its rules.
A very interesting book, with a good thriller story. I have enjoyed to read it and didn't see the end coming up.
Thanks a lot for this discovery J4shaw ! :-)
Journal Entry
41 by
Wilena at
-- Controlled release, Co. Dublin Ireland on Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Released 5 yrs ago (11/7/2018 UTC) at -- Controlled release, Co. Dublin Ireland
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to Estelle, have a nice reading ! :-)
Journal Entry
42 by
estelle1806 at
Clonsilla, Co. Dublin Ireland on Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Just received from France, merci Wilena for the teas and bookmark.
Will start as soon as possible!
Journal Entry
43 by
estelle1806 at
Clonsilla, Co. Dublin Ireland on Thursday, November 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this read: the general 'heavy' atmosphere, the well-developed characters, the different plots/stories, all was really appealing, so much so that I stopped reading my other books to finish this one!
I have kind of a fascination with Australia (I hope to visit someday), and it did not disappoint on that part, even though I am not a fan of creepy crawlies!
Thanks for sharing J4shaw :-)
It will soon travel to the U.K.
Journal Entry
44 by
estelle1806 at
Bletchley, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Friday, November 23, 2018
Released 5 yrs ago (11/23/2018 UTC) at Bletchley, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to kisses-cuddles, in the U.K.
Please let us know when you release it again...
Journal Entry
45 by
kisses-cuddles at
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, December 3, 2018
this arrived safely to me. I am a bit caught up in something else atm but will get to this ASAP as it's set in my home country :)
Journal Entry
46 by
kisses-cuddles at
Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire United Kingdom on Monday, December 17, 2018
Wow. Wow. Wow. I loved this book. Read the entire thing inside a week within 3 sittings (would have read it in one in my pre-child days)
I've not been so hooked in on a book for such a long time. A real page turner.
Lots of twists and turns and great character depth. I've lived in a small outback Aussie town so completely related to the small mindedness and clicky relationships and people are never as they seem. I did not for a second suspect the actual murderer, sneaky sneaky.
I have a really hard time believing this is Jane's first ever book! I've just ordered her other one Force of Nature to read over my Christmas break.
I'm off to the Post office in the next few days so the book continues it's travels.
Journal Entry
47 by
Lubiette at
Kallithea - Καλλιθέα, Attica Greece on Wednesday, January 16, 2019
Just arrived, thank you !
Edit 20.01.2019 : an absolute page turner and very promising first novel. I couldn't put it down so I was really inspired to read it during the weekend. The book will resume its journey as soon as LysMibo sends me her address.
Journal Entry
48 by
Lubiette at
Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Monday, January 21, 2019
Released 5 yrs ago (1/21/2019 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
In the mail to LysMibo. Enjoy !
Journal Entry
49 by
LysMibo at
Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Monday, January 28, 2019
The book arrived today!!! Thanks!
Journal Entry
50 by
LysMibo at
Dublin, Co. Dublin Ireland on Sunday, February 17, 2019
Just finished reading. This is really an addicting book, from start to finish. Very written and compelling story. Thanks for sharing!
I'll send it to Bjorg next as soon as I get the address.
Journal Entry
51 by
Bjorg at
Reykjavík, Reykjavík (Höfuðborgar svæðið) Iceland on Monday, March 11, 2019
Arrived today, look forward to read it :) hope I can start on it soon.
Journal Entry
52 by
Bjorg at
Reykjavík, Reykjavík (Höfuðborgar svæðið) Iceland on Sunday, March 31, 2019
Wow, I got hooked rignt away. Really enjoyed this book, full of surprising twists and turns. Will for sure look for more books By Jane Harper.
Am waiting to hear from greenbadger so I can pass the book along.
Journal Entry
53 by
Bjorg at
St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Released 4 yrs ago (4/4/2019 UTC) at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Going to greenbadger next, enjoy :)
Journal Entry
54 by
greenbadger at
St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 11, 2019
The ring has arrived with me, thank you!
Journal Entry
55 by
greenbadger at
St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 18, 2019
Aaron Falk is back in Kiewarra, the small farming town he grew up in, for a funeral. His oldest friend Luke Hadler has shot his wife and child, and then himself. Tensions are high in Kiewarra, with the worst drought in years meaning everyone is struggling, and with the return of Falk some people can't leave the past alone - and a secret he and Luke shared as children is coming back to haunt him. This is an excellent read, the emotional stresses of the drought and the killings in the small community provide an undercurrent of suspense and the gradual revealing of Falk and Hadler's history is well done.
Journal Entry
56 by
greenbadger at
St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom on Thursday, April 25, 2019
Released 4 yrs ago (4/25/2019 UTC) at St Albans, Hertfordshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
On its way to dutch-book who is next in the ray. Enjoy!
Journal Entry
57 by
dutch-book at
Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Thursday, May 2, 2019
The book arrived at my place today. I really look forward to this read!
Journal Entry
58 by
dutch-book at
Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Friday, May 24, 2019
Finished on the 14th of May.
I liked this book. I went to bed a little later to finish the story.
I hadn't figured out who the perpetrator was. Thought it maybe a little too neat that Aaron found out what he found out. But at the same time it gave a sense of closure and an opening to a new book.
It's now waiting in my home for a new reader.
Journal Entry
59 by
dutch-book at
Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands on Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Released 4 yrs ago (6/10/2019 UTC) at Heerenveen , Fryslân (Friesland) Netherlands
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Traveling to perryfran.
Journal Entry
60 by
perryfran at
Elk Grove, California USA on Thursday, June 27, 2019
Received in today's mail. Thanks J4shaw for adding me to this bookring and dutch-book for sending this to me from the Netherlands. I have one book to finish before I can get to this but shouldn't be long. Looks like a very good read.
Journal Entry
61 by
perryfran at
Elk Grove, California USA on Tuesday, July 2, 2019
I really got drawn into this very atmospheric thriller set in a small town in Southern Australia during a catastrophic drought. Aaron Falk is called back to his boyhood town when his childhood friend, Luke, apparently went berserk and killed his wife, young son, and himself using a shotgun. Luke's parents feel that something is not right so they want Falk to investigate the financial aspects of Luke's life hoping to find something that will lead to some other explanation. Falk is now a policeman in Melbourne who works with financial crimes so he may be able to find something. But there is also a death of a young girl, Ellie, twenty years earlier that is also being held over Falk's head by the towns people who think Falk had a hand in her death. So did Luke actually commit the brutal crime against his family? If not, then who did? And is Ellie's death twenty years earlier somehow related to this current crime?
This was really an engrossing and compelling novel and it had me hooked from page 1. There were lots of twists and red herrings thrown into the tale and it kept me guessing right up till the end. Overall, a very good thriller that I would recommend.
Journal Entry
62 by
perryfran at
By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Sunday, July 21, 2019
Released 4 yrs ago (7/21/2019 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Returning to J4Shaw to continue this bookring.
Journal Entry
63 by
J4Shaw at
BookMooch Member in Bookmooch.com, A book trading site -- Controlled Releases on Friday, January 21, 2022
Released 2 yrs ago (1/24/2022 UTC) at BookMooch Member in Bookmooch.com, A book trading site -- Controlled Releases
WILD RELEASE NOTES:
This is off to continue its travels via BookMooch.
Journal Entry
64 by
AnonymousFinder at
Houston, Texas USA on Sunday, September 4, 2022
Better than expected. The location is almost a character itself.