Conditions of Faith
Miller, AlexInspired by his mother's journal writings, this prize-winning author created the story of Emily Stanton, a young Australian woman who leaves academic life in 1920s Melbourne to become the wife of a Scottish Paris-based engineer. But conventional marriage awakens her desire to look beyond the roles seen as appropriate for women of her time. [Small font]
Comments from Groups
All members enjoyed the book. Very well written and descriptive. Most unlikely plot. Hamilton 024 Very divided opinion on this book. Some loved it and others angered by the main character. Coromandel 001 Very hard to get into this book. Several did not get book finished as it was hard going. Frustrated with talent that Lucy had that was wasted by her taking up with drugs! Carterton 001Enjoyed by some, disliked by others. I personally really liked the book, the writing style and descriptions, although some parts seemed beyond credibility. But anything can happen in a story. Upper Hutt 007All the group were very disappointed with this book. We felt the story line was inplausible, one dimensional characters and tedious descriptive passages. Greytown 001
Pages
406
406
Year
2001
2001
Reviews
19-09-2022
This book engendered a lively discussion. Views on the importance of a mother's job versus a career were discussed in depth. Overall most members enjoyed the book and found it interesting.
19-09-2022
Most enjoyed reading this book, but reported frustration with inconsistencies. Some beautiful portrayals of eg. Paris and the capture of the period, but some characters and choices were unconvincing. Lots of issues for discussion though.
19-09-2022
One of the liveliest discussions we've had. There was a wide variety of opinions, but generally no-one liked the main character, and all found the storyline dreary. It's worth reading more Alex Miller for comparisons though.
19-09-2022
The majority liked this book. It provided food for thought. We discussed women's lives and expectations as they may be now, and in the 20s and 30s.
19-09-2022
Well-written with many interesting sub plots.
19-09-2022
This book was quite enjoyed by the members and most finished it, but some members found the main character rather silly.
19-09-2022
Everyone loved it! Good discussion too.
19-09-2022
Our group enjoyed reading the book but most members wouldn't recommend this book to their friends.
19-09-2022
Opinions differed on this book. Some enjoyed it and others thought it took a long time to say nothing much. Quite a dilemma about a baby who proved a hindrance to a mother's career.
19-09-2022
A good discussion though some readers took a while to settle in to the 'style' of writing - others however loved it immediately. Lots to think about, and all still relevant today. A good read.
19-09-2022
What a story! We did love this book. Strong characters and good writing. We even started to 'write' what happened after the book finished! Good side discussion about marriage and motherhood.
19-09-2022
Good discussion afterwards, but we felt the author (older, male) had unrealistic views of women and how we think etc.
19-09-2022
All members thoroughly enjoyed the read, and it led to a very long (!) and intense discussion! Brilliant author and brilliant read.