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shhhhh_reading's review against another edition
5.0
This book shines a light into the dark corners where domestic violence is hidden, both historically and currently. The contrast between the innocence of Joe and the violence of Ray is stark. I think we all need to be challenged by stories of domestic violence to make sure we don't turn away.
readwithbell's review against another edition
4.0
a powerfully moving story set in rural victoria about domestic violence, surrounding children and women
beautifully told with the most amazing cast of characters
beautifully told with the most amazing cast of characters
aussiegirlinuk's review against another edition
5.0
Tony Birch’s Women and Children is a quietly powerful novel that left a lasting impression. Set in 1965, it follows Joe Cluny, a young boy living with his mother, Marion, and sister, Ruby, in a working-class suburb. When his distressed Aunty Oona arrives unexpectedly, Joe begins to uncover the painful secrets his family carries—secrets met with silence and complicity from those who should help.
This is a tender yet unflinching exploration of big issues—rage, justice, and powerlessness—told through the intimate struggles of one family. Birch’s prose is subtle but deeply evocative, capturing the love and courage between two sisters while showing the sudden loss of Joe’s childhood innocence.
Women and Children is a poignant, understated story about survival and solidarity. It’s my first book by Birch, but it certainly won’t be my last. Highly recommended.
This is a tender yet unflinching exploration of big issues—rage, justice, and powerlessness—told through the intimate struggles of one family. Birch’s prose is subtle but deeply evocative, capturing the love and courage between two sisters while showing the sudden loss of Joe’s childhood innocence.
Women and Children is a poignant, understated story about survival and solidarity. It’s my first book by Birch, but it certainly won’t be my last. Highly recommended.
marcojim's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
tarynlovestoread's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
transcendent's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
TONY BIRCH ! *raucous applause*
hats off to another wonderful book by the man, the myth, the legend: Tony Birch.
Women and Children explores very harsh, very real themes through the viewpoint of a child, and it truly taking a village to take care of one another.
Charlie and Joe's relationship was so sweet to read through for the 300-odd pages of the book, and it really felt like Birch exploring his current and younger selves being reflected through the characters.
Here's to being better than those who raised us, and to end the cycle forever.
hats off to another wonderful book by the man, the myth, the legend: Tony Birch.
Women and Children explores very harsh, very real themes through the viewpoint of a child, and it truly taking a village to take care of one another.
Charlie and Joe's relationship was so sweet to read through for the 300-odd pages of the book, and it really felt like Birch exploring his current and younger selves being reflected through the characters.
Here's to being better than those who raised us, and to end the cycle forever.
jodiekate4's review against another edition
3.0
A beautiful quiet book that touches on some heart-wrenching issues.
kris_mccracken's review against another edition
3.0
"Women & Children" by Tony Birch delves into the haunting echoes of silence surrounding past traumas, painting a vivid picture of working-class Melbourne in the 1960s. Through the eyes of young Joe Cluny, Birch navigates the complexities of familial secrets and the pervasive violence against women.
While the novel's exploration of these themes is commendable, its narrative structure feels somewhat formulaic, and the dialogue occasionally rings unnaturally. Despite this, Birch's prose remains poignant, sensitively capturing the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of adulthood. However, some characters, such as Joe's mother, Marion and Aunt Oona, feel underdeveloped, falling into familiar tropes.
Birch's portrayal of the Catholic Church's complicity in the face of domestic violence adds depth to the narrative. Yet, the plot progression may feel predictable and an abrupt ending that borders on unbelievable. Nevertheless, Birch's refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths and his skilful avoidance of heavy-handed metaphors elevate "Women & Children" into a compelling, if flawed, exploration of resilience and the enduring power of storytelling.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
While the novel's exploration of these themes is commendable, its narrative structure feels somewhat formulaic, and the dialogue occasionally rings unnaturally. Despite this, Birch's prose remains poignant, sensitively capturing the innocence of youth and the harsh realities of adulthood. However, some characters, such as Joe's mother, Marion and Aunt Oona, feel underdeveloped, falling into familiar tropes.
Birch's portrayal of the Catholic Church's complicity in the face of domestic violence adds depth to the narrative. Yet, the plot progression may feel predictable and an abrupt ending that borders on unbelievable. Nevertheless, Birch's refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths and his skilful avoidance of heavy-handed metaphors elevate "Women & Children" into a compelling, if flawed, exploration of resilience and the enduring power of storytelling.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐
xtinetreasure's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
kcouncil's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse