If the war is over, life should be noticeably peaceful, uneventful, and normal. Right?

For Annie, her parents, and her eight siblings, their days were no longer tainted by the global angst and chaos of the preceding years. Peaceful? Relatively, yes. Uneventful? Not quite. Normal? Perhaps, but the complexities of life had not vanished along with the war.

Set in the years following the Second World War, River Kids exquisitely chronicles the life of Annie and her family in New South Wales. The narrative is equipped with sophisticated language reminiscent of classical writing, creating a rich reading experience. I must confess that at times, I found myself reaching for my reader’s built-in dictionary features, but that only added to the depth of my engagement. I was so engrossed in the story that I didn’t pinpoint any significant flaws; instead, I found the manuscript to be pristine, if not flawless. The uniquely crafted dialogues clearly differentiate and develop the more significant characters, while splashes of diminutives, slang, and jargon enhance the theme, flow, and relatability of the narrative. For anyone wanting to test their flair for Aussie lingo, this book serves as a fitting proving ground. For those unacquainted with it, it offers a solid foundation for learning.

Though the themes are lightly presented and laced with humour, the characterisation is amply in-depth. The descriptions and details are generous, allowing for vivid visualisations that bring the story to life. It feels like a treasure chest for the senses, steering clear of the morbidity and grossness that often plague other genres. This memoir cleverly intertwines actual historical facts with hints of fiction, creating a hybrid narrative that is both engaging and informative. The extent to which the author’s words reflect truth or imagination remains a mystery, one I believe should be preserved for everyone’s enjoyment.

Some books are hard to put down, compelling you to read quickly. This, on the other hand, is a work that invites you to set aside time to savour it. It’s not the kind of read you rush through; it requires reflection, yet it’s rewarding in its own right.

If you’re seeking thrill, surprise, or a complex plot, this book may not be for you. Admittedly, it isn’t my usual type of read; I tend to gravitate towards sci-fi or fantasy genres. The title didn’t initially appeal to me either, but if you’re like me and have an interest in glimpses of Aussie history and culture from the not-so-distant yet relatively unknown past, this book is definitely worth considering. While the pacing felt a bit rushed towards the end, the title adequately justifies that sentiment. Though it touches on religious themes, they are contextually essential rather than prescriptively dogmatic.

I don’t intend to give perfect ratings lightly, but in this case, I made a commendable choice once again. Considering both the book’s intentions and its execution, it undoubtedly deserves the accolade.