3.84
"The Broken Shore" by Peter Temple is a crime novel that offers a fresh and compelling take on the genre. The novel's protagonist, Joe Cashin, is a detective who returns to his hometown in southern Australia after being injured in the line of duty. Cashin is a complex and nuanced character, haunted by his past and struggling to come to terms with his physical limitations. When he arrives in his hometown, Cashin becomes embroiled in a high-profile murder investigation involving the wealthy and powerful family that owns the local cement works. As he delves deeper into the case, Cashin uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and violence that threatens to destroy the community he once called home. Temple's writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the rugged beauty of the Australian landscape and the dark underbelly of small-town life. The novel's plot is intricate and multi-layered, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. What sets "The Broken Shore" apart from other crime novels is its exploration of themes such as identity, loyalty, and the legacy of violence. Cashin's struggle to reconcile his past with his present is a central theme of the novel, and Temple handles this complex issue with sensitivity and nuance. The novel also offers a critique of the corrupting influence of power and wealth, as well as a commentary on the tension between traditional values and modernity. These themes are explored through the novel's richly drawn characters, who are complex and multi-dimensional, with their own motivations, desires, and flaws. In conclusion, "The Broken Shore" is a powerful and thought-provoking crime novel that will appeal to fans of the genre and beyond. Its complex characters, evocative writing, and multi-layered plot make it a standout addition to any reader's bookshelf...
Jane Harper
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If you liked the sense of place and the exploration of small-town dynamics in 'The Broken Shore', you might enjoy 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. This novel is set in a drought-stricken rural town in Australia, and follows the story of a federal agent who returns to his hometown to investigate a murder-suicide, only to uncover a web of secrets and lies.
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For readers who appreciated the historical context and exploration of identity in 'The Broken Shore', 'The Secret River' by Kate Grenville is a great choice. This novel tells the story of a man named William Thornhill, who is transported to Australia as a convict and must navigate the challenges of colonialism and the complex relationships between the settlers and the indigenous people.
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For readers who appreciated the historical context and exploration of identity in 'The Broken Shore', 'The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith' by Thomas Keneally is a great choice. This novel tells the story of an Aboriginal man named Jimmie Blacksmith who becomes caught up in a cycle of violence and revenge in colonial Australia.
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If you enjoyed the exploration of themes of violence and redemption in 'The Broken Shore', you might like 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. This novel tells the story of a young girl named Liesel Meminger who is sent to live with a foster family in Nazi Germany and discovers the power of words and the resilience of the human spirit.
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