Looking for a title Loved by Your Local Librarian?
Love & Virtue by Diana Reid
There was a lot of buzz around this book last year, and I finally got around to reading it and I’m so glad I did. Love and Virtue is a contemporary Australian story that explores the challenges of student life and university culture. Diana Reid is an engaging writer, and I enjoyed the setting of this book, which focuses on Sydney’s inner city and exclusive suburbs.
Michaela, the main character is from Canberra, where she lives with her single mum. She has won a scholarship to a residential college at a Sydney University. She is bright, witty, and sensitive, and puts on a brave front, but when she goes home to Canberra to visit her mother, we discover her soft side; she relies on her mother and her safe space with her. It is part of the author’s skill that by then we have forgotten she is only 18.
Love & Virtue by Diana Reid
Also available as an eBook (Libby), eAudio (Libby).
Or as a Book Group Set!
It is a university life of discussions on philosophy, the future and relationships, with much drinking, partying and drug taking. Unlike Michaela, many of the students come from privileged and wealthy backgrounds. Through this group, the author uncovers the abuse of positions of power, personal betrayals and, disturbingly, acts of sexual disrespect and assault.
Michaela begins new relationships at the university, particularly with her new friend Eve. We are drawn into the excitement and closeness one can feel with a new 'bestie' and then we have to endure the heart-breaking betrayal. Further betrayals follow, by the young men in her group, and by one of her teachers.
This book is in the vein of Sally Rooney's 'Normal People', which I also loved, and which has become a hit TV series! Check out these titles here:
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Also available as an Audiobook (MP3), eBook (Libby), eAudio (Libby) and as a Book Club Kit.
The Secret History by Donna Tart
Also available as eAudio (BorrowBox).
- Jane at Whittlesea Library