Bittersweet

By: Colleen McCullough

Narrated by: Cat Gould

In her first epic romantic novel since The Thorn Birds,Colleen McCullough weaves a sweeping story of two sets of twins - all trained as nurses but each with her own ambitions - stepping into womanhood in 1920s and '30s Australia.

Because they are two sets of twins, the four Latimer sisters are as close as can be. Yet these vivacious young women each have their own dreams for themselves: Edda wants to be a doctor, Tufts wants to organize everything, Grace won't be told what to do, and Kitty wishes to be known for something other than her beauty. They are famous throughout New South Wales for their beauty, wit, and ambition, but as they step into womanhood, they are not enthusiastic about the limited prospects life holds for them.

Together they decide to enroll in a training program for nurses - a new option for women of their time who have previously been largely limited to the role of wives, and preferably mothers. As the Latimer sisters become immersed in hospital life and the demands of their training, they meet people and encounter challenges that spark new maturity and independence. They meet men from all walks of life - local farmers, their professional colleagues, and even men with national roles and reputations - and each sister must make weighty decisions about what she values most. The results are sometimes happy, sometimes heartbreaking, but always.... bittersweet.

Rendered with McCullough's trademark historical accuracy, this dramatic coming-of-age tale is wise in the ways of the human heart, one that will transport readers to a time in history that feels at once exotic and yet not so very distant from our own.

©2014 Colleen McCullough (P)2014 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

1920s Australia

I thought this book would be a historical novel about the changing role of nurses just after World War One and into the 1920s. The story is a tale of Edda, Grace Heather (Tufts) and Katherine (Kitty) two sets of twins. The story is set in the imagined Australian country town of Corunda. The novel underlines several of McCullough’s enormous strengths as a writer—superbly deft characterization, multiple plots that move apace, a warmth and generosity in the telling and dialogue sharp and at times funny.

The story starts in a country hospital, nurses and sisterly friendship. In those days a women’s was limited in a career choice. She could get married, be a teacher, a nun or a nurse. The four girls are educated and start a new three year nursing program to become an R. N. Australia has just adopted the new system requiring nurses to be educated and licensed. Edda wanted to be a physician but has to settle for a nurse. The story’s attraction is the dissection of Australian society during the great depression and the detailed exposure of sex discrimination and feminist struggles in the Australian style.

The book had my attention in the beginning with descriptions of the hospital and nursing techniques but unfortunately for me the book turned into a romance novel. I am not a fan of romance novels.

Colleen McCullough is Australia’s most successful author. She lives on Norfolk Island. I enjoyed her book “Thorn Birds” and her series on ancient Rome. Cat Gould did a good job narrating the book.

Another great McCullough story!

Her story-telling is amazing along with the superb historical background to make an excellent reading.

Great women leading unconventional lives

Colleen McCullough creates great women - strong, intelligent, independent, unconventional. Here she adds the strong bonds of sisters to create a fascinating book. I'll miss the Latimer sisters when I'm done.

Loved this.

We lived in the outback of Australia for 2 years; this book brought back so many memories. To me, the characters were spot on and fairly represented the era. These women were strong, intelligent and independent. The end of this novel was as I thought it would be, bittersweet.

Ho hum

I found it kind of dry. I kept day dreaming and having to rewind. Nothing negative just not exciting.

Fun Read

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Listened via Audible. Being a nurse, I always enjoy books about the early days of nursing. While I would have enjoyed a little more content on nursing, the story line was quite an enjoyable journeying with these four complex and delightful sisters. The story shows the strength of women overcoming in a very "male" world while maintaining their femininity. I like long books and I would have loved for this one to go on for a little longer. It did feel as if it ended a little abruptly but other than that, I recommend.