Silver Wattle

By: Belinda Alexandra

Narrated by: Caroline Lee

In fear for their lives after the sudden death of their mother, Adéla and Klára must flee Prague to find refuge with their uncle in Australia. Later, Adéla becomes a film director at a time when the local industry is starting to feel the competition from Hollywood. But even while success is imminent, the issues of family and an impossible love are never far away. And ultimately dreams of the silver screen must compete with the bonds of a lifetime. Silver Wattle confirms Belinda Alexandra as one of our foremost storytellers. Weaving fact into inspiring fiction with great flair and imagination, this is a novel as full of hope, glamour and heartbreak as the film industry itself.©2007 Belinda Alexandra. (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

"One of our great storytellers." (The Sunday Telegraph)

"Adela and Klara have a serene life in post-WWI Prague until the suspicious death of their mother makes them fear their stepfather. They emigrate to Australia to live with their uncle and soon are caught up in the booming local movie industry, Klara's piano career, and affairs of the heart. The story is told from Adela's point of view. Through Caroline Lee's skilful narration we hear Adela's progress from sheltered teenager to love-struck young adult to competent film director. The international array of characters gives Lee an opportunity to display facility with accents; only the American film distributor seems overdone. Lee brings out the cinematic quality of the script, dramatic plot turns, and enthusiasm for the emerging continent, making this an ideal candidate for audio." (AudioFile Magazine)

Best Belinda Alexandra so far

Would you listen to Silver Wattle again? Why?

Yes, very entertaining. Often listen on commute back and forth to work. Helped to break away from the work mode.

Have you listened to any of Caroline Lee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have never heard a book narrated by Caroline Lee I haven't liked, so far. Intrigued, by her ability to change accents to the occasion. Love it.

Too much?

Having read previous reviews that this book may have been overwritten, with too many plot lines and unnecessary details I was a bit apprehensive about choosing it. I like a fast plot line as much as next reader, I think. But I found that as I became enamored with the leading character I did not feel bogged down by the details of her life but felt they made her more real. In the end I, as always, was sad to hear the end of the tale. It was worth the read for sure

Hated to have it end!

I choose this book because of the narrator but I enjoyed it so much that I've just chosen another title by the same author. Very interesting period piece with characters who kept you invested and caring about what happened to them. The inclusion of silent pictures in the story and all of the detail in that was very interesting. Very enjoyable story! Moving on to the Golden Earrings with much anticipation.

Spectacular!

This book was a joy to listen to. Caroline Lee is a wonderful narrator and draws you into the story until you feel like you are truly a part of it. I felt my palms sweat with the intrigue and suspense, my heart break with love that is denied, and tears prickle my eyes with the unexpected light in the darkest of times. This type of book really isn't what I usually go for, but I was not disappointed with it on any level.

Highly entertaining

Silver Wattle told a story that I had little familiarity with--that of the early Australian film industry--and couched it in a suspenseful, period drama. The story is full of family, love, loss, murder, deception, beauty, nature, and oh yeah, movies! The audiobook was very well read. I loved the characters, and truly became invested in what their fates would be. I highly recommend this book!

Very Good, heartwarming

The talents of Belinda Alexandra and Caroline Lee are extraordinary. The reason for my taking off 1 star is because there were dragged out descriptions regarding filming process that showed the author's talent, but wasn't right for the story--perhaps it was just too long. But loved the characters and their development and loved the ending, although I would have loved to hear more about their relationship. Again, wonderful talent! Enjoyed this immensely.

A wonderful book

It is very well written, the characters appear alive and the story has suspense, a bit of life in different continents, love and much more.

Invigorating story!

This was a well-balanced story of love, mystery, and triumph. I was very captivated all the way through.

A well thought out ,well researched , and lovely novel

I really enjoyed this book it had a part of everything that touches the human heart, Make sure to listen after the story is over the author gives some very wise advice regarding safety due to some of the storylines in the novel.

Fabulous!!!

This book was very well written and kept my attention all the way through. Sometimes I would forget that it was not a true life story as I would be so enraptured with the characters.
The reader was first class and I will look forward to listening to more of the authors work.