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ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ---- Set between Prague and Melbourne in 1980, this achingly tender and deceptively simple novel tells of two children who never meet, but who are related through their formidable grandmothers. Ludek in Prague is curious, energetic, boastful and funny. His family don't have much, but then again, no-one in his neighbourhood does. There are often shortages but there's always something happening and his grandmother manages well enough. Mala Liska in Melbourne is quiet, observant, dutiful and imaginative. Her grandparents scrimp and save so they can occasionally go back to visit Prague; things are measured out and weighed up and carefully preserved but Mala always feels she has what she needs. As the novel switches back and forth, deep truths are revealed, about staying and going, sacrifices and resentments, family and the tales they tell to protect themselves - and always, of love. A truly beautiful, unforced and gentle novel - one of my favourites this year! Lindy Jones
In 2011, Favel Parrett's career was launched with her critically acclaimed debut PAST THE SHALLOWS. A heart-breaking novel, it was sold internationally, shortlisted in the prestigious Miles Franklin Award and won the Dobbie Literary Award. Favel herself won the ABIA Newcomer of the Year Award in 2012. Her next novel, WHEN THE NIGHT COMES, was also critically acclaimed and further consolidated Favel's reputation with booksellers and readers. Favel's short stories have been published in various journals including Island, Griffith Review and Wet Ink. THERE WAS STILL LOVE is Favel's eagerly awaited third novel. For more information, visit favelparrett.com.au or twitter.com/favelparrett.
ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ---- Set between Prague and Melbourne in 1980, this achingly tender and deceptively simple novel tells of two children who never meet, but who are related through their formidable grandmothers. Ludek in Prague is curious, energetic, boastful and funny. His family don't have much, but then again, no-one in his neighbourhood does. There are often shortages but there's always something happening and his grandmother manages well enough. Mala Liska in Melbourne is quiet, observant, dutiful and imaginative. Her grandparents scrimp and save so they can occasionally go back to visit Prague; things are measured out and weighed up and carefully preserved but Mala always feels she has what she needs. As the novel switches back and forth, deep truths are revealed, about staying and going, sacrifices and resentments, family and the tales they tell to protect themselves - and always, of love. A truly beautiful, unforced and gentle novel - one of my favourites this year! Lindy Jones
