by Victoria Purman-an e book bargain
#TheRadioHour #NetGalley
The Radio Hour is the most recent book of Australian women’s fiction that I have read. I have recently noted enjoying books by Sophie Green and Sandie Docker. Now, I can add Victoria Purman to the list of Aussie authors whose titles will carry an automatic “I want to read that one.”
There are many things that I loved about this book. The historical post WWII, 1950s look at life for women in Australia was intriguing and involving. Women, who just as in other countries, held significant positions during that war were expected to go back home. While there, they could enjoy listening to radio soaps to break up the monotony. How these soaps were made and the world of radio production were well portrayed in these pages. Readers come to understand how these serials brought a common experience to friends and family who then discussed them.
Women who worked were often “old maids” and not given the best of the jobs. In this story, the 50 year old MISS Barry (why does her new boss keep calling her Mrs? Just one way of not paying attention or showing respect it would seem) is given the job of working with a new (and incompetent) writer of a soap that is meant to rival another highly popular one. Will is succeed and, if so, how or why? Will any radio soap prevail as TV comes to Australia?
Most importantly, the reader of this book will route for Miss Barry. If she can succeed, other women will feel that they might too.
It is easy to recommend this title to those who enjoy stories about this time with good characters and just enough plot to keep the pages turning.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Collins Focus for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 04 February 2025
From the Publisher
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 