While the author is a skillful writer with a strong command of language who is adept at creating rich imagery, being able to visualize the setting and maintain a strong sense of place do not compensate for poor character development or disappointing technological detail. I never achieved any emotional involvement or empathy for the protagonist who I saw as trashy, impulsive and immoral. I have no interest whatsoever in reading anything further about Sandra Mahoney. The strange title, mysterious cover and reference to the author's numerous awards elevated my expectations for this work which were ultimately very disappointed. For a story with a technological premise, the expected detail needed to immerse the reader into that environment was lacking as well. Even after making my way through the entire book and thinking about it I still don't understand the title's meaning and only a vague sense of the cover art's relationship with the story.
You want to read about computer viruses, techies, stolen money and distrust, talk in metaphors, ooh Australian slang then this book is for you. Sandra with her new job and a son who can't read well and a husband whose job takes him away from them and a new job that keeps her on her toes with all the above things I mentioned. I was waiting for the story to grab me in but it didn't, sorry! I kept reading and soon got caught up in it. I'm not saying this book is not good, it was well written but this story is not one I would have read before but to be fair it was okay. The author managed to make me want to read what would happen next. I won this book in Goodreads, "First Read Giveaway." Thank you very much. Ms. Dorothy Johnston I do appreciate you mailing this book out to me since you live in Australia and I live on a small island far far away:) I saw how much it cost for postage,Thank you very much!
What do You think about The Trojan Dog (2000)?
This is an extremely well written book with lovely language. The author has a good grasp on descriptions that create pictures in my mind. I loved to see Australia through they eyes of an Aussie, although I struggled with the concept of it being warmer in the North and summer being in December. The characters were mostly believable and well rounded with the exception of the main character. I found her strangely lacking in emotion which was especially jarring since she was the narrator of the story. Overall, it's a soothing read with incredibly lovely language if a little slow at times.
—Katharina Gerlach
