| Author: |
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| Title: |
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Dreamhouse |
| Moochable copies: |
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No copies available |
| Recommended: |
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| Topics: |
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| Published in: |
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English |
| Binding: |
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Paperback |
| Pages: |
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170 |
| Date: |
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2004-12-30 |
| ISBN: |
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0702220531 |
| Publisher: |
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Univ of Queensland Pr |
| Weight: |
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0.79 pounds |
| Size: |
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5.85 x 8.43 x 0.73 inches |
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| Description: |
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Product Description
This novel is concerned with the mystery and menace underpinning everyday life, focusing on Louise and Rennie whose dreamhouse, a decaying Tuscan villa is, in reality, the stuff of nightmares. However, as the long, hot summer and the story progresses, Louise's life begins to ripen with new and unconventional possibilities. Kate Grenville is the author of a collection of short stories and the novel "Lillian's story".
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| Reviews: |
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Marianne (Australia) (2012/03/13):
Dreamhouse is the third novel by Australian author, Kate Grenville. Set in Tuscany, in the village of San Giorgio and later, Milan, the story is narrated by Louise Dufrey. Louise and her husband Reynold are in Tuscany on the invitation of a colleague of Rennie’s, Daniel, so that Rennie can complete his dissertation, “Malthus and the Doctrine of Necessary Catastrophe”. They are to stay at one of his villas, but, after a bizarre encounter with Daniel’s children, Hugo and Viola, find that the villa is little more than a crumbling heap. They are warned of Domenico, a seemingly demented old man living in the barn, who will bring them their daily bread. When Daniel turns up, they are invited to stay at the villa with him and his children, and, as events unfold, Louise begins to see their hosts in a different light. With some flashbacks and present day interactions, Grenville builds Louise’s character and the relationship with Rennie, which seems rather unsatisfactory for both. While the reader does not learn much about the other characters, with their true nature and relationships left ambiguous, Grenville conveys the atmosphere of Tuscany with consummate ease, and the mood of the characters comes across extremely well. There are constant sexual undertones in all the dialogue and actions of Daniel and his family. I liked the irony of the role reversal: Louise’s initial discomfort and paranoia became Rennie’s, while Louise gained initial Rennie’s ease and confidence. Perhaps not a pleasant as much as a compelling read.
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| URL: |
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http://bookmooch.com/0702220531 |
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