To write a review) simply click here.

REVIEWS

I have just finished reading Kaleidoscope. I loved it ... I feel as if this is a family I have come to know and love even though it is set in another time. I feel empathy for your characters and the difficulties and tragedies they experience because of the time in which they live. And you have described the settings of the story so clearly. Sue

The title and the cover said 'read me', and I did, and I was moved by what I read. Ireland, Australia, injustice, war and the plight of women everywhere, no matter country or century; I recommend this book wholeheartedly. Brian Fuller

I have now finished reading Kaleidoscope, and very much enjoyed it. You managed to get into the story a great sweep of history at such an important time, when so many lives were affected by famine, migration and war, and to introduce a number of moral dilemmas as well, particularly for the main character.

Great cover and great title too that fitted the story. Alison Booth

I really enjoyed Kaleidoscope, right from its attractively designed cover to its conclusion. Diane is skilled at getting 'into the heads' of the characters by revealing their philosophical and ideological thoughts and emotions. I was totally taken by surprise with the unexpected twist in the story and thoroughly loved it.

I could relate to so many places in Sydney and NSW described by Diane and felt it made the story more meaningful. I intend to read the book again. Ruth

I love the language. The word pictures you bring to life with such clarity and detail, and the levels of intimacy with which you engage in the development of each character, are flowing seamlessly against accurate historical backdrops of time, place and social mores.

A moving, changing, continuing 'KALEIDOSCOPE' ultimately highlighting chance, courage, resilience and the mystery of connectedness – a powerful reminder of the essence of our humanity. Jane

I have just finished reading Kaleidoscope, and I must say that I loved it. It is set in Australia in the early part of the twentieth century at the time of WWI, but it also draws on nineteenth century Ireland. Centred around Bridget who is fleeing from country NSW to Sydney, fearing that she is about to be hanged for something she really did not want to do, the book questions what is right and what is wrong and asks if right is always right and if wrong is always wrong. Well researched the book suggests that war churns up more wrongs than rights. I found Bridget O'Connor completely believable, an ordinary woman thrown into an extraordinary situation. Anne S

The predominant theme for this novel is woven around the impact of military service by Australians in World War I, the trauma and domestic violence inflicted by some damaged returned soldiers and the great loss felt by families of those who did not return. Another interwoven theme involves the quandary felt by Irish/Australians about whether to serve in a war that they saw as essentially British.

Bridget O'Connor's ancestors had emigrated to Australia from Ireland during the Great Famine of the 1850's and the treatment of the Irish by their British overlords was still deeply resented by many Australians of Irish descent even at the time of the Great War.

The characters and locations in this book feel real, and the period is evoked well. I found it a very interesting read, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. Susan Hollingworth 2/2/2022