The Walters are an eccentric family who struggles through life. They go from the allies and back parts of Melbourne to Europe which is struggling of war. This book has plenty of magic and brothels and fortune tellers and even some predators. The world of obsessions and crimes is a world that can draw even the best in and the Walters are no exception. With a disintegrating marriage, the children are exposed to a city's possibilities and Paul and Ondine are no exception. It is set between the time of 1891 and 1922 and the writer captures the historical side of it and flows through the plot very easily. With everyday family matters and believable plot twists this books has plenty for a reader to enjoy. Abuse, murder, love, war are just some of what you see and the action and draw is great. ( )

I loved this, as his earlier book.Writes in an engaging manner that includes a historical/creative and disturbing sentiment. I liked the backdrop of Melbourne in the late 1800's and the central character driven by a creative desire, that is based on his attempt to make sense of his fathers madness. ( )