Unofficial Christ's Hospital Forum

"Underbelly"

A paperback in the Crime-Book series.

It's about organised crime and un-solved murders in Australia since the early 1990's.

It would appear the Australian Police don't have a very good solve rate as far as murder is concerned !!

I'm reading a biography entitled 'The First Elizabeth' by Carolly Erickson (she originally called it 'Fair Eliza" - a much better title). It's easy reading, but I'm only dipping into it - I don't want to overtax my brain...

Anyway, I wanted to share with you the following cheery little rhyme...

My prime of youth is but a frost of cares,
My feast of joy is but a dish of pain,
My crop of corn is but a field of tares,
And all my good is but vain hope of gain.
The day is gone and I yet I saw no sun,
And now I live, and now my life is done.

That's what is written in the book to introduce one chapter. It was written by a chap called Chidiock Tichborne, which might explain a lot. He went on to write in the following verses...

The spring is past, and yet it hath not sprung,
The fruit is dead, and yet the leaves are green,
My youth is gone, and yet I am but young,
I saw the world, and yet I was not seen,
My thread is cut, and yet it was not spun,
And now I live, and now my life is done.

I sought my death and found it in my womb,
I look't for life and saw it was a shade,
I trode the earth and knew it was my tomb,
And now I die, and now I am but made.
The glass is full, and now the glass is run,
And now I live, and now my life is done.

Apparently he died when he was 28. And, quite frankly, it serves him bl**dy right. (Of course I'm being frivolous, the poor man probably knew he was going to die young, but please...)

Incidentally, I've just noticed that in the book, the fifth line (only the first verse is quoted) reads 'My life is fled' rather than 'The day is gone' - maybe the internet version was just trying to jolly things up a bit?

J.R. wrote:"Underbelly"

A paperback in the Crime-Book series.

It's about organised crime and un-solved murders in Australia since the early 1990's.

It would appear the Australian Police don't have a very good solve rate as far as murder is concerned !!

Oh John, have you read 'The Consolation of Joe Cinque' by Helen Garner?

After two years of finishing it, I still hyperventilate at the mere thought of the facts it relates. I continually told myself that it couldn't possibly be a true story, and that there would be a 'got ya' moment at the end. Sadly not.

'Underbelly' has been made into a highly rated TV series, which cannot be screened in Victoria (where the crimes the story is based on were committed) as the case is ongoing, or has, perhaps, just ended. Yeah, right: not screened, but freely available on DVD.

xx

Just finished Mr Pip by Lloyd Jones. Enjoyed it immensely. Even the unexpected gory bits.

About to start The Children by Charlotte Woods - will keep you posted

icomefromalanddownunder wrote:

J.R. wrote:"Underbelly"

A paperback in the Crime-Book series.

It's about organised crime and un-solved murders in Australia since the early 1990's.

It would appear the Australian Police don't have a very good solve rate as far as murder is concerned !!

Oh John, have you read 'The Consolation of Joe Cinque' by Helen Garner?

No, but I've made a note of the title and author and will see if I can order it through our local library on line !

Thanks

John..

xx

At the moment, I am thoroughly enjoying This Thing of Darkness by Harry Thompson. It is a mighty tome of more than 700 pages about FitzRoy and Darwin, closely based on events between 1828 & 1865 to quote the title page. I have revelled in exploring Tierra del Fuego, and visited the Galapagos Islands, (considering that is what most of us think about with Darwin, it is a very small portion of the book).

I read that book Katharine about 6/7 months ago. I found it gripping and in fact bought Darwin's account of the journeys to cross reference alongside it and was amazed at the detail and the accuracy of the research which Harry Thompson had put into it. Such a sad loss - both to journalism and to the world of books!

Last night I finished a wonderful novel by Sebastian Faulks called 'Birdsong'. It's set in and around the 1st World War. It's beautifully written and covers more issues than can be mentioned with insight, passion and amazing imagination.

Recently finished 'The Children' by Charlotte Woods - well written, but somewhat depressing (confrontational storyline).

Now reading 'Unpolished Gem' by Alice Pung - charming, funny, insightful account of life as the child of Vietnamese refugees in Melbourne. Alice is a lawyer, but writes like a normal human being , and I am really enjoying reading her story.

Have I previously mentioned 'Mr Pip' by Lloyd Jones? Love his style, but am still debating the (to me) unexpected twist in the story.

JR, if you are reading this: let me know if you managed to track down a copy of 'Joe Cinqué' . I lent my copy to a (soon to be ex if he isn't more careful ) friend, on the understanding that it be returned as soon as he had finished reading it, as I wanted Jess (law student daughter) to read it as soon as her exams were over. That was this time last year, so will be buying another copy for Jess, and am happy to purchase two and send one your way.

xx

Just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns, i would seriously recomend it! Its quite heavy at times and vivd but a wonderful read! I have the Kite Runner by the same author to start in a while

Hi Amy.. I have read both. I read the Kite Runner first. This is a top class author... hope you will enjoy the Kite Runner when you read it. Have you seen the film? Both books are challenging.
Kerren

no i havent seen the film, i think a thousand splendid suns would make an interesting film. Both me and the fiance who has also read it think it should be on a level english or something because it is just so well written and theu subject matter is fascinating

On a lighter note I have just finished "A miracle at Speedy Motors"--quite delicious.

midget wrote:On a lighter note I have just finished "A miracle at Speedy Motors"--quite delicious.

Oooh, is it out in paperback now??

Jo wrote:

midget wrote:On a lighter note I have just finished "A miracle at Speedy Motors"--quite delicious.

Oooh, is it out in paperback now??[/quote

I got mine a few weeks ago from "The Softback Preview". This is a hardback copy. Very reasonable prices, and you don't have to take a booj every month.