The World Beneath by Cate Kennedy

Following are a selection of comments from the discussion in October of Cate Kennedy's debut novel, The World Beneath. As usual, there were a broad spectrum of comments.

• I liked the book, but not the characters. It's a bit like my own life...life in the 70s, protests etc
• The characters had some good qualities but the plot was a bit strained. Difficult to accept that Sophie would go on that walk with her father.
• The divisions between the generations was well spelt out. There were some funny spots. The 3 characters had changed by the end.
• The wilderness was wilder than I had imagined. Enjoyed reading about it.
• They all cut their hair, what was the symbolism of this? The tree was cut down...letting light into their lives.
• I became irritated with the characters, tired of them because they did such silly things.
• Needed more resolution at the end....the trip was very long, but ended very quickly.
• I liked the ending.....finished on a high. Everything doesn't have to be resolved by the author.
• Took awhile to connect with the characters.
• I got bored with it....characters drove me insane.
• Very well written. her debut novel and up to now, author has mainly written short stories.
• Sandy was living in a time warp but towards the end she was starting to question her life and make her own decisions.
• Rich was obnoxious and narcissistic, living on past glories. The absent parent is often seen as being able to do no wrong.
• Sophie took the role of the adult in many situations, but was looking for good role models...the teacher, fellow walkers.
• The plot moves between all 3 characters, giving each their due, following their trek through the wilderness.