May 15, 2009

The Art of the Engine Driver - Steven Carroll


I have discovered a new favourite writer - even though I loved The Lost Life I was still a little hesitant about reading some of Carroll's earlier novels - I wasn't quite sure that a story about an Australian suburb in the 1950's would excite me too much - but I was wrong!

The Art Of The Engine Driver felt seamless to me - the writing, the story and the characters just flowed. I didn't want the story to end but at the same time I just couldn't stop reading it.

The story begins with a family, Vic, Rita and Michael, walking down their street to attend an engagement party for a neighbour. As they walk we learn about their past and what has led them to this suburb at this time. We learn about Vic's passion for his job as a train driver and how he and Rita first met and fell in love. We also hear about Vic's serious drinking problem and how that is impacting on his relationship with both Rita and Michael and, as the story unfolds, we learn about a secret that Vic is keeping from his employers.

As the family walk down the street and pass each house the story of the people in that house is told and reflected upon so that by the time the family reach the party we have a really clear picture of the neighbourhood - and some of the tensions that will be evident at the party.

This suburban story is happening at the same time as a train journey from Melbourne to Sydney - a journey that will correspond with the events at the party as the story goes on.

I know it sounds quite simple - and in some ways it is - but the storytelling is divine and the characterisation perfect. I felt for all of these characters, loved some and hated others - but they all evoked a reaction from me.

The Art Of The Engine Driver is the first book in a trilogy and I will certainly be reading the other two very soon.

106 comments:

Anonymous said...

I confess despite the Miles Franklin award, I decided a trilogy about Australian suburbia wasn't for me (living there is enough). You've changed my mind though, I'm going book shopping tomorrow and will look for this. I hope I enjoy it as much as you did!

Karen said...

Hi adevotedreader - that's exactly what I was thinking about these books but I think the different era for the setting of the books makes it seem a little removed from our world (well that's what I thought anyway). I really hope you like this one.

Savidge Reads said...

I am really pleased you blogged about this as it sounds like a great read and I wouldnt have bought it for the title! I know, I know, I should know better.

Steph said...

This sounds really good AND it has a gorgeous cover to boot! I would like to read more Aussie fiction (despite never having been there!), and you've convinced me that Carroll is a writer I need to become acquainted with!

Jodie said...

I'm a girl who can't get enough of Neighbours, although I'm sure this Australian suburb is a bit different;) It sounds interesting and engine driving does not usually get that kind of resonse from me.

Karen said...

Hi Savidge Reads - Of course we should know better but I am exactly the same! The title sets up so much about the book - if an author hasn't bothered to put too much thought into the title it does make me worry for the rest of the book!

Hi Steph - I hope you can track down some of Carroll's work - just brilliant! I would definitely encourage you to try more Aussie fiction - there is so much great stuff coming from over here!

Hi Jodie - I have to admit that engine driving doesn't usually get any kind of response from me! But this book definitely made me think about it in a different way.

Anonymous said...

I tend not to write a ton of responses, however i did a few
searching and wound up here "The Art of the Engine Driver - Steven Carroll".
And I do have 2 questions for you if it's allright. Is it only me or does it give the impression like some of the comments come across like they are coming from brain dead individuals? :-P And, if you are writing on additional sites, I would like to follow anything new you have to post. Would you list of every one of your shared sites like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?
My blog post - stock trading sites

Anonymous said...

What's up everybody, here every one is sharing these kinds of know-how, so it's good to read this web site, and I used to go to see this web site daily.
my website :: work from home with google

Anonymous said...

I enjoy looking through a post that will make people think.
Also, thanks for allowing me to comment!

Feel free to surf to my webpage; safe diets
Also see my website :: safe diet Plans

Anonymous said...

This blog was... how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found
something that helped me. Many thanks!

Feel free to visit my weblog; how to earn lots of money

Anonymous said...

Does your website have a contact page? I'm having trouble locating it but, I'd
like to shoot you an email. I've got some recommendations for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great site and I look forward to seeing it grow over time.

My web-site :: binary options affiliates

Anonymous said...

It's awesome to go to see this web site and reading the views of all colleagues regarding this piece of writing, while I am also eager of getting familiarity.

Also visit my homepage :: binary options guide

Anonymous said...

Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog website?
The account helped me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

Feel free to surf to my web blog best way to make money in stocks
My webpage :: how to work at home

Anonymous said...

Valuable information. Fortunate me I found your web site unintentionally, and
I'm stunned why this coincidence didn't happened earlier! I bookmarked it.



Here is my weblog ... earn money fast online

Anonymous said...

Great beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your
web site, how can i subscribe for a blog
website? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast provided bright clear idea

Feel free to visit my web page - "cedar finance"

Anonymous said...

What's up i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this paragraph i thought i could also create comment due to this sensible paragraph.

Also visit my web blog ... cedar finance
Also see my web site > Binary options System

Anonymous said...

Someone essentially assist to make significantly articles I'd state. This is the very first time I frequented your website page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to make this actual put up amazing. Fantastic activity!

Feel free to visit my blog post: binary options platform

Anonymous said...

Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness for your post is just cool
and i can assume you're a professional on this subject. Well along with your permission let me to take hold of your RSS feed to stay up to date with coming near near post. Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying work.

My blog post: earn extra money free

Anonymous said...

I don't even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but definitely you're going to a famous blogger if you aren't already ;) Cheers!

my homepage binary options trading strategies

Anonymous said...

I pay a quick visit day-to-day a few web pages and blogs to
read articles, but this web site presents feature based articles.


Here is my site ... learning Options trading

Anonymous said...

If some one needs to be updated with newest technologies
therefore he must be go to see this web page and be up to date all the time.


Review my web blog; forex auto trading

Anonymous said...

My programmer is trying to convince me to move to .
net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the expenses.
But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using WordPress on various
websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to
another platform. I have heard excellent things about blogengine.

net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress posts into it?

Any help would be really appreciated!

My web site ... great penny stocks

Anonymous said...

When some one searches for his necessary thing, thus
he/she wishes to be available that in detail, thus that thing
is maintained over here.

Also visit my web blog: binary options system

Anonymous said...

I read this piece of writing completely concerning the difference of latest and
earlier technologies, it's remarkable article.

Feel free to surf to my website best binary options

Anonymous said...

It's an awesome piece of writing in support of all the web people; they will take advantage from it I am sure.

Have a look at my web site :: Forex trading Game

Anonymous said...

I am actually happy to glance at this web site posts which contains tons
of useful information, thanks for providing these
kinds of statistics.

Also visit my web blog how to make fast and easy money

Anonymous said...

Because the admin of this website is working, no uncertainty
very soon it will be famous, due to its feature contents.


Feel free to surf to my web-site help me i need money

Anonymous said...

Greetings! Quick question that's entirely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I'm trying to
find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue.
If you have any recommendations, please share.
Appreciate it!

Here is my web page: how to make real money online

Anonymous said...

I do believe all the ideas you have introduced for your post.
They are really convincing and will definitely work. Still,
the posts are very quick for newbies. May just you please prolong them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.

my blog - easy ways to make money from home

Anonymous said...

This piece of writing will help the internet people for setting up new blog or even a blog from start to end.



My web blog play real slots online

Anonymous said...

After I initially commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and now whenever a comment is added I get
4 emails with the same comment. Perhaps there is a way you are able to
remove me from that service? Appreciate it!

Visit my web site :: work from home jobs

Anonymous said...

When someone writes an piece of writing he/she keeps the plan of a user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it.
So that's why this post is amazing. Thanks!

my weblog: on line slot
My site > best online casinos for usa players

Anonymous said...

What's up, all is going perfectly here and ofcourse every one is sharing data, that's in fact fine, keep up writing.


My blog post; fast money recap
my site > easy ways To make money at home

Anonymous said...

Paragraph writing is also a fun, if you be acquainted with after that you can write
if not it is complex to write.

Feel free to surf to my weblog: Best way to Make easy money

Anonymous said...

hi!,I really like your writing very much!
proportion we keep in touch more approximately your article on AOL?
I need a specialist on this house to solve my problem.
Maybe that's you! Having a look forward to look you.

Here is my weblog: i need money fast

Anonymous said...

This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I've found something that helped me. Many thanks!

Here is my web site :: is there a legitimate work at home job

Anonymous said...

Hi there this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you
have to manually code with HTML. I'm starting a blog soon but have no coding knowledge so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

My homepage; how to make some extra money

Anonymous said...

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I truly enjoyed reading it, you're a great author. I will make certain to bookmark your blog and may come back in the future. I want to encourage one to continue your great work, have a nice holiday weekend!

Feel free to surf to my weblog ... earn extra money online

Anonymous said...

Awesome blog! Do you have any suggestions for aspiring writers?
I'm hoping to start my own website soon but I'm a little
lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free
platform like Wordpress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I'm totally overwhelmed .. Any suggestions? Many thanks!

Also visit my web page i need money now

Anonymous said...

I couldn't resist commenting. Very well written!

Look at my webpage; legitimate work from home job
My web page :: legitimate online work from home

Anonymous said...

Very descriptive post, I enjoyed that a lot. Will there be a part 2?



My web blog ... trading system forex

Anonymous said...

Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're utilizing? I've loaded your blog in 3
different internet browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot
quicker then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a fair price?
Kudos, I appreciate it!

My webpage: i need to save money

Anonymous said...

This is a topic that is near to my heart... Take care!
Where are your contact details though?

Take a look at my website ... how to make money at home fast

Anonymous said...

I pay a visit every day a few sites and blogs to read content, but this weblog offers quality
based posts.

Stop by my web site - legitimate work from home job opportunities

Anonymous said...

Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a
team of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche.

Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on.
You have done a outstanding job!

Look into my blog post ... Automated Trading

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure exactly why but this site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this problem or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back later
on and see if the problem still exists.

Here is my webpage; is there a real way to make money online

Anonymous said...

Thank you for another great article. Where else may just anybody get
that kind of information in such an ideal way of writing?

I have a presentation next week, and I am on the search for such
information.

Look at my blog how to find Penny stocks

Anonymous said...

Hi friends, how is everything, and what you wish for to say on the topic of this paragraph,
in my view its genuinely amazing for me.

my blog post :: fx online trading

Anonymous said...

You are so awesome! I do not suppose I have read anything like this before.
So great to discover somebody with original thoughts on this subject.
Seriously.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that's needed on the internet, someone with some originality!

my weblog - stock trading system

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth
be told was a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable
from you! By the way, how could we communicate?


Also visit my page exchange traded options

Anonymous said...

Attractive section of content. I simply stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to claim that
I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing on your augment or even I success you get right of entry to consistently rapidly.

Feel free to visit my web blog: work from home jobs in utah

Anonymous said...

I don't know if it's just me or if everyone else experiencing issues
with your blog. It appears as if some of the text on your posts are running off
the screen. Can someone else please comment and let me know if
this is happening to them too? This could be a problem with
my web browser because I've had this happen before. Thank you

Here is my homepage: creative ways to make money online

Anonymous said...

When I originally commented I clicked the "Notify me when new comments are added" checkbox and now
each time a comment is added I get three e-mails with
the same comment. Is there any way you can remove people from that service?

Cheers!

My web site :: free progressive slots

Anonymous said...

Greetings, There's no doubt that your web site could possibly be having web browser compatibility problems. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent site!

Feel free to surf to my web site ... day trading rules

Anonymous said...

Hi! I've been following your website for some time now and finally got the bravery to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the excellent work!

my web site - best stocks of 2011

Anonymous said...

Wow, incredible blog structure! How long have you ever
been running a blog for? you make blogging look easy. The total look of your website is great, let alone the content!



Have a look at my web site ... ways to make money fast

Anonymous said...

When some one searches for his required thing, thus he/she wants to be available that in detail, therefore that
thing is maintained over here.

Feel free to visit my blog ... online jobs applications

Anonymous said...

Simply want to say your article is as astonishing.
The clearness on your put up is simply cool and that i could suppose you're knowledgeable in this subject. Fine along with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to keep up to date with impending post. Thank you 1,000,000 and please keep up the enjoyable work.

Take a look at my page: make fast easy money online

Anonymous said...

Why visitors still make use of to read news papers when in this technological
globe everything is accessible on web?

Also visit my webpage ... how i can make money online

Anonymous said...

Thank you for any other informative site. Where
else may just I get that type of information written
in such a perfect means? I have a challenge that I'm just now running on, and I have been at the glance out for such info.

Feel free to surf to my webpage - online jobs hiring now

Anonymous said...

Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and
sources back to your webpage? My blog is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would truly benefit from some of the information you present here.

Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!

my web blog: how to make money from home

Anonymous said...

I am extremely inspired along with your writing skills and also
with the format in your weblog. Is this a paid subject
or did you customize it yourself? Either way stay up the nice
high quality writing, it's rare to look a nice weblog like this one today..

Feel free to visit my blog post :: quick ways to make money

Anonymous said...

What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable knowledge about unpredicted emotions.


Also visit my web page work at home job for moms

Anonymous said...

Hurrah! After all I got a blog from where I be capable of in fact take valuable information regarding my study and knowledge.


My blog post - how earn money Online

Anonymous said...

WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for opposed

Have a look at my weblog: automatic forex trading software

Anonymous said...

Hello I am so excited I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was looking on Bing for something else, Regardless I am here
now and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable post and a
all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to read through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the fantastic job.

my web page; Online casinos for usa players

Anonymous said...

Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that
I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!


My web site :: free slots win real money

Anonymous said...

Thanks on your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed reading it,
you are a great author.I will remember to bookmark your
blog and may come back later on. I want to encourage you to continue your great work, have a nice evening!


my web page ways to earn money online

Anonymous said...

Hello to every body, it's my first visit of this blog; this website contains amazing and genuinely good stuff designed for visitors.

My web-site http://www.youtube.com/

Anonymous said...

whoah this blog is wonderful i love studying your articles.

Stay up the good work! You already know, lots of people
are looking round for this information, you could help them greatly.


my blog make money online now

Anonymous said...

Hi friends, how is the whole thing, and what you want to say concerning this
piece of writing, in my view its truly awesome for me.


My web site how to find a online job

Anonymous said...

I'm really enjoying the design and layout of your website. It's a very easy
on the eyes which makes it much more enjoyable for me to come here and visit more
often. Did you hire out a developer to create your theme?

Great work!

Also visit my website real blackjack online

Anonymous said...

If some one needs expert view about blogging then i recommend him/her to visit this blog, Keep up
the nice work.

My webpage; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWF4AFSGbJk

Anonymous said...

An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a co-worker
who was conducting a little homework on this. And he actually
bought me lunch simply because I discovered it for him.
.. lol. So let me reword this.... Thanks for the meal!

! But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this subject here on your blog.



Feel free to surf to my homepage make money online

Anonymous said...

Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What
web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link
to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as
yours lol

My page ways to earn extra money online

Anonymous said...

This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!
! Finally I've found something that helped me. Kudos!

my webpage - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiCFFTOfq1A

Anonymous said...

Hi there to every body, it's my first go to see of this webpage; this webpage carries amazing and really excellent material in support of visitors.

My weblog :: high paying jobs without a degree

Anonymous said...

I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your sites really nice, keep it up!
I'll go ahead and bookmark your website to come back down the road. Cheers

Feel free to surf to my homepage ... how to make money from your home

Anonymous said...

Hurrah, that's what I was seeking for, what a data! present here at this web site, thanks admin of this website.

Feel free to surf to my site - how to naturally lose weight fast

Anonymous said...

Hey there, I think your blog might be having browser compatibility
issues. When I look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, excellent blog!


Feel free to visit my page; get rich quick schemes

Anonymous said...

Very good article. I am experiencing some of these issues as
well..

Also visit my web page ... legitimate work from home jobs

Anonymous said...

Hi there, I would like to subscribe for this web site to obtain most up-to-date updates, so where can i do it please help.


Check out my page - jobs from home online

Anonymous said...

I really like it when people get together and share views.

Great blog, stick with it!

Feel free to surf to my web-site ... online currency trading

Anonymous said...

I need to to thank you for this great read!
! I absolutely loved every bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to check out new things you post…

my web blog: interactive stock charts

Anonymous said...

Hello all, here every one is sharing these knowledge, so it's nice to read this weblog, and I used to go to see this webpage every day.

my web-site trading the forex market

Anonymous said...

I enjoy, cause I discovered exactly what I was taking a look for.
You have ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a great day. Bye

Here is my blog post :: cedar finance.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your personal marvelous posting!
I seriously enjoyed reading it, you can be a great author.
I will ensure that I bookmark your blog and will come back in the foreseeable future.
I want to encourage yourself to continue your great writing,
have a nice afternoon!

Also visit my site ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoRWJriSgKc

Anonymous said...

Admiring the time and energy you put into your blog and detailed information
you present. It's good to come across a blog every once in a while that isn't the same old rehashed
information. Great read! I've bookmarked your site and I'm
adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.

Stop by my homepage :: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwex99npRdc

Anonymous said...

I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent info I was looking for this info for my mission.

Also visit my weblog: top ways to make money online

Anonymous said...

Good day I am so excited I found your blog,
I really found you by error, while I was searching on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here
now and would just like to say cheers for a remarkable post and a all round interesting
blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to look over it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also included your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read more, Please do keep up the great work.

Take a look at my page; Fast Money

Anonymous said...

Today, I went to the beachfront with my children.
I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said "You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear." She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never
wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I
had to tell someone!

my web page best weight reduction pills

Anonymous said...

Heya i'm for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something back and aid others like you helped me.

Also visit my website ... buy volume pills

Anonymous said...

I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you create this
website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for
you? Plz respond as I'm looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. kudos

Feel free to surf to my webpage ... longer lasting erections

Anonymous said...

Hellο! This is kind оf off topic but I need some
guidanсe frοm an establіshed blog.

Is it very hard to set up yοur own blog?
I'm not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick. I'm
thinking аbоut making my own but I'm not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions? Thanks

Stop by my weblog :: buy hcg drops
My webpage - hcgdiet

Anonymous said...

This essential amino acid may be found to be without individuals who get many outbreaks.

Although you can lessen cold sore swelling and it naturally disappears after a few weeks, it is still best to
find the best permanent treatment for cold sore.
This form of the disease is called community-associated MRSA, CA-MRSA, and it frequently starts with a painful boil on the skin and is spread by skin-to-skin
contact8.

Visit my web blog ... cold sore remedy

Anonymous said...

Wonderful article! That is the kind of info that are meant to be shared around the net.
Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning this publish
upper! Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)

My page; bramki antykradzieżowe

Anonymous said...

Excellent blog post. I definitely love this site. Thanks!

Here is my web site - bramki antykradzieżowe

Anonymous said...

An outstanding share! I've just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little homework on this. And he actually ordered me lunch due to the fact that I found it for him... lol. So allow me to reword this.... Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this issue here on your site.

Feel free to visit my webpage: breast actives

Anonymous said...

Thanks for every other wonderful article. Where else may just anybody get
that kind of info in such a perfect manner of writing? I have a presentation subsequent week,
and I'm on the search for such information.

Check out my weblog cedar finance trading

Anonymous said...

Hello would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're using? I've loaded your blog in 3
different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most.
Can you recommend a good web hosting provider
at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!



Here is my web blog: venapro for hemorrhoids

Anonymous said...

Good post. I am experiencing a few of these issues as
well..

Also visit my web-site capsiplex

Anonymous said...

There are a few hurdles to cross first though,
including the fact that many current televisions cannot display widgets or connect to the net.
But video downloading is still required if you want to watch the movies on your mobile devices or share them with your friends, etc.
This can be software system which often runs on your
computer and additionally transposes digital camera indications for you to
appears not to mention to come back.

Review my homepage - download internet download manager

Anonymous said...

that your considerably more normal and create fewer strain
Stay away from standing or sitting down to very long at one given timevision without glasses when you experience an start piles
Many people demonstrated that potato's slices have

Anonymous said...

I'm no longer sure where you're getting your information,
however good topic. I must spend a while studying more
or understanding more. Thank you for magnificent information I used to be in search of this information
for my mission.

my webpage - webpage ()

crackstools said...

you are a well writer. your written blog very well. i think you are expert for blogging. thanks for given nice information.ADVANCED SYSTEM CARE ULTIMATE 11.0.1 CRACK Full Download With Serial Key

Axe Moria said...

The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me
obat maag kronis
obat lipoma
obat sakit pinggang sebelah kanan
obat cantengan
obat ginjal bocor