Review: Dissection by Jacinta Halloran

Jacinta Halloran, a Melbourne GP, writes about Doctor Anna McBride with an authoritative voice. Life as a GP is usually considered pretty cushy, but this story allows one into the life of a busy mother, wife and doctor. When a delayed diagnosis brings about a lawsuit for medical negligence, Anna starts to doubt herself. Life becomes chaotic and she’s unable to fulfill the wishes of all of those depending on her. Her architect husband looks further afield as she’s unable to satisfy his needs.

This book is set in Melbourne, Australia, capturing city life in its complexity. It will resonate with anyone who has tried to juggle a job, home and family. I listened to the audio book, read beautifully by Jane Nolan, a well- known Australian actress.

Dissection was shortlisted for the 2007 Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards- Prize for an Unpublished Manuscript. Her next novel was published in August 2012, and is called, Pilgrimage. I shall be looking for it next time I go to the library.

 

 

Another old letter:

My mother’s letter to her father 1920s

page 2

This letter amuses me, as it mentions my Grandmother’s bad driving. So it wasn’t just when she was older that her driving was bad. Once my Grandmother had 5 grandchildren in the car and had a crash. The other car turned over, and the man was furious because his fishing rod was broken. Luckily no-one was hurt. The lady living in the corner house took us in and gave us a glass of cordial. (sugar for shock).

An old letter:

 

letter written in the 1920s from Brenda, (my mother), to her mother.

reverse side or letter

 

This letter was discovered after my mother’s death. It describes her train journey, and seeing a Chinese lady with her crying daughter. Obviously pants were not commonly worn in those days! Letter writing was encouraged at an early age.

Spelling was obviously something to be learnt! (Using ink and getting blots; I remember getting 4/10 for writing, as I was left handed too, and blots were a total no no). It sounds as if Brenda was with Lillian and Chloris, as they don’t get a mention at the end of the letter. They must have had a wonderful time with their grandparents in Hobart. It was a days journey by train from Devonport to Hobart at that time.