The harp in the south by Ruth Park

Book set in Sydney, Australia. Reviewed on 2019/02: https://www.instagram.com/p/BuaEqvPnRnd/

What an absolute pleasure reading this book! #theharpinthesouthmade me sad, nostalgic, cheerful and laugh out loud all in a little over 200 pages. Published at the end of the 1940s, this book tells the #timeless story of not fitting in, living #againstallodds and the struggle between sticking with what’s familiar to us and longing for what’s ahead of us. I personally think that #newzealand born #ruthpark gave this familiar story a touch of hope and nonchalance which makes it so appealing to all of us. The #darcy family seems to live a life of endless rides up and down and somehow they manage to survive. What’s the message here then? How to differentiate between what’s important from what’s not and then let those definitions fluctuate as much as they have to? How to cling to life and at the same time accept the entire package, its tragedies and its joys? I’m going to stop right here because I’m making it sound a lot more serious than it is. #park manages to capture your attention in a #movielikeway and populates the story with #largerthanlife characters. This is a book to consume without moderation. I heard there is a sequel and I can’t wait to read. Last mini review of the month! #highlyrecommended #sydney #surrayhills#irishfamily #irishimmigrants #penguin#penguinclassics #debutnovel #cityslum#comingofage #immigrants #irish