Hey Rosie,
In a radic
al break with tradition I’m blogging before you. Yes, I’m cutting you slack because you’re still not well ☹
I don’t know if you’ve finished The Astrologer’s Daughter but I figure it’s about time for a wrap (so apologies for spoilers).
This was yet another thriller-type story (how did we manage so many in our ‘random’ selection?) But what I really enjoyed was the local setting – lots of running around Chinatown, a creepy scene in the Chinese Museum and other Melbourne landmarks. Love reading stuff in familiar terrain. 
I also liked the kooky astrology stuff and thought this gave the story an edge.
I must admit (this could just be me) but I found the plot a little tricky to follow. Basically, at the beginning of the novel, Avicenna’s Mum (the astrologer) has gone missing and even though Avicenna is 18 – it’s a shock to the system to suddenly be living solo and fending for herself. On top of this there is, of course, the grief aspect. There’s also a geeky, off-hand kind of guy from school who she has a love-hate thing happening with. So far so good.
But then Mum’s clients started coming out of the woodwork wanting their horary readings finished. This reading, according to astrology, gives you a rough outline of how the person’s life will go and (the kicker) how and when they’ll die. Against her better judgement, Avicenna does some of the readings and winds up being chased by shady dudes who may or may not have something to do with her Mum’s disappearance.
I was a little disappointed with the end of this book. Even though, Avicenna is growing up and has begun a relationship with aforementioned geek hottie – we never really find out what happened to her Mum. A bloodied shirt is found at the scene where she is last sighted (which I admit is not a very good sign) and that’s it.
So, just did what I usually do when I’m confused about a book or second-guessing my views and had a look at GoodReads. There’s actually a review from Rebecca Lim talking about her rationale for writing the book. It’s kind of a tribute to victims inspired by the horrible crimes against women that go unsolved and the families left behind. Hmm.
Anyway, onwards and upwards. Hope you start feeling better soon, Rose.
Love Mum xo
PS.
