It’s never too late to rewrite your own story.
For years, Leila Whittaker has been the mediator in her family. She smoothes ruffled feathers between her sons; endures the volatile moods of their father, the acclaimed Australian artist Ken Black; and even swallows the bitter pill of Ken’s endless affairs. All this, for the quiet hum of creative freedom her marriage provides. Or so she tells herself.
When Ken dies, leaving his artist’s estate to their two sons, and the pointed amount of sixty-nine thousand dollars to his muse, Anita, Leila decides she’s had enough. It’s time to seek some peace (and pleasure) of her own …
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Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi is a contemporary fiction novel that focuses on Lelia Whittaker who is faced with the death of her famous artist husband Ken Black. The story explores emotions of grief and mental health, family and relationships, and includes feminist themes regarding reclamation of identity. I really enjoyed the style of writing and thought that the characters were engaging. I look forward to reading future works by Kylie Mirmohamadi. Sharon, VIC, 5 stars
Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi is a debut novel and the story follows Leila Whittaker who reminds me so much of my grandmother, where for a woman to get what she wants needs to placate and manoeuvre around the men in her patriarchal lifestyle. I loved how Leila transformed her life and discovered that her joy is from within and that she needs to take control to take back her life and live for what she is passionate about. It is a story that many women will relate too and also contains positive themes that men will relate to as well, as we are all human and it is something that if we want lives’ we love we need to take responsibility for them. This is a great read and though the language was a little challenging for me given my disability I believe it is a great read for everyone and especially for a debut work the author has created a book to be very proud of. If you enjoy novels with emotional depth that explore grief, betrayal and where the protagonist reclaims their life and joy, this novel is for you. Dianne, NSW, 5 stars
A very well written story that flowed along smoothly. The characters were beautifully flawed, relationships dysfunctional and yet all believable. A look at how generations of bad parenting affects the next generation, touching on mental illness. How do you change when those around you try to keep you where you are? Loved it. Kerrie, NSW, 5 stars
Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi follows the story of a novelist, Leila, and her journey after the death of her husband, famous artist Ken Black. Mirmohamadi conveys the fragility of relationships and the impact we can have upon others. Her writing is quite immersive, allowing the reader to ponder upon their own personal relationships and sense of self. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and, despite the somewhat heavy themes of domestic violence, grief and loss, found an overwhelming sense of renewal and positivity from Leila’s story. Genene, SA, 5 stars
The first chapter had me hooked. The character development was amazing, I had strong feelings for the characters straight away. I laughed so hard in this book. I also sobbed. What a roller coaster of emotions. The dialogue was perfect. The pull of having kids grow up, being a boy mum and watching them gravitate towards their partners when they were always dependent on you. Wow it was captured beautifully. Leila’s emotions towards her deceased husband was so raw and compelling. You want to hate him but you also see sides of him that made you understand why she stayed. Strong colourful language. Loved it five stars. Christie, NSW, 5 stars
When lies come out and family values are tested, lets see who rises above to stand strong. a thought provoking story of how to take ownership of your new life and start reconnecting with and appreciating yourself Sharnee, QLD, 5 stars
This is a moving story of a woman not so much rediscovering herself after her husband’s death, as reasserting herself. Leila genuinely experiences grief at Ken’s death, despite the problems in her marriage. And it’s hard to walk away from the role you’ve filled for most of your adult life. Your kids, your friends, and in Leila’s case, the public, all expect you to keep filling it. So we see Leila going through the process of grieving not just her husband, but also the previous shape of some of her relationships. It’s a subtle but powerful story, and I appreciated the complexity of Leila’s feelings. They felt very real. Many readers will empathise with Leila’s need to resolve some things, to hang on to others, and to find a way to move forward from a period which encompassed a large part of her life. This is both a subtle and complex novel, told in a narrative style which feels a little understated. This is less about the drama than the feelings under the drama. I enjoyed it a great deal – it’s absorbing and entertaining, but also extremely thought provoking. Readers may feel invited to re-examine their own lives and relationships. Lorraine, ACT, 5 stars
This was a surprise and something that resonated with me which was unexpected. I liked the honesty of the characters and the raw reality of their reality. I finished this in 2 days so make sure your weekend is free! Pamela, SA, 5 stars
Debut novel for Kylie Mirmohamadi Diving, Falling is an engaging and well-crafted read. Full of complex characters all with distinct personas, and a compelling storyline exploring family dynamics, this is one to add to the TBR pile. Sarah, VIC, 4 stars
Diving, Falling follows Leila Whittaker as she navigates the aftermath of her husband Ken Black’s death. Ken, a celebrated artist, left behind a carefully constructed facade that Leila now struggles to uphold, even as it takes a toll on her own emotions. As the facade begins to crumble, Leila starts to rediscover herself amidst the wreckage. This debut novel by the author is compelling and promises great things for her future work. The writing is captivating, with well-developed characters that evoke a range of emotions, from empathy to frustration. For fans of contemporary fiction with a focus on family dynamics and a feminist perspective, this book is a must-read. Dianne, QLD, 4 stars
Leila Whittaker, mother and author, has spent years dealing with her complicated relationship with her husband, the famous artist, Ken Black and his strained relationship with his sons, all who bear the brunt of his unpredictable moods. When Ken passes away leaving his estate to his two sons and a monetary endowment to his muse, Leila decides its time to live her own life and find some inner peace and joy. There are so many emotions to unpack in this story. Grief, betrayal, love, adultery, sibling rivalry, blended families and mental health issues! Wealth and acclaim don’t necessarily make for happiness as is depicted in the insight into family life when Leila’s two sons were growing up. Leila’s passage through grief is enlightening, liberating and at times selfish but sometimes a mother has to put her self first in order to find the joy and happiness she deserves. And yes, make mistakes along the way! I felt a little judgemental about Leila’s choices when reading this book but I guess none of us knows how we will react until we are in the same situation. An interesting read. Janice, NSW, 4 stars
This was an intriguing world to delve into…. set in the Abstract Modern Art World in Melbourne. Who is the real Ken Black? And does it really matter? The story delves into the psyche of an artist and their frivolities and sometimes crude personalities. Leila takes you on her journey through the many emotions and memories that come from the death of her husband, Ken Black. Who is Leila now that she is widowed? Leila, an artist in her own right, revisits the life she shared with Ken, at times playful and exuberant, and other times raging and volatile. How does she negotiate her relationship with her two sons and the roles they now play in managing their father’s estate. The boys have differing paths in life, ostensibly molded by their late father, both directly and indirectly. Leila is rediscovering who she is without Ken and the path she desires her life to follow. I really enjoyed this journey, it opened me to a world that is mysterious and the effect that a powerful person can have on the trajectories of so many around them, through their actions or inaction in some instances. I would recommend this book, it was engaging and insightful. Gillian, QLD, 4 stars
‘Diving, Falling’ follows Leila Whittaker’s experience processing the passing of her husband and expanding herself in a new phase of life. I enjoyed the complexity of Leila’s personality, her independence and how she navigated internal struggles. I enjoyed the multitude of layers in her relationships with both her sister and two sons, how this developed through the novel. Leila’s modernist house was described in rich detail and felt alive and intrinsically linked to her character. I do not have much knowledge of the art scene but I appreciated having a window into this world. Chesly, WA, 4 stars
Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi is a story about Leila Whittaker wife of an acclaimed Australian artist Ken Black. Leila is always a mediator to the family. She turns a blind eye to Ken’s affairs. She is a writer but doesn’t seem to get time for herself. When Ken dies, he leaves his artist’s estate to their 2 sons and a pointed amount for his muse. Leila decides that she’s had enough. She seeks peace and pleasure of her own after a time of grief and betrayal. Denise, VIC, 4 stars
A very interesting read- written from the first person perspective. A lesson in learning to love, the stories we tell ourselves to make everything right in the world, and what our minds are capable of. Pennie, QLD, 4 stars
Diving, Falling by Kylie Mirmohamadi is a great debut novel. Leila Whittaker is a woman who has been dealing with the conflicts in her family for years. Her husband, Ken’s mood swings affected her two sons, now adults and she put up with his affairs. When he dies, it is now time for her to discover her own life. Ken’s death changes the dynamics of her relationships with not only her son’s but her friends as well. Truths are discovered by Leila and these contribute to how she deals with her grief. I enjoyed seeing Leila develop as different circumstances arise. What stops this book from being like similar stories is the realism of it. The characters are not one-dimensional. Even with their faults, their good qualities helps the reader to like them. The story is interesting, sexy and when it finishes, it makes you feel that Leila is at the start of a great future. If you like books with interesting characters, I recommend Diving, Falling. Theresa, NSW, 4 stars
Diving, Falling is journey through grief and rediscovery. Written in a disjointed way that mimics a busy woman’s thought process that eventually smooths out to a more relaxed and completed feelings. Some confronting scenes and handled with familiarity A very enjoyable read Megan, NSW, 4 stars
Mirmohamadi dives into an exploration of loss and what happens when a wife, a mother, has a chance to rediscover her own identity. Leila Whittaker’s life is no longer solely focussed on being the artist Ken Black’s wife – but how do you let go of a powerful man for whom your love and hate are complexly intertwined? And what do you do when that grief forces you to question the way you have raised your children, the friendships you have created and whether you deserve another chance at love? Sharply written and keenly observant of our vices, ambitions and the intricacies of family relationships, this novel leaves you wondering how you would react if your own life was turned on its head. Set by a river, and an ocean and a backyard pool, the author cleverly immerses us in the depths of a new beginning, and all that must be overcome before you can live again. Louise, NSW, 4 stars
Leila Whittaker has lived her life in service to her husband, a famous artist richly rewarded in his lifetime with money and women and indulgence in all aspects of his life. Leila values creative expression above all else, indulging him and papering over the harm he causes to his family. Then he dies and Leila must create a future for herself no longer in his shadow. It is a real credit to Kylie Mirmohamadi’s writing that the novel was compelling and engaging from start to finish, especially as I found the first person narrator Leila fairly unlikeable. Leila’s commitment to artist expression over the welfare of her children was difficult to accept, and I would have liked for there to be more accountability and depth in her relationships, especially with her son Otis. Leila, her sons, and most people in her orbit are very privileged and even though she treats people poorly, you get the sense that she is well insulated from the full impact of her actions. I would definitely read more from Kylie Mirmohamadi in the future. This was a slice of life that I would not otherwise have come across and I do value that experience. Julie, VIC, 4 stars
Diving, Falling follows writer Leila Whittaker through the aftermath of her husband’s death – the acclaimed artist Ken Black – as she tries to maintain the facade built to protect his image at the cost of her own feelings. As she slowly lets the facade crumble, she begins to find herself again among the rubble. This is the author’s debut novel and I’d definitely read her future novels. Her writing style was engaging and the characters all fully developed, leaving you caring about some and disliking others. A must read for those who enjoy contemporary fiction with a family focus and feminist slant. A great read. Elizabeth, WA, 4 stars
I enjoyed this book , eventually. I loved the characters and the story line but it took me a little time to get used to the writing style. It’s a little bit more ‘ high brow’ than I’m used to but it suits the arty subject matter. Descriptions were very good , I could imagine what the author was trying to convey. For a first novel I thought it was interesting and well written with a story line that was complex but not too much so. It was a good insight into the many human emotions that come with grief, love, betrayal and trust. Leonie, SA, 4 stars
It was difficult to believe that this was a debut novel since the writing was so confident and crisp. Given that the Black family lived in the public eye and in a concrete and glass bunker that was “transparent”, the focus on the hidden undergrowth of family life was inspired. Characters were well rounded. Ken Black who subjected his wife to “serial mortifications” because of his infidelities could be dismissed as a violent narcissist but was able to display care and tenderness, for example, when Leila’s brother died. Leila, the character I most identified with, was very clear-eyed about all the member of her family, including herself, and loved them all despite their flaws. I am extremely glad this novel was published but I hope that Leila’s novel is not published! Lesley, NSW, 4 stars
I enjoyed this book very much, even though, in my eyes, it was a depressing read. Leila is a mother, widow, novelist, mother in law and a woman with desires. After her famous artist husband Ken, passes away from cancer, Leila is thrown headlong into the complicated world of dealing with a large estate of works. Not to mention her complicated relationships with her sons,Sebastian and Otis and daughter in law Lola. I didn’t like Lola, thought she was too pushy, and being the daughter of Leila’s best friend Vanessa, made a wedge between them. Another of Leila’s friends, Anita, was one of many people who betrayed her. Leila finds lovers eventually but these are complicated relationships, and people get hurt. The author depicts these relationships perfectly, so that we love and hate some of the characters. Woven throughout the story are the descriptions of Leila’s homes, one in the bush by a river and the other by the sea in the glorious Palm Beach. Leila comes to the conclusion that she loves the sea, and the laidback lifestyle and her complicated life finds a peace somewhat. Recommend as a good read. Di, NSW, 4 stars
The death of a husband and father, this is a novel about dealing with grief moving on, creating a new life for one self. Leila the widow must learn to put herself first and decide where her life goes now. Well written and I felt like I knew the characters. Michelle, VIC, 4 stars
This story is a unique look at a woman’s personal journey following the death of her controlling, temperamental and adulterous husband and father. It explores the relationships she has with her two adult sons who have grown up in a household with a mother who has a shadowy past of mental health and a father who was a hedonistic acclaimed painter. It delves into her evolving from a dominated, overshadowed wife and guilt ridden mother who has not put herself first for as long as she can remember. You go on the journey with her as she explores her feelings around her husband’s constant straying throughout the marriage. She comments that she was “the only wife” but not “the only woman” in his life. In the first year of widow hood she experiences two very different sexual relationships with men that in different ways shine light on the difficulties of her marriage to Ken. This book is hopeful, yet I wouldn’t go as far as to say it was uplifting. An example of the often difficult relationships we have with children, family and close friends. Susanne, WA, 3 stars
“Diving. Falling” by Kylie Mirmohamadi, follows Leila Whitaker in the aftermath of her philandering, artist husband’s death, to her burgeoning steps out from his shadow and making a life for herself. The first few chapters were hard going, and even though I was able to move through the rest of the story a bit easier, I still found the story to be a bit of a struggle. I think this was due to the author’s writing style – quite wordy and a bit pretentious in my opinion. Frankly, I was grateful for the short chapters. I didn’t connect with any of the characters, in fact, the only one I liked was treated appallingly by the main character. I also thought the ending didn’t really wrap up the story. It just left me hanging. Tracy, VIC, 3 stars
This was not an easy read. The author has used many words that I have never heard of before. I had to stop reading to look up the meaning of words. The story focuses on family relationships, the ups and downs, love and loss. Following the death of her husband, main character Leila discovers she is stronger that she realises. The characters are strong and their relationships are tumultuous. The story line is interesting. If you have a wide vocabulary, you will enjoy this. Eleanor, WA, 3 stars
I enjoyed the style of writing of the author. I did have a love/hate of the main character Leila. Sometimes cheering and sometimes booing. The book was easy to read, with nice short chapters but I did find the ending a little anti-climactic. Would definitely read another book by this author as she has a great way of bringing the characters to life. Jo-Anne, NSW, 3 stars
Leila was someone I came to dislike as this story evolved. As each of her relationships were explored, I felt she drained life from them rather than living her own. Decisions have consequences and Leila’s choices in lovers stem from her own selfish needs regardless of the ruin she leaves in her wake. I struggled to become involved in this story as I can never understand how she could live a life dominated by a violent husband and father to her boys. Ken Black behaved with free reign due to his “creativity”. Once he died, Leila reflects on her roller-coaster relationships with those close to her. My relief when she met Magnus was short lived as Leila appeared to always be looking for something better and more lavish. Shelley, QLD, 3 stars
A powerful family story about the sacrifices women make to allow the people around them to keep the peace. It focuses on the power of finding your own voice and family dynamics. 3 stars from me! Jacinda, NSW, 3 stars
Not a book I’d normally read, I think it left me with more questions than answers.. the ending felt unfinished like there was more to the story. The story line did suck me in and kept me turning the pages, eager for answers. Emma, VIC, 3 stars
I was looking forward to reading this from the blurb. I quite liked the writing style but it felt like I was reading an autobiography, not a novel or work of fiction. It is thought provoking, and at times interesting, but I found the ending left me with a sense of unfinished business. Astrid, VIC, 3 stars
“Diving, Falling” by Kylie Mirmohadi is a book that takes some time to find its rhythm. The first five chapters were a challenge for me, but as the narrative progressed, it grew increasingly engaging. Mirmohadi’s strength lies in her vivid scene descriptions, which make you feel as if you’re right there in the moment. While the protagonist is not particularly endearing, she is portrayed with depth and complexity, and Mirmohadi effectively evokes a range of emotions, from frustration to indignation on her behalf. However, the conclusion was somewhat unsatisfying, leaving several storylines unresolved and ending on an open note. Despite this, the book is overall enjoyable and easy to read. Carly, NSW, 3 stars
I found it hard to become immersed in the characters. It was well-written and I felt sorry for the main character, putting up with a cruel, philandering husband but ultimately I struggled to finish it. Karlie, SA, 2 stars
While well written by the author, I found the storyline hard to get in to and unrelatable. When famous artist Ken Black dies, his wife Lelia Whittaker (herself a well known writer) is faced with making a new life for herself. What evolves is a path of destruction for the people around her as she embarks on the exact behaviour that she had to endure during her own marriage. I found this whole story disappointing as I was hoping to see a person learn to shine on their own and was instead given someone that became self absorbed and hurt the people around her when they needed her. By the end I was left feeling unsettled with the story and it’s definitely not something I’d read again. Jody, SA, 2 stars
Well this was not what I expected. The writing was lovely, fluid and free flowing but I really struggled to like or relate to any of the characters. After losing her husband Ken, Leila Whittaker struggles to find herself and seems to indulge in a lot of negative behaviour in her attempts. I found all of the characters to be self absorbed, self indulgent and pretty nasty. Maybe this says more about my usual literary preferences I was relieved to reach the end and would rate this 2.5 stars. Karan, VIC, 2 stars
While this book had its merits with interesting characters and settings, I found it difficult to connect with the story, characters and themes. With strong themes like adultery, death, suicide and substance abuse, there was a lot going on in the storyline, making it feel very disjointed. I found the writing style to be very ‘arty’ and it was a bit difficult to digest in sections. Emma, NSW, 2 stars
This book left me feeling quite disappointed. I found it hard to like any of the characters and I didn’t really understand their actions and motivations. The central theme of infidelity plays a significant role in the story, which I found off-putting. It overshadowed other potential plot-lines and made the narrative feel one-dimensional. Instead of exploring the complexities of relationships, the book seemed to rely heavily on this topic, which ultimately detracted from my overall enjoyment. While the writing style was ok, it wasn’t enough to redeem the unlikable characters and the overemphasis on infidelity. Unfortunately, “Diving, Falling” didn’t resonate with me. Michael, NSW, 2 stars
Diving Falling sounded interesting but for me it was depressing and l found it difficult to read. Julie, NSW, 1 star
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