A stunning evocation of Australian life through the war to the 1950s, this novel is intimate and sweeping, immediate and dreamlike – a magical rendering of darkness and joy, and the beauty inherent in difference. For readers of Sarah Winman’s Still Life, Trent Dalton’s All Our Shimmering Skies and Rosalie Ham’s The Dressmaker.
Connie Starr was always a difficult child. Her mother knew as soon as Connie entered the world that day in Ballarat in 1934 and opened her lungs to scream, there was more chaos in the world than before and it wouldn’t leave until Connie did. From the safety of a branch high in her lemon tree where she speaks to angels, she sees the world for what it is – a swirling mass of beauty and darkness, of trauma and family, of love and war and truth and lies – lies that might just undo her and drive her to a desperate act.
This ambitious, complex and insightful novel intertwines numerous stories of lives from before World War II and beyond, recreating with intimacy and breadth a world that is now lost to us. This book is a brightly coloured patchwork quilt of everything from shoes to polio, lemon trees to rivers, death to life that melds into one beautiful, luminous work of art.
Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal was a beautifully written book set in Australia’s very own small country town of Ballarat from the 1930s to 1950s. Connie Starr is born in 1934 to her mother Flora and Baptist minister father Joseph Starr. He has three other children from a previous marriage that seem to resent baby Connie. Connie struggles to make friends at school and sits on her family’s lemon tree talking to angels and encounters difficulty and heartache in her search for identity and belonging. This novel entwines the pain and suffering resulting from World War II, with difficulties and tragedies arising before, during and after the war. I really enjoyed the character development in this novel and felt attached to Connie’s story. The Secret World of Connie Starr is an emotional, intriguing and thoroughly enjoyable read. Brittany, VIC, 5 Stars
Covering the years 1934 to 1952, this book follows four families living in Ballarat, Victoria during a significant time in our history. Connie Starr, born into a blended family of a church pastor and his second wife Flora, is described as a difficult child – loud, chaotic, secretive, lonely, never fitting in anywhere. Joseph and Flora are always at the ready to help their community, and while admirable, to me it comes at the expense of Connie, set aside and displaced. I felt that the adults in her life failed her. A gorgeous historical novel, not only for capturing a town enduring the war years and beyond, but for the small vignettes of daily life, of dressing for the day, the meals they shared. I was reminded of stories that my grandparents told me, and it has made me wonder at the tales that they didn’t share. Danielle, NSW, 5 Stars
I loved The Secret World of Connie Starr! It was such an interesting and intriguing read proving Robbi Neal to be a fantastic storyteller. The story follows Connie and her unique and challenging journey from a young child through to adulthood. The book is set in the Victorian town of Ballarat and spans the 1940s and 50s. It tells the story of the lives of the characters revolving around Connie and her family and you will love them, despise them, laugh for them and cry for them as they battle through life during wartime and beyond. The relationships of the characters are extremely well written. I enjoyed reading of the many ups and downs of the characters’ marriages and the loving, complex and heartbreaking relationships between the children and their parents. This is the first book of Robbi Neal’s that I have read but it certainly won’t be the last. I am excited to have found another talented Australian author to read! I highly recommend this book to all readers, especially those that enjoy historical fiction and books about friendships, family, life, love and loss. Mary-Jo, VIC, 5 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr has a collection of many wonderful characters each of them have a role in the life of Connie Starr. Connie is different from other kids and through her eyes and the eyes of others we see all that is happening in her life. Each person has their own chapters which makes it easy to follow along and sometimes it meant you saw the same part of the story from different peoples views. Cleverly written and delightful to read this story brings many emotions to the reader. Ann-Marie, SA, 5 Stars
What an absolute delight of a read. Possibly not a book I would normally pick up but I have enjoyed reading it immensely and would highly recommend to everyone. Claire, VIC, 5 Stars
What a lovely Story. A beautiful insightful read of Australian life through world War 2 and into the 1950’s. Connie Starr is a different child, the story is told with her delightful insights, opening your eyes to another perspective. I loved the warmth of this story, what a delight it was to read. Rebecca, QLD, 5 Stars
I was captivated from the first chapter as the story intertwined through the lives of Connie and her family telling stories of the Australian life from the War to the 1950’s. Seeing the world through the insightful Connie a beautiful gifted child made this book one to treasure. I cannot recommend this book enough. Loved every page. Christine, QLD, 5 Stars
Set in Ballarat, Victoria between the years 1939 and 1952, we follow the intertwining trials and tribulations of several families through these turbulent years. At the heart of the book, there is always Connie Starr, perched on an upper branch of her precious lemon tree, watching. An unusual child, she ‘ignores the pain of the enormous space between her and the other children’ and lives in a world of her own making. These are difficult years, embracing the heartbreak brought by the Second World War, polio outbreaks and rationing. The women shine in this novel. They have to contend with the deprivations brought by the war, the fear of losing their sons and husbands to the war-machine and the daily grind of putting a meal on the table. It’s these women – their strength and fortitude in the face of immeasurable loss and tragedy – that make this book sing. The writing is lyrical, and has a gentle flow that I found mesmerising. It’s a book that works particularly well if read over one or two sittings, so that the reader can settle into its cadence and appreciate the beauty of the prose. Gaby, NSW, 5 Stars
Loved it. Very believable and interesting characters but a bit different making a good story. Great characterisation. Set in WW2 and post war times when Australia was changing. Will look out for more by this author. Dorothy, NSW, 5 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a powerful story set in the country town of Ballarat during and after WWII. Through the Starr and Mabbett families Robbi Neal explores social and family issues relevant to the time period; the bonds of friendship, how the war affected all families, polio, air raid shelters, rationing and the importance of the church. A brilliantly observed story of people and their foibles, regrets, loves and disappointments. Veronica, NSW, 5 Stars
This novel follows the intertwined lives of individuals and families in Australia from 1930s pre World War into the 1950s, the exploring with wonderful insight, a world that no longer exists. This book is a jigsaw of life, school, neighbourhood, church, shoes, fashion, polio, lemon trees and more, of situations that arise and eventually form one whole picture. ‘The Secret World of Connie Starr ‘ is beautifully written. It is quintessentially Australian and will hold the reader until the last page. Highly recommended. Helen, NSW, 5 Stars
I am so grateful to be given the opportunity to preview ‘The Secret World of Connie Starr’ because I’ll be honest that this wouldn’t be a book I would’ve chosen to read myself, but boy was I wrong. As the old saying goes, don’t judge a book by its cover. There were tears, laughter, anger, shock, a true emotional roller coaster and you couldn’t help but hold a soft spot for Connie :). Highly recommended! Katrina, QLD, 5 Stars
The story is set in the 1930-1950’s and follows the life of Connie Starr from birth to adulthood. Connie views the world from her place up in the lemon tree, she sees a world represented by the struggle between angels and demons, a world where she does not fit in and does not care to. But this book is so much more than the story of one person. Robbi Neal introduces a large cast of characters (I must admit I struggled to keep up with them all) from all ages, backgrounds and perspectives. Through these characters we learn about the issues that were significant in their world from polio, rationing, the invasion of Darwin, infidelity, lemon trees, being different, nothing is off the table. Neal relates these struggles in a very sensitive way through achingly beautiful prose we feel the pain and frustration of the characters as they battle their own demons. The setting of the novel is quintessentially Australian, and the quirky chapter headings made me smile. The poignant imagery reminds us of times that have been largely forgotten but also leaves us with hope for a better future. Well worth a read. Debbie, NSW, 5 Stars
Set in small town Ballarat, on the brink of WWII being declared. The story with scatterings of real history, weaves in and out of Connie and her family’s daily going ons, and the lives of the locals over the course of 18 years. Connie is a curious child, who doesn’t mix well with others outside the family unit. Her senses are quite acute, as she hears and sees things that the others don’t. The book meshes stories of the other locals amongst those of Connie and her family. Caroline, QLD, 5 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr takes place, pre, during and post World War II in Ballarat, Victoria. Despite the books’s title, the story follows the lives of several families, predominately that of the Starr family, whom the titular character belongs. We follow outsider Connie on her journey through childhood and adolescence, and experience the triumps, tragedies and escapades of Connie and those around her. I found Connie to be a peculiar and not always endearing character who I ultimately ended up having an appreciation for her quirks and struggles. Her friendships with Michael and Gabe were heartwarming and I was also drawn to the character of Birdie. Birdie, the mother of Michael and Gabe, perseveres through financial hardship, loss and the whims of an abusive, adulterous and often absent husband. I absolutely adore this novel as it takes readers through a long-forgotten time of war and desperation. Robbi Neal is a gifted writer, able to transport readers to another era and evoke such varying emotions. This one is a keeper. Lisa, VIC, 5 Stars
I was so touched by this book! The fight between angels and demons is always present in the background. You will read about carefree moments and jolliness, and about dark moments and misery. You will travel through history and see how war has affected the lives of many people in many ways. The author presents us with so many interesting characters, with an array of personalities and quirks. Through Connie we follow how the lives of different families intersect and how people change, some trying to disappear, others trying to leave a footprint in this world. The book has it all: friendship, love, community spirit, diversity, vengeance, war, loss, faith, the slow movement of time, self-confidence, secretes, fear, disillusion, hope… And that lemon tree in the garden will accompany you all the way through. Beautiful book. Highly recommended! Angela, WA, 5 Stars
The author, Robbi Neal, has written an exceptionally good story about life’s struggles families had to endure to survive during hard times. Her description of events gives the reader a clear picture of family life during World War II. Her style of writing is exceptional. She has cleverly inter-twined the characters in her book. Some had high standards to live up to, while others took advantage of the kindness offered to them. The children were subjected to strict rules, most of which they dutifully obeyed. Sometimes getting into trouble when led astray and looking for excitement. The story is brought together with the characters showing who they really are. Their struggles within themselves come to light as the story progresses. Sadness is endured by loss of loved ones, with some finding this much harder to cope with. Their struggles make it harder to keep on going with their lives. I found this book very informative in relation to the hardship families went through during war. I felt for the lives lost and sadness this brought. It made me realise how hard it would be to provide meals with the rationing. Also with clothing and even electricity being restricted. Cherylene, QLD, 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed my time immersed in this book, spending time with the flawed characters and observing life go by. I loved how the author narrowed in on different characters for short periods to see a piece of their story in more detail at a specific moment in time. Also, that these smaller stories examined both big events and everyday moments. The fantastical elements also added to the book, bringing both whimsy and weight to the story. By the end of the book I was hugely invested in the characters and was sad to finish the last page. It was beautifully written and the intertwining stories were stitched together with precision. This book will be one I think about for a long time. Sarah, VIC, 5 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr was the book I simply could not put down, and also the book I did not want to finish. A captivating tribute to World War II and the love, loss and hope felt by all. Highly recommend! Rebecca, TAS, 5 Stars
A fantastic novel. I wanted to walk the streets of Ballarat with Viola, queue up for Birdie’s sewing and bake alongside Flora. Such heartbreak and loss balanced with triumph and resilience. So readily do we forget the terrors of war and rationing, disease and displacement. Dan, VIC, 5 Stars
Ballarat, in regional Victoria, is the setting for this beautifully written richly imagined tale which spans the days before the outbreak of World War Two through to the early 50s. We meet Connie Starr as she enters the world screaming. While her father Joseph, a Baptist pastor, scoops up the placenta to bury under the newly planted lemon tree her mother, Flora, knows her child will be challenging and different. This act by Connie’s father starts a bond between the child and tree. As she grows Connie’s innate ability to see what others cannot and her references to the demons and angels that inhabit her world mark her as a strange child in the eyes of her family and Ballarat’s tight-knit community. The lemon tree is her anchor, her place of refuge and where she can unravel the intricacies of the never ending battle between good and evil. Connie’s bounteous secret world creates the backdrop for her family’s ups and downs as well as those of other families close to her own. Love, grief, deprivation, infidelity, teenage rebellion and friendship interlace the narrative as Ballarat’s men rush to fight in a war seemingly far away. The bombing of Darwin was a reality check, and later the community began to prepare for the aftermath of war. The attention given to historical detail is an absolute highlight of this book. The reader is given a front row seat to life in the period covered. Reference to things like the nightly six o’clock swill, the lowly status of women, the iron lungs used for polio patients, Kookaburra stoves, Brockhoff biscuits, heroin cough syrup, grease proof paper, the popular ABC wireless series Dad and Dave, pee pots, ice chests, and making do with little are meticulously interwoven into the narrative to paint a hands on picture of a past Australia. Georgina, WA, 5 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a rich, beautiful story of Connie Starr, her family and the families around them during the 1940’s and 50’s in regional Australia. The reader steps back in time and experiences the love, joy, heartbreak, and resilience of Connie and the people in Connie’s world. The world events are intertwined with the personal struggles and challenges of the characters. I loved Connie from the start with her different way of looking at the world. I was engrossed in Connie’s story and didn’t want the novel to end. I found myself wanting to know what would happen to Connie next in her journey through life. Denise, TAS, 5 Stars
Written by Australian author Robbi Neal, this is an Australian historical fiction, set in the regional town of Ballarat during WWII. We start with the birth of Connie in 1934, the youngest child of a widowed Baptist Minister, who has recently remarried and has 3 children from a previous relationship. We follow the life of Connie over the next 18 years, her relationships with her parents and siblings, other local families and members of the church. Her struggle to find her place in the world, her observations of the people around her, the secrets they hide and the impacts that war time living has on them. The story explores love, loss, grief, trauma, friendship and resilience. The characters are authentic and relatable and their stories leave an emotional impact on the reader. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the rhythm and flow which made it hard to put down. Bree, NSW, 5 Stars
A tragic but beautiful page-turning narrative that emotively draws the reader in. The reader is drawn into the secret world of not only Connie Starr but the families that she has contact with. One feels part of Ballarat life in this pre-to-post World War 2 experience and forms a connection with the characters. Contextually it exposes the heartache of Australiana but provides a healing resolution of hope with integrity. Highly recommended. Jodie, NSW, 5 Stars
This is an endearing story of the caring Ballarat community, before, during and after World War 2.The main character Connie Starr is a quirky child who loves to sit in an unusually tall lemon tree and watch her world,and speaking to angels.Her world consists of her Preacher father,her very kind mother that can stretch her limited rations to feed many needy neighbours.The story tells of eager sons enlisting and not returning or returning broken.It tells of polio and the cruelty of the iron lungs.Of an unexpected teenage pregnancy and the baby quickly given away and hinted of a homosexual son.It tell of a tightknit community that accepts hardships and learns to make do even making clothes from tablecloths.It was a heart warming story that I found most enjoyable. Meredith, TAS, 5 Stars
This book contained everything I love in a wonderful read – a cast of diverse characters and historical fiction as it was set in a challenging time when war affected Australia. The storylines were woven together beautifully. I had a soft spot for Connie’s mum throughout as she rose to every challenge. I enjoyed how quirky Connie was as she experienced life through her own unique lens. A thoroughly enjoyable read! Kelly, QLD, 5 Stars
What a glorious and amazing story this is, I absolutely loved it. The story is filled with numerous very interesting characters, and we read how they all interact either directly or indirectly with the main character Connie. The author has a subtle way of educating the reader about local and world historical events in a fascinating style. Cultural issues are covered such as inequality of gender, poverty, religious views, race, rape, grief and bereavement. But never in a heavy or negative way, thanks to Connie with her way of seeing the world, the reader is presented with the occurrences and can judge for them self. The characters are rich and complex, and even those with negative traits, the reader understands why they do what they do, right or wrong. The book is one that had me so sad when I finished, and constantly wondering what was happening in their world now. Being set in Ballarat, Australia was a delight as well. I very much recommend this book, 5/5 for me. Toni, QLD, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed stepping into Connie Starr’s world. Starting in the 1930’s and being reminded of some of the events that my Grandmother and Mother would tell me about especially during the war years and having to deal with rationing and the shortage of material and how mending and darning were quite the thing. Connie is a young girl who views the world in her own way and refuses to conform to what others think she should be. I found this story very easy to read and felt very attached to the various characters. You see their inner demons and their struggles to cope with the World around them with the onset of War, struggles to make ends meet and having to work as all the men had gone to fight and then after the war coping again with the sudden change of having men back home but not as they had been. Men broken physically and emotionally. Woman no longer required to work as all the jobs need to go to men and for more pay the woman ever made. A book that makes you stop and think about how far we have come and still need to grow. Annamaree, QLD, 5 Stars
From reading Robbi Neal’s book – The Secret World of Connie Starr you sense Connie has Asperger – a little different from everyone around her a loner but observing the goings on around her in Ballarat from the 30’s to 50’s. We get to feel what it was like in the Depression, the war, health issues like polio. We see people’s flaws, hope, humour, mixed with tragedy, loss, forgiveness. Well worth reading to get a better understanding of our past. Robert, QLD, 5 Stars
What a wonderful book. I absolutely loved it. Set mainly in country Victoria, spanning from 1934 to the early 50s, this intricate, character driven, and historically detailed novel, draws you into the childhood years of Connie Starr, through the eyes of not only the sometimes otherworldly, fiercely independent title character, who talks to angels in the lemon tree,but also her family. Her mother Flora, the second, much younger wife to local pastor Joseph, half siblings, Lydia, Thom and Danny, local woman Birdie, her sons Mike and Gabe amongst others are brought to life and create a rich tapestry of a changing Australia in the lead up to WW2 and beyond. I truly could not put it down, and did not want it to end. Heartbreaking, joyous and deeply absorbing, this is the sort of book that stays with you long after the final page, and begs to be reread. This is going on my shelf along side perennial favourites such as My Brother Jack and Merry-go-round in the Sea. Thank you so much to Better Reading and Robbi Neal for this amazing book. Juanita, NSW, 5 Stars
This is a wonderfully written book, which is based in Ballarat between 1934 and 1952. The story follows the lives of Reverend Joseph Starr and his family, and also local friends and Parishioners in the area, and the impact that the war had on all of these people’s lives. Joseph’s first wife died leaving him as a single parent to Thom, Lydia, and Danny. When he met Flora, he fell for her instantly, so they married and then had Connie. From the time Connie entered the world it was clear that she was a different and difficult child who was going to change their lives forever. She sits in her lemon tree in the backyard to spy on everyone below. She sees the world in a whole new way and talks to archangels and believes the Devil intervenes during different stages of her life. The book takes you on a journey of all different emotions and experiences. You are sure to enjoy this book, particularly those who read and enjoyed “A Nurse’s War” by Victoria Purman, or “The Code Breakers” by Ali Sinclair. Thank you to Goodreads and Harlequin for the copy of the book. Vicki, VIC, 5 Stars
What an absolutely beautiful novel is The Secret World of Connie Starr. From the very beginning I found myself immersed in 1930’s Ballarat and this continued throughout till the 1950’s. Neal’s characters became real and dynamic through her use of imagery and dialogue. The back ground of World War II was written with great knowledge and sensitivity. Highly recommended. Denise, NSW, 5 Stars
What a wonderful Australian book, Connie Starr is such a likeable character who has such an imagination, Ballarat is home to Connie and her family, Connie is different to the other children she loves nothing better than sitting in the lemon tree talking to angels, a lot going on in this book but easy to read and follow I really enjoyed this book. Gavin, NSW, 5 Stars
What a lovely read (especially as we are moving to Ballarat soon) a story about a girl floating on air within her own world and not really fitting in . Life in the second world war and beyond and as the men go off to war and leave the women to just get on with it .A story of love ,loss and change in a time that is long gone to us and we will never see again . I loved its romantic tones and the beautifully way it was written. Sally, VIC, 5 Stars
When I first received this book I thought it might be a book about a young child, written for tweens. It is not. It is a novel for mature reader. The secret world of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal is a wonderful family drama set in Ballarat, Victoria in the late 1930s and the 1940s. It is not mentioned whether Connie is autistic but she is certainly different and this makes life tough, daily struggle for her. She doesn’t fit in. Not with her family, her neighbourhood, her church community or her school peers. She is called weird and she is. She talks to angels and demons. She sits on a high branch of the family lemon tree and spies on others, which doesn’t help her to be accepted. She is bullied or ignored. The book is beautifully written and interesting right from the first page. All said I did love this book and highly recommend it. Nell, NSW, 5 Stars
I recently received an ARC copy of The secret world of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal thanks to #BetterReading preview and @HarperCollins. I loved this family drama firstly as the time period resonates with my life. I was born in 1934 although in Sydney rather than Victoria it gives me a picture of how life was lived as I was too young to remember much. Connie struggles from day 1. She never really fit in with her nearest and dearest and was treated harshly or dismissed for weird whimsical way of communicating with angels from the branches of the family lemon tree. She wants to be heard and isn’t so act’s up or prefers her own company. She encounters much heartache and difficulty in her quest to find her identity and a place to fit in. I loved this book and felt terribly sorry for Connie’s character. It’s a great tale reminding us to fight for truth and protection. I strongly recommend others check it out. Thanks for the opportunity to read this interesting read. Hirell, NSW, 5 Stars
A sweeping tale of a small Australian city and how its residents cope with World War Two and its aftermath. Connie Starr is just five when it starts, but an intelligent and very observant five, watching it all from her lemon tree. She comes across as wilful and prickly, imaginative and given to misbehaviour, ultimately a tragic figure, but unfortunately not terribly likeable. Luckily, many of the other characters more than make up for her, and their joy and sorrows will bring a tear to the eye, a lump to the throat. Cross a Maeve Binchy novel with Sarah Winman’s Still Life and you have The Secret World of Connie Starr. Marianne, NSW, 5 Stars
I absolutely loved this book, it was funny, sad quirky and I loved all the characters, I felt like I knew them. Lovely book and I would recommend it to those who love books about Australian life and history. Michelle, VIC, 5 Stars
I really enjoyed this beautifully written Australian novel set in Ballarat in 1939-1952, during WW2 and the years following. The base of the story is about Connie Starr, the child of widowed Joseph (who has 3 children with his first wife) and his new wife Flora. Connie sees the world very differently and quite angrily. She has visions of angels who talk to her and has difficult relationships with her family and people close to her. Amidst all of this she is very likeable and you are hoping for her to be happy and understood. Whilst Connie is the base, it is also delves into the lives of other families and their trials during wartime and beyond. An interesting, at times disturbing, but also humorous and uplifting book I thoroughly recommend! Sue, VIC, 4 Stars
I really enjoyed reading The Secret World of Connie Starr by Robbi Neal. This is a beautifully written historical fiction set in Ballarat from 1934-1952. It was interesting to read about the experiences for families of involvement in WW11 from the perspective of Australia. In particular I enjoyed the setting of Ballarat. Themes explored include health, polio, family roles, war and dealing with unplanned pregnancy. Even though the title is about Connie Starr I found the book to explore a whole range of characters in Ballarat however towards the end there was more of a focus of Connie which was fascinating. I highly recommend this book. Maryanne, VIC, 4 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a moving account of the families living around young Connie Starr during 1934 -1952. We are able to follow the challenges facing this small community while Connie is growing up. I loved following their lives and seeing Connie’s view of life from the branches of her special lemon tree. I loved the way Robbie Neal revealed some secrets with subtle hints and left room for some thoughts and reflection. Kim, NSW, 4 Stars
Thank you to Better Reading for providing me a copy of the book “The Secret World of Connie Starr” by Robbi Neal in exchange for an honest review. Set in Ballarat from the 1930’s until the 1950’s, this story touches on many subjects – the war, choices people make, a child who is a little different and dances to the beat of her own drum, sacrifices and overall the truth and lies people deal with every day. I found it a little hard to get into as I normally only read stories based during current times but once I got going and met the characters it was hard to put down with the twists, turns and what ifs. A brilliantly written story based in Australia, a must read if you love Australian fiction. Jody, SA, 4 Stars
This is the first book I have read by Robbi Neal and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The style of book is different to what I would normally read but somehow it works. Connie is an unusual girl who sees things that others don’t. She feels a connection to the angels and demons that she regularly sees and converses with from the safety of her lemon tree. Connie views the world in all it’s raw forms whether it is beauty, love, trauma or war, she sees things for what they truly are. This novel also intertwines the stories of the people of Ballarat, their struggles, hardships and journey through times of war through to the 1950’s which really creates a vivid picture of just what life was like in Australia during this period of time. The Secret World of Connie Starr is an enjoyable read which kept me captivated to the very last page. Wendy, WA, 4 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a beautifully written work of historical fiction. It tells the story of both Connie Starr’s life and the lives of the Finchley, Mabbett and Mitchell families from the Australian community of Ballarat through WWII and into the 1950s. It tells of the hardships of life as the families steer their way through the depression, war and afterwards. Connie is an odd child because she is different. “Connie gave the things of life no thought at all. Instead, she was separated from the world and all the people she knew in it and she watched them go about their lives from her special hidden spot in the lemon tree as if the people below were ants scurrying about without any realisation of how small and insignificant, they were.” Reading this book is an absolute treat whilst dealing with some dark themes. Teresa, VIC, 4 Stars
This book provides a moving glimpse into post-war life in regional Australia and features many wonderful, strong female characters who drive the story. Their plight and the inequality they face made me happy to be living in the 2020s although at the same time the simplicity of their lives and the community that binds them are enviable. Definitely worth a read! Ruth, NSW, 4 Stars
Following Connie’s journey through childhood and adolescence in war time Ballarat, gives an insight into the times and unknowns of the era. I fell for so many characters in the story through heartache, longing and fear. Natalie, QLD, 4 Stars
A wonderfully written nod to country life in Australian through the decades. Connie Starr is the character you didn’t realise you needed in your life. Deanne, VIC, 4 Stars
The author opens a door into the past, where we can step back in time. An excellent story that takes us for one extreme to the other. An enlightening read. Cynthia, SA, 4 Stars
Aussie writer Robbi Neal gives us a gloriously enchanting, yet brutally haunting story in this historical fiction saga. Beautifully written, the story is set in Ballarat in the years 1934 to 1952. Connie Starr is born in 1934 to Joseph and Flora, they already had three children from Josephs’ first marriage. There was something quite different about Connie, she would spend time viewing the world from a branch of the lemon tree in their garden. She also saw demons and angels swirling and swooping above, she was a strange child. Her father is a Baptist minister and because of the Depression they often had visitors stay over to share meals and their hospitality. The story follows a group of families in the community, I particularly loved the characters of Flora Starr and Birdie Mabbett who are best friends. Their stories are heartbreaking and we are given a glimpse into the hardships in rural Australia, particularly during the WWII period and it’s aftermath. The story moves through the attack on Darwin, the men and teenage boys that enlisted for war, polio, raging rivers and relationships. What a surprise this book was, I’m so thrilled I received the opportunity to read it! Gloria, SA, 4 Stars
Thankyou for my free copy. It took a few chapters for me to enjoy The Secret World of Connie Starr but once I did get into the book I really enjoyed it. It’s a great novel not only about Connie but growing up in country Australia during and post WW2. The book goes beyond just Connies world with so many rich characters and families who are doing what they need to, to survive. You really get to know Ballarat and it’s residents. Recommend for any who’s looking for a great read full of joy, despair, laughter, and sadness. Simone, WA, 4 Stars
A beautiful and heart wrenching story told from a unique point of view of a family and the people around them during the second world war. Plenty of ups and downs, happy and sad times. Well written and a great sunny winters day read. Kristen, NSW, 4 Stars
“The Secret World of Connie Starr” is a truly beautiful read. A really enjoyable novel that immerses you in the Australian culture and relatable family dynamics. Erena, VIC, 4 Stars
Well this book is not what I expected from the title! I thought it would be all about Connie Starr and her little world but it was much, much more than that. The story is set in the little town of Ballarat from the years of 1934-1952 and covers not only Connie’s life but the lives of the people around her. Connie’s father was a church pastor who was widowed with three children when he met Flora. He and Flora married and Connie was born. He and Flora looked after the people in and passing through their small community, all the while dealing with their own family problems. I loved the short chapters and seeing into the lives of the townspeople before the war and when their men started signing up and were shipped off to fight. How they all coped during the depression with food shortages and rationing and making clothes from any material they could find. This was one of those stories that was described so beautifully at times that you could almost feel like you were there. Kelly, WA, 4 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr is a family saga set within a Ballarat community and spans the 1930s to the 1950s. Notwithstanding the title, Connie’s story is only one of the many voices in the narrative. The structure of the novel reminded me of episodes of a radio play, which added to the reading experience. There are many characters that are met by the reader in in the first part of the novel, and I was grateful for the list of families included at the beginning. Each of the characters were well developed throughout the novel and their intersecting story lines contributed to an engaging look at some of the historical events of this period. While there is an element of nostalgia to the story, the novel did not shy away from difficult topics such as family violence and the effects of war and examined these intelligently and sensitively. This was an enjoyable read and left me thinking about the characters well after I finished the novel. Holly, WA, 4 Stars
Connie is the central character in a novel titled “The Secret World of Connie Starr” by Robbi Neal. Set in the small Australian country town of Ballarat from 1939-1952 Connie is an odd, disobedient and a right handful of a child. Observing the world from the branches of her lemon tree Connie observes the lives of her family, neighbours and her parent’s friends during the time period of World War II. Connie also observes in her mind the battles of angles and demons in their own war. Honestly I nearly gave up on the Secret World of Connie Star before I had reached page 50. The religious continuations and the talk of angels and demons bored me and I nearly lost interest. Luckily it was Bridie and Aubrey’s story with a little bit of passion that piped my interest and brought me back into the story. I loved the history lesson of what it was like for those waiting at home for the war to end, what lengths women had to go to when they suddenly didn’t have the support of their husbands, the heartache experienced by the parents who sat wondering, worrying where their son was and was he alive. Robbi Neal also includes history of the diseases present at the time and the horrifying treatment of them. She also addresses what living in society was like in a time when the constraints of Baptist church and society were very restrictive and sexist for females. The story seemed to be more about the people surrounding Connie rather than Connie herself. She was a hard character to like and I have to admit I did not take to her until the last few chapters. However in saying this by the end of the book I did have a soft spot for Connie who was a very misunderstood girl in a time when the rules of society outweighed the understanding for someone who was a little bit different. Ally, TAS, 4 Stars
On 2.4.1934 Connie Starr came into the world, in a small town of Ballarat at the time. She was the youngest of 4 children to Flora and Reverend Joseph. Her parents thought she was trouble the moment she came into the world. A world that was on the verge of World War 2. Flora and Joseph married on 2.8.1931., and she became stepmom to Joseph’s three other children from a previous marriage. Flora was originally the children’s nanny till she was of age to marry, 21, even though he was 41. Connie was a child of difference who saw angels and demons and said things that other didn’t understand what she meant. She lived in her own little world and would often sit on the branch of a lemon tree that her father had planted. There she would sit and look down upon the people below and see what others couldn’t. This was set between 1934 to 1952. A time of war when the young lads thought the best to serve their country not really knowing what they were in for. I time of Rinso Flakes, Lipton tea coupons and Brylcreem. It is also about the people of the town and their goings on. How their lives intertwine and are always there for each other through war, birth, death and life in general. I found this a very interesting read and loved all the characters in the book. #BRPreview @Goodreadsau @RobbiNeal Sue, NSW, 4 Stars
The secret world of Connie Starr presents a lovely perspective of times in a regional Victorian town during key historical moments including the depression, world war 2 and post war. Features resilient characters who seem to overcome many of life’s adversities. You can’t help but fall in love with Connie’s wonder, curiosity and view of the world. She’s presented as a challenging child, however there are so many likable aspects to her. Lovely to hear Robbie Neal’s tale of strong female characters especially Birdie’s courageous ability to overcome difficulties during wartime in Australia. Thank you Better Reading, harlequin and Robbie Neal for the opportunity to preview this fabulous book. Matilda, QLD, 4 Stars
A lovely account of wartime Australia in a small country town. The characters were rich and varied and easy to engage and love. The hardships of war and the impact on families was delicately managed. Underlying all sub-plots and twists, the author was able to remind the reader to have a sense of gratitude for the small things in life, to have an awareness of life’s impermanence and the benefits of resilience and grit. Susan, VIC, 4 Stars
At times sad, heartbreaking and just plain “make you angry” Connie Starr in her 18 years experiences more than most in a lifetime. How much can one family experience in a generation of war, polio epidemics and rationing. The harshest realities of life in those times are explored, Connie sees all these events in her family through her eyes, the eyes of a child. She lives alongside the dammed souls returning after the war, if they were lucky to come back, which her eldest brother wasn’t as well as the people fallen on hard times and staying with her family in the church. She observes and sets her own meaning to events in her own way. Connie trusts to the good in all people, but discovers that not all people are inherently good. Do all young children have this ability to tackle the complex and make it simple to take it back to the good and bad, angels or demons that she sees fighting in the sky. Lynda, VIC, 4 Stars
I felt connected to the book being born and breed in Ballarat, the references to the street names and places that I have a affinity with. I learnt about Ballarat during the war times, for example the Americans being placed here. The book was a terrific insight how families and individuals coped with the trials and tribulations of the times. Danielle, VIC, 4 Stars
A story of families, their beliefs and standards with the war intervening and testing these. Dramas unravel throughout these years and beyond. An enjoyable read which kept me turning the pages. I would recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. I hope Robbi Neal writes another novel soon that I can also devour! Amanda, TAS, 4 Stars
The Secret World of Connie Starr by Australian author Robbi Neal is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, historical and adventure subgenres. The backdrop is set in Australian through the war to the 1950s. Ballarat, 1934 Connie Starr enters the world screaming her lungs out, her mother Flora knew instantly she was going to have her hands full. The characters are well-defined and credible, and their interactions and backstories with all their flaws and quirks make for some fascinating reading. I particularly enjoyed Connie’s character, with her imaginary being so vivid flitting between angels and demons, she takes comfort in the branches of her treasured lemon tree. This book has an incredible storyline that flows so well. The plot covers aspects of life, love, hardship, and war. Neal creates an intriguing family dynamic drama bound by strict religious beliefs and covering all the hardships of war. Her description of small-town mentality where you are judged and everyone knows your business, sometimes before you were very real, and one has to hold on to the hope that someday things will be different. Overall, I would recommend The Secret World of Connie Starr to fans of family sagas and immersive historical and emotional fiction. Melissa, SA, 4 Stars
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