Beginnings and Endings collide

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The Season

Helen Garner

Text Publishing, December 2024, 208 pages

The Season is a glorious book as Garner watches her youngest grandson mature into a man as through their share enjoyment of footy.

What makes this special is Garner's honesty, humour, and insight. You have a young man moving into the prime of his life and Garner acknowledging that her time is limited. There is no sadness but a wonderful tenderness.

For those who don't appreciate the fanatic AFL football fans, it is captured beautifully with the dedication and commitment to having a team on the winning side.

Garner's writing is on point. Her descriptions immediately create a sense of place, and you know the characters. I really liked the observations of the people who used the oval from the joggers, grandparents pushing grandchildren, the skateboarders, and those who attended games. These little snippets are just fantastic.

I just really loved the book, and I am ever so appreciative of being allowed an opportunity to be part of this journey.

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