Helen Garner - This House of Grief : The Story of a Murder Trial read online book PDF, DJV, TXT
9781922079206 English 1922079200 '"The Joan Didion of Australia" writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice -- intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent -- inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'--"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It's an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing.'--Julian Barnes 'As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocence...Tailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial.'--"The Times" UK 'Helen Garner's account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters' weaknesses; wry moments of humor.'--"Guardian" 'The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner's hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you'll devour in one go.'--"The Age" 'Clear-eyed and deeply moving...Garner's skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it..."This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mind--its themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary.'--"NZ Herald" 'Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human.'--"Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia"--"Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010., 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It's an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes 'Garner's spare, clean style flowers into magnificent poetry.; Australian Book Review ;This House of Grief has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters; weaknesses; wry moments of humor; Guardian ;The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner's hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you'll devour in one go; Age ;Clear-eyed and deeply moving; Garner's skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it; This House of Grief is a book that preys on the mind; its themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary; NZ Herald ; Garner sat through [all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human; Australian Women's Weekly Praise for Helen Garner's The Spare Room : "Helen Garner is a great writer."; Peter Carey "Swift, beautiful, and relentless."; Alice Sebold "The Joan Didion of Australia"; Los Angeles Times "Truthful, fearless, passionate."; Kate Grenville On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife. In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality. Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others. Helen Garner , born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel The Spare Room was published to critical acclaim in 2010., 'Two books in one: an expertly reported, brilliantly written story and, woven into that, Garner s meditation on the meaning of that story.'Head Butler ' The Joan Didion of Australia writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It s an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocenceTailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial. "The Times" UK 'Helen Garner s account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote s "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters weaknesses; wry moments of humor. "Guardian" The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner s hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you ll devour in one go. "The Age" Clear-eyed and deeply movingGarner s skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it"This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mindits themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary. "NZ Herald" Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human. "Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia""Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010.", Anyone can see the place where the children died. You take the Princes Highway past Geelong, and keep going west in the direction of Colac. Late in August 2006, soon after I had watched a magistrate commit Robert Farquharson to stand trial before a jury on three charges of murder, I headed out that way on a Sunday morning, across the great volcanic plain.On the evening of 4 September 2005, Father's Day, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother, Cindy, when his car left the road and plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven and two, drowned. Was this an act of revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She followed it on its protracted course until the final verdict.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. She presents the theatre of the courtroom with its actors and audience, all gathered for the purpose of bearing witness to the truth, players in the extraordinary and unpredictable drama of the quest for justice.This House of Grief is a heartbreaking and unputdownable book by one of Australia's most admired writers., Finalist, 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award 'Two books in one: an expertly reported, brilliantly written story and, woven into that, Garner s meditation on the meaning of that story.'"Head Butler" ' The Joan Didion of Australia writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It s an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocenceTailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial. "The Times" UK 'Helen Garner s account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote s "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters weaknesses; wry moments of humor. "Guardian" The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner s hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you ll devour in one go. "The Age" Clear-eyed and deeply movingGarner s skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it"This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mindits themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary. "NZ Herald" Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human. "Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia""Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010.", On the evening of September 4th 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother, Cindy, when his car left the road and plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven and two, all drowned. Was this an act of revenge or a tragic accident? In a tale reminiscent of In Cold Blood (1966), Helen Garner decided to reveal every aspect of this complicated and highly emotional case.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man with a broken life and bears witness to an often uncomfortable truth., Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia"--"Los Angeles Times""Truthful, fearless, passionate."--Kate GrenvilleOn the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010., Praise for Helen Garner's The Spare Room : "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey "Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold "The Joan Didion of Australia"-- Los Angeles Times "Truthful, fearless, passionate."--Kate Grenville On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife. In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality. Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others. Helen Garner , born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel The Spare Room was published to critical acclaim in 2010.
9781922079206 English 1922079200 '"The Joan Didion of Australia" writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice -- intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent -- inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'--"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It's an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing.'--Julian Barnes 'As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocence...Tailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial.'--"The Times" UK 'Helen Garner's account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters' weaknesses; wry moments of humor.'--"Guardian" 'The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner's hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you'll devour in one go.'--"The Age" 'Clear-eyed and deeply moving...Garner's skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it..."This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mind--its themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary.'--"NZ Herald" 'Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human.'--"Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia"--"Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010., 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It's an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes 'Garner's spare, clean style flowers into magnificent poetry.; Australian Book Review ;This House of Grief has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters; weaknesses; wry moments of humor; Guardian ;The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner's hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you'll devour in one go; Age ;Clear-eyed and deeply moving; Garner's skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it; This House of Grief is a book that preys on the mind; its themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary; NZ Herald ; Garner sat through [all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human; Australian Women's Weekly Praise for Helen Garner's The Spare Room : "Helen Garner is a great writer."; Peter Carey "Swift, beautiful, and relentless."; Alice Sebold "The Joan Didion of Australia"; Los Angeles Times "Truthful, fearless, passionate."; Kate Grenville On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife. In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality. Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others. Helen Garner , born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel The Spare Room was published to critical acclaim in 2010., 'Two books in one: an expertly reported, brilliantly written story and, woven into that, Garner s meditation on the meaning of that story.'Head Butler ' The Joan Didion of Australia writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It s an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocenceTailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial. "The Times" UK 'Helen Garner s account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote s "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters weaknesses; wry moments of humor. "Guardian" The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner s hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you ll devour in one go. "The Age" Clear-eyed and deeply movingGarner s skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it"This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mindits themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary. "NZ Herald" Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human. "Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia""Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010.", Anyone can see the place where the children died. You take the Princes Highway past Geelong, and keep going west in the direction of Colac. Late in August 2006, soon after I had watched a magistrate commit Robert Farquharson to stand trial before a jury on three charges of murder, I headed out that way on a Sunday morning, across the great volcanic plain.On the evening of 4 September 2005, Father's Day, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother, Cindy, when his car left the road and plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven and two, drowned. Was this an act of revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She followed it on its protracted course until the final verdict.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. She presents the theatre of the courtroom with its actors and audience, all gathered for the purpose of bearing witness to the truth, players in the extraordinary and unpredictable drama of the quest for justice.This House of Grief is a heartbreaking and unputdownable book by one of Australia's most admired writers., Finalist, 2015 INDIEFAB Book of the Year Award 'Two books in one: an expertly reported, brilliantly written story and, woven into that, Garner s meditation on the meaning of that story.'"Head Butler" ' The Joan Didion of Australia writes a masterful book about a real-life family tragedy....Her voice intimate yet sharp, wry yet urgent inspires trust as she pursues a twice-told tale that reveals an unsettling truth as relevant outside the courtroom as inside it: we tell ourselves stories in order to live but also in order to take revenge, to share guilt, to prolong pain, to blur memory and motive.'"The Atlantic" 'A gripping account of a murder trial in which few of the participants act and react in ways we might predict. It s an examination not just of what happened, but also of what we prefer to believe and what we cannot face believing. Julian Barnes As involving, heart-rending and unsettling a read as you could possibly find, a true-life account of three deaths and a trial that leaves you with a profound sense of unease as its drama unfolds, and disturbing questions about how we judge guilt and innocenceTailor-made for those who have gorged recently on the popular true-crime podcast Serial. "The Times" UK 'Helen Garner s account of the trial is a non-literary variation of Truman Capote s "In Cold Blood" (1966). It is all the more shocking for her direct, no-nonsense, often horrified, approach.' Eileen Battersby, "Irish Times" "This House of Grief" has all the trademark Helen Garner touches: harrowing scenes recorded without restraint or censorship; touching observations of characters weaknesses; wry moments of humor. "Guardian" The twists and turns of this true-crime story are, in Garner s hands, more engrossing and dramatic than any thriller. Really, this is the kind of book you ll devour in one go. "The Age" Clear-eyed and deeply movingGarner s skills as a novelist combine with her journalist incisiveness to give a vivid, compassionate and complex assessment of the crime and the societal issues surrounding it"This House of Grief" is a book that preys on the mindits themes are enormous, classical and highly contemporary. "NZ Herald" Garner sat through all the trials]: sifting the evidence, observing the duelling lawyers, digging deep into the relationships which contributed to the catastrophe. She has turned a courtroom drama into something deeply human. "Australian Women's Weekly" On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia""Los Angeles Times"Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010.", On the evening of September 4th 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother, Cindy, when his car left the road and plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven and two, all drowned. Was this an act of revenge or a tragic accident? In a tale reminiscent of In Cold Blood (1966), Helen Garner decided to reveal every aspect of this complicated and highly emotional case.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man with a broken life and bears witness to an often uncomfortable truth., Praise for Helen Garner's "The Spare Room" "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey"Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold"The Joan Didion of Australia"--"Los Angeles Times""Truthful, fearless, passionate."--Kate GrenvilleOn the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife.In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality.Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others.Helen Garner, born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel "The Spare Room" was published to critical acclaim in 2010., Praise for Helen Garner's The Spare Room : "Helen Garner is a great writer."--Peter Carey "Swift, beautiful, and relentless."--Alice Sebold "The Joan Didion of Australia"-- Los Angeles Times "Truthful, fearless, passionate."--Kate Grenville On the evening of 4 September 2005, Robert Farquharson, a separated husband, was driving his three sons home to their mother when his car plunged into a dam. The boys, aged ten, seven, and two, drowned. Was this an act of deliberate revenge or a tragic accident? The court case became Helen Garner's obsession. She was in the courtroom every day of Farquharson's trial and subsequent retrial, along with countless journalists and the families of both the accused and his former wife. In this utterly compelling book, Helen Garner tells the story of a man and his broken life. At its core is a search for truth that takes author and reader through complex psychological terrain. Garner exposes, with great compassion, that truth and justice are as complex as human frailty and morality. Part of a nonfiction tradition that began with Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and continues in the works of Janet Malcolm, Erroll Morris, and others. Helen Garner , born in 1942, is the author of numerous books of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent novel The Spare Room was published to critical acclaim in 2010.