Research & Writing – Library & Information Week

Christine Bell’s No Small Shame is impossible to put down. Her writing is wonderful, wise and empathetic. No Small Shame is a masterful debut novel, and an excellent addition to Australia’s historical fiction genre. Full review.

Once I started reading No Small Shame, I could not stop. I was utterly swept up by Mary’s story and her refusal to settle for the life she is expected to lead.

This is a novel of darkness and hope, full of insight, and written beautifully, with intelligence and sensitivity. A wonderful debut … Full review.

Be prepared to be transported into the past, to be caught up in a slice of Aussie history but, mostly, swept away in a completely relatable and beautifully told tale that will move and, in the end, fill you. Outstanding. Full Review.

I ached for Mary and grew to love the defiant spirit shining through her doubts and fears. An absorbing, convincing and heartbreaking picture of a woman trapped in an impossible marriage.

Mary O’Donnell’s journey to self-awareness will have you turning the pages until the heartbreaking climax.

No Small Shame is a beautiful and inspiring story about female power. Despite ongoing hardship, Mary continued to forge her path for the life she wants. Christine Bell gives us a brilliant story of female heroism and shows us that women are capable of much more than we could ever really know. Full Review.

What distinguishes the novel is its rich characterization. Each character in this carefully drawn work lifts off the page, evoking our enduring interest and empathy.

An epic tale of a woman who finds her voice and ultimately, her agency. Meticulously researched, ambitious in scope and compelling in realisation.

My heart hurt, my heart soared, and I was left thinking about the amazing women who paved the way for women today. Full Review.