Australian Flags and Emblems

Our Stories: Australian Flags and Emblems by Karen Tayleur (Walker Books)
PB RRP $17.95
ISBN 9781742031095
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Vexillology is the study of flags, and comes from the Latin word vexillum meaning banner or flag. What a wonderful word to describe this fascinating subject.

This offering from the outstanding Our Stories series covers a great deal of information surrounding Flags and Emblems, Coats of Arms and Heraldry. The flag section represents the Australian flag, Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Union Jack Flags, all the Australian States’ flags, plus how and why the flags were chosen.

For the Coats of Arms of each flag there is a complete breakdown of the six parts, Crest, Wreath or Torse, Supporter, Compartment, Motto or Name, and Shield or Escutcheon. There is also brief and interesting history of the settlement of each State.

The simple and clear design of the entire book is geared towards easy learning and understanding about the history of our country, its Flags and Emblems. It’s a gold mine of information with wonderful images to complement the excellent text.

At the end, there is a list of eight other Australian flags such as the Defence Force, the Eureka Flag etc., accompanied by information, plus a section concerning Flag Protocol, winding up with a valuable Glossary and Index.

Love Notes from Vinegar House

 Love Notes from Vinegar House by Karen Tayleur (black dog books)
PB RRP $18.95
ISBN 978142032191
Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis


This well-crafted and compelling mystery incorporates family secrets, misunderstandings, teenage dilemmas and a ghostly presence. It is told in first person narrative by Freya, who speaks directly to the reader; a device that works extremely well with this style of writing. 


Freya’s parents have gone to visit her ailing Nanna and Freya must go and stay at Grandma Kramer’s house close to the sea where all the family gatherings have taken place throughout her lifetime. Unfortunately her bossy and manipulative cousin Rumer is also staying there. Since childhood, no love has been lost between the two girls for Freya uncovered Rumer’s failings early. Since then they have merely tolerated one another for the sake of common courtesy within the family circle.


Freya’s long, close friendship with Luke is on the rocks because of a Facebook prank.  His interest seems to have turned to the attractive and flirty Rumer. He has also turned up to work in the garden at Grandma Kramer’s house and Freya’s agony at seeing him interested in her awful cousin, churns inside her like the rough sea that surrounds them. Quite out of character, Freya finds herself taking notes left under Rumer’s door supposedly from Luke. These lead to an even more disturbing discovery which is linked to the mystery the house holds tightly to within its walls.


But the old house holds more secrets than anyone is prepared to talk about and is said to be haunted. But by whom and why?  During her stay there, Freya starts to notice that the bath tub fills with water by itself. There are sounds which have no logical explanation. The lights in the house stay on during a power blackout and the attic is always kept locked and out of bounds.

Freya is also troubled by the fact that nobody ever talks about Rumer’s mother, especially Rumer herself. Even crabby Grandma Kramer keeps quiet about her daughter. She is determined to find answers at any cost. This search brings about astonishing results and closure for more than one person.


This is a moving story that weaves through many sub-stories and plaits themes together beautifully. It is a book will be read in one sitting for there’s no putting it down once you start.

Six

Six by Karen Tayleur (black dog books)
PB RRP $18.95
ISBN 9781742031552
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton
www.buzzwordsmagazine.com 

Karen Tayleur and black dog books continue to produce high quality YA fiction with this latest release, Six. 


Six follows the story of six very different HSC students linked by the discovery of a body in The Woods. In signature black dog style, the story is told from multiple view points, some in first person, others in third person. Six covers the normal, albeit often tumultuous issues, of young adults - burgeoning romances, career and study expectations, socialising, alcohol and gaining licences. The main protagonist is Sarah, an academic girl who struggles with her family's expectations of her becoming a doctor. Sarah, and all Tayleur's characters, have a clearly young adult voice, and each are drawn distinctly.

Suspense is deftly maintained throughout the story. The book begins with a car accident but it is not revealed who has died and who has survived. As I read and got to know and like (or dislike) each character I was continually wondering, 'do you die?'.

The undercurrent of their gruesome discovery is maintained throughout as the story hurtles towards the inevitable disaster and it is not until the very end, and with an extra final twist, that all is revealed.