The Time We Have Taken

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Description

A powerfully moving tale of small-town life, this stunning novel won both the Miles Franklin and Commonwealth Writers' Prize in 2008 'That exotic tribe was us. And the time we have taken, our moment.' 1970, Glenroy. One summer's morning Rita is awakened by a dream of her husband, only to look out onan empty bed.It's been years sinceVic moved north and left her life, but her house holds memories and part of her remains tied to a different time. As their son Michael enters the tender and challenging realm of first love, he too discovers that innocence can only be sustained for so long. As they prepare to celebrate Glenroy's 100th anniversary, the residents of the Melbourne suburb look back on a time of radical change. The time has come for them to consider the real meaning of progress - both as a community and in their personal lives. The Time We Have Taken is a powerful and poignant look at the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary, from a writer of breathtaking prose.

Reviews

A writer worth cherishing. His prose is unfailingly assured, lyrical, poised * The Australian *
What makes Steven Carroll's novels extraordinary is the metaphysical depth that he gives to his story * Telerama (France) *
Exquisite... There are times in this book where I paused to admire the subtle craft of what Carroll is doing. Every piece of this book is sanded and planed and perfectly joined ... graceful and tender prose * The Age *
It is the tender awareness he has of human frailty which lifts the spirit and implores us to simply think better of others and ourselves ... Carroll writes like a bird freed from a cage * West Australian *
Deceptively simple, this novel has a quiet force * Sydney Morning Herald *

Author Bio

Steven Carroll was born in Melbourne. His first novel, Remember Me, Jimmy James, was published in 1992. The Art of the Engine Driver (2001) and The Gift of Speed (2004) were shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, which The Time We Have Taken won in 2008. Steven Carroll lives in Melbourne with his partner and son.