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Watch Over Me
Watching goes both ways... They watch for control, for survival, for pleasure. We watch for survival, for fear, for love. A contemporary thriller of rebellion and surrender, love and war.
‘This gem of a novel ticks all the boxes—a book of flaming affections and indefatigable loves, dystopian and convincing, a tale of pilgrimages and adventures, all beautifully textured and lovingly narrated.’ - Tom Keneally, winner of the Booker Prize
The pressure of my blood, the beat of my heart, is a message to you. You read each second of my body's life. But watching goes both ways. You watch us: for control, for power, for pleasure. We watch you: for survival, for fear, for love.
It is the present day. The foggy northern city of Port Angelsund, gateway to the last great fossil fuel reserves beneath the Arctic Ocean, is under occupation by the soldiers of Garrison. Sylvie is a young woman just trying to survive. She works in a harbourside café with her mother and little brother, and fears for her older brother, Jory, who fled when the enemy invaded.
When Sylvie is singled out for punishment at a Garrison checkpoint, a young lieutenant rescues her from torture. Though she knows the terrible risks of collaboration, she cannot stop herself from falling in love. Watched closely by Garrison’s vast machinery of surveillance, Sylvie now discovers she is also under the protective and suspicious gaze of her lover.
Brooding over the rim of the world, Coalition pledges to free Port Angelsund: storm is coming, they say, we are on our way. When Jory returns on a terrorist mission that will throw the city into chaos, Sylvie’s loyalties are tested beyond breaking point. Her deep bond with her brother and her illicit passion for her Garrison officer are loves that cannot coexist. Whatever she does is betrayal.
In the spirit of Hiroshima Mon Amour and Suite Francaise, this sensual and heart-breaking novel brings the classic conflicts of war and occupation, devotion and treachery, up to the present minute. While the unimaginable power of modern warfare advances, Watch Over Me reminds us that the things at stake—survival, refuge and love—remain the things worth fighting for.
‘This gem of a novel ticks all the boxes—a book of flaming affections and indefatigable loves, dystopian and convincing, a tale of pilgrimages and adventures, all beautifully textured and lovingly narrated.’ - Tom Keneally, winner of the Booker Prize
The pressure of my blood, the beat of my heart, is a message to you. You read each second of my body's life. But watching goes both ways. You watch us: for control, for power, for pleasure. We watch you: for survival, for fear, for love.
It is the present day. The foggy northern city of Port Angelsund, gateway to the last great fossil fuel reserves beneath the Arctic Ocean, is under occupation by the soldiers of Garrison. Sylvie is a young woman just trying to survive. She works in a harbourside café with her mother and little brother, and fears for her older brother, Jory, who fled when the enemy invaded.
When Sylvie is singled out for punishment at a Garrison checkpoint, a young lieutenant rescues her from torture. Though she knows the terrible risks of collaboration, she cannot stop herself from falling in love. Watched closely by Garrison’s vast machinery of surveillance, Sylvie now discovers she is also under the protective and suspicious gaze of her lover.
Brooding over the rim of the world, Coalition pledges to free Port Angelsund: storm is coming, they say, we are on our way. When Jory returns on a terrorist mission that will throw the city into chaos, Sylvie’s loyalties are tested beyond breaking point. Her deep bond with her brother and her illicit passion for her Garrison officer are loves that cannot coexist. Whatever she does is betrayal.
In the spirit of Hiroshima Mon Amour and Suite Francaise, this sensual and heart-breaking novel brings the classic conflicts of war and occupation, devotion and treachery, up to the present minute. While the unimaginable power of modern warfare advances, Watch Over Me reminds us that the things at stake—survival, refuge and love—remain the things worth fighting for.
480 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
About the author
Claire Corbett
10 books102 followersClaire Corbett is a writer. She was born in Canada and has worked in film and government policy. Her first novel, WHEN WE HAVE WINGS, was published in 2011 by Allen & Unwin and shortlisted for the 2012 Barbara Jefferis Award and the 2012 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Fiction and published overseas.
Recent fiction and essays have been published in a range of journals, including Best Australian Stories 2014 & 2015, Griffith Review, Southerly and Overland. She has written on defence and strategy for The Diplomat, The Strategist and The Monthly. Her second novel, WATCH OVER ME, is published by Allen & Unwin in May 2017.
Claire is the fiction editor of Overland Journal.
Recent fiction and essays have been published in a range of journals, including Best Australian Stories 2014 & 2015, Griffith Review, Southerly and Overland. She has written on defence and strategy for The Diplomat, The Strategist and The Monthly. Her second novel, WATCH OVER ME, is published by Allen & Unwin in May 2017.
Claire is the fiction editor of Overland Journal.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 27, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up. This genre is not at all for me but it contains absolutely outstanding writing and imagery. This lady can write! A dystopian world with reference to real wars, this is a highly researched and extremely well written piece of work. If this review and rating were to be solely based on writing alone, it would be an easy five star, but my enjoyment wasn't there. The narration was outstanding which made it a pleasant book to listen to. Please forgive my confusing review, but let me say readers of the dystopian type of genres would definitely find this a worthwhile book. It also must be said that I reviewed this a fair chunk of time after reading.
May 23, 2017
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
Prolific Australian author Tom Keneally’s cover endorsement of Watch Over Me, which is writer Claire Corbett’s second novel, was enough to convince me I really wanted to read this book. Watch Over Me was definitely a book that falls outside my usual genre preferences. This novel presents the reader with an original and perceptive take on a contemporary world ravaged by war, conflict and suppression. It combines these age old themes with a consuming romance between the two lead characters.
Sylvie is a nineteen year old pastry chef, who works at her family’s cafe. She resides in a place called Port Angelsund, which we learn a few years prior came under occupation from an army from called Garrison, due to its lucrative natural energy reserves. Now Sylvie, her family and the other citizens of Port Angelsund find themselves placed under constant surveillance through checkpoints, rationing, and drones. When Sylvie gains some unwanted attention at a routine checkpoint, a young and ambitious lieutenant named Will comes to Sylvie’s aid. Saving her from probable torture, Sylvie quickly falls in love with Will. They soon embark on a tumultuous love affair that spirals out of control. Day by day, Will becomes more passionate, possessive and protective of Sylvie. Sylvie’s loyalties are then pushed to their very limits, when her older brother returns home from a mission to help overthrow the Garrison. Sylvie comes to the heartbreaking conclusion that she cannot love both men in the world they are currently living in.
What an interesting, as well as quite disturbing scenario author Claire Corbett presents her audience with in her second novel, Watch Over Me. Current, as well as past world events, in particular war, seem to have a strong place in this novel. It is clear the author has conducted a great deal of search in the area of warfare, with a specific focus on war psychology. Corbett uses this to her advantage to inform the multi layered, as well as atmospheric narrative of Watch Over Me.
This book had an almost dystopian and futuristic feel setting wise, but I was surprised to learn in the opening that it is set in the present day. The situation in which the main character Sylvie is placed in is very plausible. I could easily see how our world could quickly change into the one Sylvie inhabits. Strong military presence, curfews, rations, drones and movement restrictions are an all too scary reality, making Corbett’s novel a topical one.
Sylvie, the main character of Watch Over Me, comes across as a strong voice. This may be due to the fact that the whole book is narrated solely from Sylvie’s point of view. We get a deep impression of what life is like for Sylvie and the citizens of Angelsund from her singular voice. There are many other characters who come in and out of this novel, giving the reader a picture of life in Angelsund. I did find this area of the book hard to get a handle on. Will, Sylvie’s love interest and the other main player in this book, was a compelling character. The relationship between Sylvie and Will is best described as complicated and sexually charged. At times, this part of the book dominated the narrative and I wasn’t entirely invested in this relationship for reasons I just can’t seem to put my finger on. However, Corbett does do a good job of conveying the emotions associated with Sylvie’s agonising decision as to whether she should draw alliances with her older brother, or lover Will. The journey we are taken on as a reader is a difficult one, fraught with tension and unexpected moments, but the ending will leave you with a glimmer of hope.
Watch Over Me would best be defined as a very modern, almost futuristic take on love, life and survival in a time of conflict. There is no doubt Watch Over Me is an ambitious novel, with strong intentions. Watch Over Me didn’t quite meet the expectations I formed going into the novel, but I can see how it would have the power to enthral a wide readership.
* I wish to thank Beauty & Lace Book Club/Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
Prolific Australian author Tom Keneally’s cover endorsement of Watch Over Me, which is writer Claire Corbett’s second novel, was enough to convince me I really wanted to read this book. Watch Over Me was definitely a book that falls outside my usual genre preferences. This novel presents the reader with an original and perceptive take on a contemporary world ravaged by war, conflict and suppression. It combines these age old themes with a consuming romance between the two lead characters.
Sylvie is a nineteen year old pastry chef, who works at her family’s cafe. She resides in a place called Port Angelsund, which we learn a few years prior came under occupation from an army from called Garrison, due to its lucrative natural energy reserves. Now Sylvie, her family and the other citizens of Port Angelsund find themselves placed under constant surveillance through checkpoints, rationing, and drones. When Sylvie gains some unwanted attention at a routine checkpoint, a young and ambitious lieutenant named Will comes to Sylvie’s aid. Saving her from probable torture, Sylvie quickly falls in love with Will. They soon embark on a tumultuous love affair that spirals out of control. Day by day, Will becomes more passionate, possessive and protective of Sylvie. Sylvie’s loyalties are then pushed to their very limits, when her older brother returns home from a mission to help overthrow the Garrison. Sylvie comes to the heartbreaking conclusion that she cannot love both men in the world they are currently living in.
What an interesting, as well as quite disturbing scenario author Claire Corbett presents her audience with in her second novel, Watch Over Me. Current, as well as past world events, in particular war, seem to have a strong place in this novel. It is clear the author has conducted a great deal of search in the area of warfare, with a specific focus on war psychology. Corbett uses this to her advantage to inform the multi layered, as well as atmospheric narrative of Watch Over Me.
This book had an almost dystopian and futuristic feel setting wise, but I was surprised to learn in the opening that it is set in the present day. The situation in which the main character Sylvie is placed in is very plausible. I could easily see how our world could quickly change into the one Sylvie inhabits. Strong military presence, curfews, rations, drones and movement restrictions are an all too scary reality, making Corbett’s novel a topical one.
Sylvie, the main character of Watch Over Me, comes across as a strong voice. This may be due to the fact that the whole book is narrated solely from Sylvie’s point of view. We get a deep impression of what life is like for Sylvie and the citizens of Angelsund from her singular voice. There are many other characters who come in and out of this novel, giving the reader a picture of life in Angelsund. I did find this area of the book hard to get a handle on. Will, Sylvie’s love interest and the other main player in this book, was a compelling character. The relationship between Sylvie and Will is best described as complicated and sexually charged. At times, this part of the book dominated the narrative and I wasn’t entirely invested in this relationship for reasons I just can’t seem to put my finger on. However, Corbett does do a good job of conveying the emotions associated with Sylvie’s agonising decision as to whether she should draw alliances with her older brother, or lover Will. The journey we are taken on as a reader is a difficult one, fraught with tension and unexpected moments, but the ending will leave you with a glimmer of hope.
Watch Over Me would best be defined as a very modern, almost futuristic take on love, life and survival in a time of conflict. There is no doubt Watch Over Me is an ambitious novel, with strong intentions. Watch Over Me didn’t quite meet the expectations I formed going into the novel, but I can see how it would have the power to enthral a wide readership.
* I wish to thank Beauty & Lace Book Club/Allen & Unwin for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes.
October 13, 2017
Claire Corbett's Watch Over Me is extremely well-written and full of suspense and drama. However, I struggled to get into this story initially and it took me quite some time into the listening before I really began to enjoy it. I found it a little too over the top at times, yet could see the main storyline being extremely plausible and it was obvious Claire put extensive research into this to make it feel somewhat realistic.
I particularly enjoyed reading Sylvie's fierce love and protection of her younger brother Toby, and her evolving love (and seemingly constant), conflicting emotions around her love interest Will, who is part of the enemy camp holding her hometown hostage. I think the final chapter where some time has passed and Sylvie is presenting a book on her memories of her time living under siege was my favourite part of this book.
A book I liked listening to - Wendy Bos was very good - and if I ever decided to re-read it the story itself may grow on me, but certainly not my favourite read of 2017. That said, I would rate it a respectable 3 to 3.5 stars.
I particularly enjoyed reading Sylvie's fierce love and protection of her younger brother Toby, and her evolving love (and seemingly constant), conflicting emotions around her love interest Will, who is part of the enemy camp holding her hometown hostage. I think the final chapter where some time has passed and Sylvie is presenting a book on her memories of her time living under siege was my favourite part of this book.
A book I liked listening to - Wendy Bos was very good - and if I ever decided to re-read it the story itself may grow on me, but certainly not my favourite read of 2017. That said, I would rate it a respectable 3 to 3.5 stars.
May 23, 2024
Wow this book was a surprise, it was a compelling and hard to put down read about people living under military occupation. It’s set in a fictional town in the Arctic and near future but the author has obviously done plenty of research into current and historical occupations, many of the situations seemed taken from real events. The story is narrated by a young woman, Sylvie and it begins with her being singled out at a checkpoint for torture and harassment. And that’s the main focus of the book, the lives of women and children under occupation. Checkpoints and surveillance, random violence and rape are all part of their lives. Sylvie comes under the special attention of a lieutenant who basically takes ownership of her, she does it voluntarily, she’s attracted to him but also is well aware that she will be seen as a collaborator, especially as her brother Jory is part of the resistance. A brilliant read.
Women have the rights men decide they can have.
Women have the rights men decide they can have.
April 21, 2017
“Watch over me” is a futuristic war novel narrated by Sylvie, an inhabitant of a resource rich land that has been invaded by an army from a country called Garrison.
Throughout the novel, Corbett continually explores the politics of power and control over a vanquished community. On p 62 Will tells Sylvie “You cannot have power you can only wield it”, and accordingly the Garrison soldiers control the citizens of Port Angelsund by systematically wielding their power and this total control is achieved by electronic and physical means. Mobile phones are mandatory and are used not only for tracking the vanquished but also for brainwashing them through compulsory gaming. The citizens are further tyrannized by the use of curfews and a bureaucracy that necessitates the procurement of permits and identity papers that must be displayed on demand and at every checkpoint when going about their daily business.
Sylvie and her family run the Half Moon Café. This is a major setting in the book and enables the reader to view a good cross section of the local inhabitants as they frequent the establishment which is near the port facilities. One group is called the Ultra’s who appear to be ineffective powerless patriots who call others traitors and collaborators; there are a group of homeless young mothers who frequent on a daily basis; the new Black Mamba elite Garrison soldiers; their friends Inger and Gull who are employed at the Works (the armaments factory), Erik and Carmine who work on a boat; Goran a street kid who helps at the café, the guerrilla fighters such as Sylvie’s brother Jory who is working with the Coalition against the Garrison invaders and Max the journalist who writes his news blog at his regular café table.
This story draws many parallels between war torn countries of the past and present. When a country is overtaken, the country divides itself even further as different alliances emerge. There are those who remain and profit by submitting and dealing with the enemy, there are who are able to migrate (like Sylvie’s friend Karin), those who flee in desperation and become refugees or those who become homeless in their own country like the women and children who live in the forest and caves and are at the mercy of everyone.
Corbett demonstrates how women and children bear the burden of war and have done so throughout history. During an invasion, women are constantly under threat of rape, humiliation, and ultimately death for non-compliance but also will be condemned by their compatriots if they bear children by the invaders or just seem to consort with the enemy. There is often a baby boom during a war because women are more likely to be impregnated by the invading soldiers. Sylvie also exposes how it is possible become romantically attached during an invasion but how satisfactory or equal is her relationship?
Watch over me is a well-told story that divulges the horrors of war from the vanquished civilians’ point of view; however, it is not all doom and gloom and does have a satisfactory uplifting future.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for my review copy
Throughout the novel, Corbett continually explores the politics of power and control over a vanquished community. On p 62 Will tells Sylvie “You cannot have power you can only wield it”, and accordingly the Garrison soldiers control the citizens of Port Angelsund by systematically wielding their power and this total control is achieved by electronic and physical means. Mobile phones are mandatory and are used not only for tracking the vanquished but also for brainwashing them through compulsory gaming. The citizens are further tyrannized by the use of curfews and a bureaucracy that necessitates the procurement of permits and identity papers that must be displayed on demand and at every checkpoint when going about their daily business.
Sylvie and her family run the Half Moon Café. This is a major setting in the book and enables the reader to view a good cross section of the local inhabitants as they frequent the establishment which is near the port facilities. One group is called the Ultra’s who appear to be ineffective powerless patriots who call others traitors and collaborators; there are a group of homeless young mothers who frequent on a daily basis; the new Black Mamba elite Garrison soldiers; their friends Inger and Gull who are employed at the Works (the armaments factory), Erik and Carmine who work on a boat; Goran a street kid who helps at the café, the guerrilla fighters such as Sylvie’s brother Jory who is working with the Coalition against the Garrison invaders and Max the journalist who writes his news blog at his regular café table.
This story draws many parallels between war torn countries of the past and present. When a country is overtaken, the country divides itself even further as different alliances emerge. There are those who remain and profit by submitting and dealing with the enemy, there are who are able to migrate (like Sylvie’s friend Karin), those who flee in desperation and become refugees or those who become homeless in their own country like the women and children who live in the forest and caves and are at the mercy of everyone.
Corbett demonstrates how women and children bear the burden of war and have done so throughout history. During an invasion, women are constantly under threat of rape, humiliation, and ultimately death for non-compliance but also will be condemned by their compatriots if they bear children by the invaders or just seem to consort with the enemy. There is often a baby boom during a war because women are more likely to be impregnated by the invading soldiers. Sylvie also exposes how it is possible become romantically attached during an invasion but how satisfactory or equal is her relationship?
Watch over me is a well-told story that divulges the horrors of war from the vanquished civilians’ point of view; however, it is not all doom and gloom and does have a satisfactory uplifting future.
Thank you to Allen & Unwin for my review copy
August 8, 2017
‘The first time I met you I never saw you.’
Port Angelsund is a foggy northern city, the gateway to the high arctic. It’s a contemporary city which has been under occupation for some years by the soldiers of Garrison. Port Angelsund is strategically significant because of its lucrative reserves of energy. The citizens of Port Angelsund are under constant surveillance: their existences full of petty rules and hardships, of curfews, restrictions on movement and rationing.
Nineteen-year-old Sylvie Falk attracts attention at a routine checkpoint, and is bound and blindfolded. She is rescued by a young lieutenant and allowed to travel home. Sylvie, her brother Toby and her mother work at the Half Moon Café where Sylvie is an accomplished pastry chef.
Sylvie’s rescuer, Lieutenant Will Maur, visits the Half Moon Café. And, despite the risks of collaboration, Sylvie falls in love.
What follows is an extreme test of Sylvie’s loyalties. Her older brother Jory is part of the resistance against Garrison. Jory wants Sylvie’s help. Sylvie loves Will, but is acutely aware of the hardships being inflicted on her family and friends. Sylvie is being watched constantly, both by Garrison’s city-wide surveillance and by her lover. Whatever choice she makes will result in betrayal. How will it end?
While Sylvie is the central character in the novel, there are other significant characters. Their lives provide insight into life in Port Angelsund. It is Sylvie’s story, narrated in her voice, but it provides a much broader look at conflict, love, loyalty and the consequences of war.
I started reading this novel a few weeks ago, and had to put it aside because of other commitments. I picked it up again, went back to the beginning and finished it in two days. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this novel is the fact that the world described could so easily be the one in which we live.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Port Angelsund is a foggy northern city, the gateway to the high arctic. It’s a contemporary city which has been under occupation for some years by the soldiers of Garrison. Port Angelsund is strategically significant because of its lucrative reserves of energy. The citizens of Port Angelsund are under constant surveillance: their existences full of petty rules and hardships, of curfews, restrictions on movement and rationing.
Nineteen-year-old Sylvie Falk attracts attention at a routine checkpoint, and is bound and blindfolded. She is rescued by a young lieutenant and allowed to travel home. Sylvie, her brother Toby and her mother work at the Half Moon Café where Sylvie is an accomplished pastry chef.
Sylvie’s rescuer, Lieutenant Will Maur, visits the Half Moon Café. And, despite the risks of collaboration, Sylvie falls in love.
What follows is an extreme test of Sylvie’s loyalties. Her older brother Jory is part of the resistance against Garrison. Jory wants Sylvie’s help. Sylvie loves Will, but is acutely aware of the hardships being inflicted on her family and friends. Sylvie is being watched constantly, both by Garrison’s city-wide surveillance and by her lover. Whatever choice she makes will result in betrayal. How will it end?
While Sylvie is the central character in the novel, there are other significant characters. Their lives provide insight into life in Port Angelsund. It is Sylvie’s story, narrated in her voice, but it provides a much broader look at conflict, love, loyalty and the consequences of war.
I started reading this novel a few weeks ago, and had to put it aside because of other commitments. I picked it up again, went back to the beginning and finished it in two days. Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of this novel is the fact that the world described could so easily be the one in which we live.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 17, 2017
Words cannot express how utterly absorbed I was in this book!
It was powerful and emotional and gripping, it pulled me in from the very first sentence.
This book has so many elements to it: a little dystopia, a little sci-fi, a little romance, a little Stockholm Syndrome, uncertainty, suspense, thrill, and a whole lot of heart!
The writing was so engaging and rich and textured, I could see and feel like I was in that world. Equally as rich and textured were the character descriptions and development. I could picture them, as well as I can picture my own family and friends.
I loved the unique narrative style, encompassing elements of first person point of view, storytelling, and breaking the 4th wall, a combination that made it immensely compelling.
I literally could not put this book down and read the bulk of it in one sitting - staying up until the early hours of the morning because 'just one more chapter' turned into several more chapters and eventually became a need to finish it, more than I needed to sleep at that point. I would love to read it again in the future, as I've no doubt that I missed some things, but all in all, it's a fantastic, and intoxicating book!
It was powerful and emotional and gripping, it pulled me in from the very first sentence.
This book has so many elements to it: a little dystopia, a little sci-fi, a little romance, a little Stockholm Syndrome, uncertainty, suspense, thrill, and a whole lot of heart!
The writing was so engaging and rich and textured, I could see and feel like I was in that world. Equally as rich and textured were the character descriptions and development. I could picture them, as well as I can picture my own family and friends.
I loved the unique narrative style, encompassing elements of first person point of view, storytelling, and breaking the 4th wall, a combination that made it immensely compelling.
I literally could not put this book down and read the bulk of it in one sitting - staying up until the early hours of the morning because 'just one more chapter' turned into several more chapters and eventually became a need to finish it, more than I needed to sleep at that point. I would love to read it again in the future, as I've no doubt that I missed some things, but all in all, it's a fantastic, and intoxicating book!
June 20, 2017
An intriguing and compelling story with a distinct dystopian feel despite having a modern day setting. This concept alone challenges your thoughts about the happenings and complexities of the character's world, the characters themselves, and the psychology involved in war in a very tactile way which for me was possibly the most enjoyable aspect of the novel.
The love story is a strong theme throughout, and Corbett presents this in a highly passionate and endearing manner which indeed is not without conflict nor heartbreak as you'd expect within the confines of this particular story.
Overall, Watch Over Me, is a captivating and gripping read that will challenge and delight readers. This is a story that will stay with me for quite some time. Exceptional theme, meticulous research, and brilliant writing from Claire Corbett.
The love story is a strong theme throughout, and Corbett presents this in a highly passionate and endearing manner which indeed is not without conflict nor heartbreak as you'd expect within the confines of this particular story.
Overall, Watch Over Me, is a captivating and gripping read that will challenge and delight readers. This is a story that will stay with me for quite some time. Exceptional theme, meticulous research, and brilliant writing from Claire Corbett.
March 11, 2017
A Truly exceptional novel. It lends an other worldy air, slightly futuristic. New Town is under threat, with supposedly Allied forces moving in to ensure Curfew and to control port. With this new force comes their abuse of Power, but not all of the Elite Special Forces are built that way. This story focuses on the power controlling relationship between Sylvie a 19 year old pastry chef, and Will, a Black Mamba Lieutenant. It has a hint of Fifty Shades, but more sedate. It is a world where children are stolen from their families and sold into the blackmarket, where check points have to be passed through to leave town, body searches and young cocky guards trying to be one of the boys at the expense of women. It has a sense of impending doom and triumph, rescue and release...
A real page turner that will put you in the mind of 19 year old Sylvie.
A real page turner that will put you in the mind of 19 year old Sylvie.
February 25, 2017
I spent the weekend reading this book and I picked it up any spare chance I had I was immersed in the characters the plot the writing. Sylvie had me from the start she took me on an adventure I wont be forgetting in a hurry.
May 26, 2017
'Watch Over Me'
It consumed every spare minute I had!
I have to admit I found the first couple chapters hard to understand. I wasn't sure who was who and what was what.
But I continued and I couldn't put the book down. The story was unfolding in my dreams when I tried to sleep.
The story is a bit of a mixture of 50 shades of grey and a bit of Hitler going on.
The novel never gets dull, always a suspense always something happening, explosions of love making to thrilling torture.
Thanks to beauty and Lace and Allen and unwin for the chance to read and review this novel.
It consumed every spare minute I had!
I have to admit I found the first couple chapters hard to understand. I wasn't sure who was who and what was what.
But I continued and I couldn't put the book down. The story was unfolding in my dreams when I tried to sleep.
The story is a bit of a mixture of 50 shades of grey and a bit of Hitler going on.
The novel never gets dull, always a suspense always something happening, explosions of love making to thrilling torture.
Thanks to beauty and Lace and Allen and unwin for the chance to read and review this novel.
June 28, 2017
A hard-hitting novel and there are still a lot of emotions flowing through my head. Anger, sadness, disgust but above all, conviction. As the pages turned I slowly began to understand what the history was. There had been a war. There is still a war. A small portion of area that was rich in resources had been invaded by another country? What countries were involved? No idea. The writer cleverly didn’t specify. And that is where I first desperately wanted to know something from the story. We do know from some of the clues by the writer that the setting is the current real world and that it is set in our year, but my teeth still gnaw together when I am left clueless about the region. Why would such a miniscule thing be so important to me you ask? Well, I will tell you.
A long time ago, I wore the green camouflaged outfit. I was an Artilleryman Reservist in fact. Ten years I served and I can proudly say that by the end of my time there I was a pleased with the way it had become. When I joined, we were still using old technology. It was all about cranking the handles to move the field gun into position to fire. The communication radios we had were 40 years old and the computer systems were running on programs developed in the early 1990’s. That had changed just as I left to today’s modern equipment so I greatly appreciated the writer bringing out the future and intimidating technologies of war. However, it was also from chapter one where my emotions started to fly in all sorts of directions. You see, I too was someone who had put up their hand and volunteered to do a deployment overseas. Was I an occupier? To me, no. I was someone who wanted to get a head start in saving for a house deposit, and serving on a deployment meant good tax-free money for many months. But was I seen as an occupier to the nation that I was patrolling around in? Most certainly yes. Perhaps not by all. As our presence meant more money for the local businesses and we could provide better protection than the local corrupt authorities stationed there. But there was still many individuals, groups and hard-liners who felt that we had overstayed our welcome, and would cause all sorts of mayhem because of it. Even if it meant that their own people would die. And that was what this book frequently mentioned. Business. Corroboration. Accusations. Murder and Terrorism. Where this book struck me the most came from the attitudes of the fighters. Supposedly trained, seasoned disciplined men that in my mind acted that barbaric animals. The realms of war can change a person quite quickly, but this was something else and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Soldiers would one day, help the invaded locals by repairing a bombed shop, but then the next day it had changed and the locals would be subjected to all forms of disgusting brutality, even rape. Some of the acts were so horrifying that I badly wanted to associate a country/culture to them, just to try and put it all into context, but there were just no clues to where this all took place. Religion didn’t play a part in this book, nor did customs or race. And that frequently pained me.
Overall, it was a well written book. I perhaps would have enjoyed it more if there was no profanity involved. The use of bad language, while now broadly accepted in the world shouldn’t be in books. I cringe sometimes at the frequency other authors have used it to the point that I put them down without bothering to finish it. It did also explore some sexual fantasies that even I found to be quite exhilarating. So now imagine a young teenager reading this and then imagine how his study is going that week. These sorts of books/scenes weren’t around at my age, and I honestly feel that it can be quite dangerous if the mind of the reader isn’t properly matured to manage the desires that have been fed to him. I would like to congratulate the author on a very thrilling novel and I wish her all the best with her future writing.
A long time ago, I wore the green camouflaged outfit. I was an Artilleryman Reservist in fact. Ten years I served and I can proudly say that by the end of my time there I was a pleased with the way it had become. When I joined, we were still using old technology. It was all about cranking the handles to move the field gun into position to fire. The communication radios we had were 40 years old and the computer systems were running on programs developed in the early 1990’s. That had changed just as I left to today’s modern equipment so I greatly appreciated the writer bringing out the future and intimidating technologies of war. However, it was also from chapter one where my emotions started to fly in all sorts of directions. You see, I too was someone who had put up their hand and volunteered to do a deployment overseas. Was I an occupier? To me, no. I was someone who wanted to get a head start in saving for a house deposit, and serving on a deployment meant good tax-free money for many months. But was I seen as an occupier to the nation that I was patrolling around in? Most certainly yes. Perhaps not by all. As our presence meant more money for the local businesses and we could provide better protection than the local corrupt authorities stationed there. But there was still many individuals, groups and hard-liners who felt that we had overstayed our welcome, and would cause all sorts of mayhem because of it. Even if it meant that their own people would die. And that was what this book frequently mentioned. Business. Corroboration. Accusations. Murder and Terrorism. Where this book struck me the most came from the attitudes of the fighters. Supposedly trained, seasoned disciplined men that in my mind acted that barbaric animals. The realms of war can change a person quite quickly, but this was something else and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Soldiers would one day, help the invaded locals by repairing a bombed shop, but then the next day it had changed and the locals would be subjected to all forms of disgusting brutality, even rape. Some of the acts were so horrifying that I badly wanted to associate a country/culture to them, just to try and put it all into context, but there were just no clues to where this all took place. Religion didn’t play a part in this book, nor did customs or race. And that frequently pained me.
Overall, it was a well written book. I perhaps would have enjoyed it more if there was no profanity involved. The use of bad language, while now broadly accepted in the world shouldn’t be in books. I cringe sometimes at the frequency other authors have used it to the point that I put them down without bothering to finish it. It did also explore some sexual fantasies that even I found to be quite exhilarating. So now imagine a young teenager reading this and then imagine how his study is going that week. These sorts of books/scenes weren’t around at my age, and I honestly feel that it can be quite dangerous if the mind of the reader isn’t properly matured to manage the desires that have been fed to him. I would like to congratulate the author on a very thrilling novel and I wish her all the best with her future writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2017
From the first page of Claire Corbett's latest novel, I found myself in a disturbingly familiar, yet deeply confronting world. A fascinating story with beautifully written characters, set in a landscape that is now precisely etched in my imagination. I absolutely love this book. The narrative is truly compelling, and it is very hard to put the book down.
The story is sculpted by swirling undercurrents, which manipulate the characters while exploring themes of love, war, power and sexuality from a challenging and subversive perspective. I highly recommend that you experience this yourself: go lose yourself within the pages of this incredibly bold and original work.
Best book I have read in years.
The story is sculpted by swirling undercurrents, which manipulate the characters while exploring themes of love, war, power and sexuality from a challenging and subversive perspective. I highly recommend that you experience this yourself: go lose yourself within the pages of this incredibly bold and original work.
Best book I have read in years.
April 29, 2017
I probably wouldn't have brought this book home from the library if I had picked it up but I was fortunate to win it from Goodreads and I am pleased I did as it was something different to what I normally read.
Sylvie the main character is telling her story of life in in Port Angelsund which has been occupied by the soldiers of Garrison .
The reader is drawn into Sylvie's life in the cafe working alongside her mother and younger brother, and there is romance for the 19 year old after suffering torture at a Garrison checkpoint .
It is a war of the future but there is still power, bloodshed, curfews, violence and heartache .
This is a modern thriller and will appeal to anyone who enjoys an action packed story.
Sylvie the main character is telling her story of life in in Port Angelsund which has been occupied by the soldiers of Garrison .
The reader is drawn into Sylvie's life in the cafe working alongside her mother and younger brother, and there is romance for the 19 year old after suffering torture at a Garrison checkpoint .
It is a war of the future but there is still power, bloodshed, curfews, violence and heartache .
This is a modern thriller and will appeal to anyone who enjoys an action packed story.
May 3, 2017
Thank you Goodreads for the opportunity to read this exceptional book
I was intrigued from start to finish this is a powerful book full of suspense with twists & turns throughout
A compelling read with fear espionage & even romance Sylvie is a strong character with strength even she didn't know she had
To tell you more would maybe spoil for other readers
I was intrigued from start to finish this is a powerful book full of suspense with twists & turns throughout
A compelling read with fear espionage & even romance Sylvie is a strong character with strength even she didn't know she had
To tell you more would maybe spoil for other readers
May 3, 2017
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
Full Review Here
Starting off, I was intrigued, I don’t usually pick up books of this sort – some parts war, some parts romance, all set in a contemporary world. It took a while for me to get into the feel of the book, since for some reason my mind thought the book was set in the ‘50’s, and I would get tripped up whenever something relatively modern was mentioned, but once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed it. Until the romance set in.
I liked how the book was written, I was drawn in and was always interested to see what was going to happen next. I really felt the emotion throughout the book, the author is brilliant at writing emotions. It felt like a book I wouldn’t read and then just forget about (ahem, Perks of Being a Wallflower), but as I progressed through the book, it deviated further away from the interesting start.
I got a little confused with all the characters up until around page 140, because of the different groups, but once I got the hang of how things worked, it was alright. There were female characters, but I didn’t really find them to be strong, so that really disappointed me, especially since this is set in modern times. I would have expected at least one from all of the characters in the story. I liked Sylvie initially, and I thought she had potential to be a strong character, but her character changed so much when the romance started and during.
I wasn’t a fan of the romance between Sylvie and the lieutenant. Initially it sort of seemed like the author was trying to romanticise possessiveness, over-protectiveness and having the female be a simple ‘trophy’, I’m aware that people tend to be more protective when it comes to war or possible danger, but I feel like that was a little over the top. Further on into the story, it got progressively worse, with both parties having constant mood swings and Sylvie giving off a damsel-in-distress vibe, and feeling like she was nothing without him and he was the only thing to make her happy.
To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend this, not when there are so many other stories with stronger characters and healthier relationships.
I received a review copy from the publisher
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Full Review Here
Starting off, I was intrigued, I don’t usually pick up books of this sort – some parts war, some parts romance, all set in a contemporary world. It took a while for me to get into the feel of the book, since for some reason my mind thought the book was set in the ‘50’s, and I would get tripped up whenever something relatively modern was mentioned, but once I got the hang of it, I really enjoyed it. Until the romance set in.
I liked how the book was written, I was drawn in and was always interested to see what was going to happen next. I really felt the emotion throughout the book, the author is brilliant at writing emotions. It felt like a book I wouldn’t read and then just forget about (ahem, Perks of Being a Wallflower), but as I progressed through the book, it deviated further away from the interesting start.
I got a little confused with all the characters up until around page 140, because of the different groups, but once I got the hang of how things worked, it was alright. There were female characters, but I didn’t really find them to be strong, so that really disappointed me, especially since this is set in modern times. I would have expected at least one from all of the characters in the story. I liked Sylvie initially, and I thought she had potential to be a strong character, but her character changed so much when the romance started and during.
I wasn’t a fan of the romance between Sylvie and the lieutenant. Initially it sort of seemed like the author was trying to romanticise possessiveness, over-protectiveness and having the female be a simple ‘trophy’, I’m aware that people tend to be more protective when it comes to war or possible danger, but I feel like that was a little over the top. Further on into the story, it got progressively worse, with both parties having constant mood swings and Sylvie giving off a damsel-in-distress vibe, and feeling like she was nothing without him and he was the only thing to make her happy.
To be honest, I wouldn’t recommend this, not when there are so many other stories with stronger characters and healthier relationships.
I received a review copy from the publisher
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May 13, 2017Claire Corbett’s novel “Watch Over Me” is a dark and disturbing look at a young woman’s life in a town ravaged by fear, hatred and war.
The book is an engaging one that immediately hooks you in because it is told from the first-person perspective of Sylvie, a strong girl who works in her mother’s café. Over time she is subjected to humiliation and other unspeakable acts but in spite of this she falls for a member of the enemy, a Garrison soldier. Corbett constructs quite a layered and complex novel where the different players and parties seem well-meaning but as tensions flare and rise nothing seems certain and it almost feels like a case of the darkness reigning supreme.
This story is one that should appeal to fans of John Marsden’s “Tomorrow When The War Began” and George Orwell’s “1984” because there are many lessons to be learned in this tale and other stories documenting times of love and war.
The book is an engaging one that immediately hooks you in because it is told from the first-person perspective of Sylvie, a strong girl who works in her mother’s café. Over time she is subjected to humiliation and other unspeakable acts but in spite of this she falls for a member of the enemy, a Garrison soldier. Corbett constructs quite a layered and complex novel where the different players and parties seem well-meaning but as tensions flare and rise nothing seems certain and it almost feels like a case of the darkness reigning supreme.
This story is one that should appeal to fans of John Marsden’s “Tomorrow When The War Began” and George Orwell’s “1984” because there are many lessons to be learned in this tale and other stories documenting times of love and war.
June 19, 2017
“Watch Over Me” is an outstanding, powerful novel, that went in directions I found quite surprising.
It’s set in the near future – perhaps only a month or two away – but Corbett has deliberately blurred the country in which it’s set. Perhaps it’s a real country, perhaps (more likely) it’s fictional. The geography doesn’t matter, because the people and the circumstances are horribly recognisable.
Sylvie’s home has been invaded and occupied by the soldiers of Garrison. There’s more than a hint that they’re American, though again, this isn’t explicitly stated. Survival is an increasingly desperate struggle for her, and for her mother and little brother. Although Garrison presents themselves as saviours, they’re not seen that way by those they rule. They destroy homes, livelihoods, routines, people. Every day is governed by their unreasonable demands and unpredictable violence. Unwanted initially, the resentment felt for them grows daily.
In this environment, Sylvie’s older brother, long banished as a rebel, returns with a plan to strike at the invaders. Sylvie is torn; her loyalty to her brother and home are paramount, but she’s also started to fall in love with a Garrison soldier. Her loyalty to him is primarily personal, but she feels some reluctance to work against his values and goals.
This is a very complex novel. Sylvie loves her soldier, but the relationship is complicated with abuse, with Sylvie’s need to survive, and with both Garrison and the soldier’s need for control. One of the ghastly things about the novel is how very familiar the abuses of the occupation are – rapes, casual abuses, unblinking brutality, random destruction, shattering of families. We’ve seen it all so many times in the real world. Corbett personalises it, and makes it hard to look away.
I had initially expected something of a near future thriller, but the thriller elements take a distant second place to exploration of relationships when people live under duress almost constantly. It was compelling, often uncomfortable, and emotionally frightening.
I strongly recommend this. It’s one of the more powerful novels I’ve read recently, and will make you think hard about how war or occupation feels for the “non-combatants” who are in the middle of it.
It’s set in the near future – perhaps only a month or two away – but Corbett has deliberately blurred the country in which it’s set. Perhaps it’s a real country, perhaps (more likely) it’s fictional. The geography doesn’t matter, because the people and the circumstances are horribly recognisable.
Sylvie’s home has been invaded and occupied by the soldiers of Garrison. There’s more than a hint that they’re American, though again, this isn’t explicitly stated. Survival is an increasingly desperate struggle for her, and for her mother and little brother. Although Garrison presents themselves as saviours, they’re not seen that way by those they rule. They destroy homes, livelihoods, routines, people. Every day is governed by their unreasonable demands and unpredictable violence. Unwanted initially, the resentment felt for them grows daily.
In this environment, Sylvie’s older brother, long banished as a rebel, returns with a plan to strike at the invaders. Sylvie is torn; her loyalty to her brother and home are paramount, but she’s also started to fall in love with a Garrison soldier. Her loyalty to him is primarily personal, but she feels some reluctance to work against his values and goals.
This is a very complex novel. Sylvie loves her soldier, but the relationship is complicated with abuse, with Sylvie’s need to survive, and with both Garrison and the soldier’s need for control. One of the ghastly things about the novel is how very familiar the abuses of the occupation are – rapes, casual abuses, unblinking brutality, random destruction, shattering of families. We’ve seen it all so many times in the real world. Corbett personalises it, and makes it hard to look away.
I had initially expected something of a near future thriller, but the thriller elements take a distant second place to exploration of relationships when people live under duress almost constantly. It was compelling, often uncomfortable, and emotionally frightening.
I strongly recommend this. It’s one of the more powerful novels I’ve read recently, and will make you think hard about how war or occupation feels for the “non-combatants” who are in the middle of it.
April 23, 2017
Watch Over Me is a contemporary thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Sylvie is a young woman trying to survive with her family in a country that has been broken by war and occupation. The story deals with the long-term implications of occupation on the people who are living through it and the result is both heart-wrenching and compelling.
Told in second-person narrative, from Sylvie’s perspective, we begin to build a picture of her daily life, her stressors and where her loyalties lie - and if it’s even that simple. When she is rescued from punishment at a checkpoint by a young lieutenant - whose face she doesn’t even see - she becomes enamoured with the man who saved her life without even knowing who she is. Their paths cross again and the two begin an illicit affair - something that puts her at odds with people within her community, and especially with her older brother who has returned with intentions of causing trouble for the occupying forces.
The atmosphere Claire Corbett has created is incredible - the cold, harsh landscape that is compounded by the constant threat of attack. It feels oppressive and that's fitting given the subject material.
Watch Over Me was a surprising read. There were times when I questioned why Sylvie would willingly submit to a man who’s job it is to keep her people in check; other times I could understand perfectly the decisions she made to simply survive.
There’s a lot of commentary on the way men, in a world like this, treat women - as play things, as weaker than men, and as collaborators or traitors who simply doing what they need to survive. What was fascinating to read was how the female characters responded and tried to find their place in this new, harsher world that was unfamiliar to them.
This is one of those books that you have to read in its entirety to understand the consequences of the decisions made by every character and it was enthralling. I adored the ending of this book immensely.
I gave Watch Over Me 4 out of 5 stars. A gripping read from start to finish.
Sylvie is a young woman trying to survive with her family in a country that has been broken by war and occupation. The story deals with the long-term implications of occupation on the people who are living through it and the result is both heart-wrenching and compelling.
Told in second-person narrative, from Sylvie’s perspective, we begin to build a picture of her daily life, her stressors and where her loyalties lie - and if it’s even that simple. When she is rescued from punishment at a checkpoint by a young lieutenant - whose face she doesn’t even see - she becomes enamoured with the man who saved her life without even knowing who she is. Their paths cross again and the two begin an illicit affair - something that puts her at odds with people within her community, and especially with her older brother who has returned with intentions of causing trouble for the occupying forces.
The atmosphere Claire Corbett has created is incredible - the cold, harsh landscape that is compounded by the constant threat of attack. It feels oppressive and that's fitting given the subject material.
Watch Over Me was a surprising read. There were times when I questioned why Sylvie would willingly submit to a man who’s job it is to keep her people in check; other times I could understand perfectly the decisions she made to simply survive.
There’s a lot of commentary on the way men, in a world like this, treat women - as play things, as weaker than men, and as collaborators or traitors who simply doing what they need to survive. What was fascinating to read was how the female characters responded and tried to find their place in this new, harsher world that was unfamiliar to them.
This is one of those books that you have to read in its entirety to understand the consequences of the decisions made by every character and it was enthralling. I adored the ending of this book immensely.
I gave Watch Over Me 4 out of 5 stars. A gripping read from start to finish.
March 11, 2017
I was lucky to have been sent a copy of this to read. Not normally a book I would gravitate towards in a book shop but I ended up finding it a thought provoking and interesting book. It very well showed what it must be like as a woman to live in a world of fear when it is sometimes hard to say who the good guys are. Worth a read.
June 21, 2017
This is an engaging work with some excellent expression of atmosphere and interiority with the themes of occupation, possession, domination, and submission, and resistance. These themes pervade the corporeal and inchoate dimensions, particularly the erotic. I think the author writes very well from the protagonist's perspective.
The reason I give 3 stars, rather than 4: there were some elements I would have liked to see played out further - for example, the panoptic use of games as a source of social discipline - the consequences for the very young characters caught up in the action - in a way, my perception of these absences prompted me to regard the protagonist as irritatingly self-centred (judgemental of me, I know), and this coloured my response to the book's denouement.
But do read the book for some beautiful writing, to make your personal decision, and to prepare yourself for this writer's future work - I would be surprised if she did not surpass this.
The reason I give 3 stars, rather than 4: there were some elements I would have liked to see played out further - for example, the panoptic use of games as a source of social discipline - the consequences for the very young characters caught up in the action - in a way, my perception of these absences prompted me to regard the protagonist as irritatingly self-centred (judgemental of me, I know), and this coloured my response to the book's denouement.
But do read the book for some beautiful writing, to make your personal decision, and to prepare yourself for this writer's future work - I would be surprised if she did not surpass this.
April 17, 2017
A powerful dystopian novel, well crafted and written. It draws you in and keeps you involved.
September 10, 2017
Watch Over Me is unusual for an Australian novel - it is neither set in Australia nor does it canvass Australian identity. Not a single kangaroo in sight.
Possibly set in a future dystopia the novel clearly draws on current and past invasion/ occupation stories. It could be a present day scenario - Afghanistan, Palestine, Tibet .....or the recent past - occupied France, the French in Algeria or the Japanese in Korea.
The dominant theme is the effect of war, invasion and occupation primarily on women and children. At a deeper level the novel explores the role of women as victims, collaborators and profiteers in systems that oppress and pervert them. It brought to my mind, among other issues, that of women as both victims and entrepreneurs in pornography, prostitution and human trafficking.
At first I failed to comprehend why the protagonist, Sylvie, would submit so quickly to seduction by an enemy soldier but female friends scolded me, insisting that women do whatever they must to survive. Women, they said, are always oppressed, no matter who is in authority.
I see parallels between Watch Over Me and The Handmaids Tale - both deal with the treatment of women in an authoritarian system. While the latter looks at issues of particular concern to Americans - women's reproductive rights, the religious Right, anti-intellectualism - the former deals with the status of women generally. It has no particular locus.
It's time our authors looked beyond Aussie stereotypes for thematic material. It will be a sign of intellectual and philosophical maturity when our authors can take on broader themes and achieve significant international sales. Christos Tsiolkas achieved well deserved success with The Slap - published in 28 countries, sales of 300,000 in Australia and 1.2 million overseas - with a novel that transcends the Australian setting.
It is clear Claire Corbett has drawn on her background in defence and international conflict in writing this book. I hope she can continue to write novels that explore the big issues, with or without an Australian setting.
Whether the Australian reading public, and publishers, are ready for more novels like this remains to be seen.
Possibly set in a future dystopia the novel clearly draws on current and past invasion/ occupation stories. It could be a present day scenario - Afghanistan, Palestine, Tibet .....or the recent past - occupied France, the French in Algeria or the Japanese in Korea.
The dominant theme is the effect of war, invasion and occupation primarily on women and children. At a deeper level the novel explores the role of women as victims, collaborators and profiteers in systems that oppress and pervert them. It brought to my mind, among other issues, that of women as both victims and entrepreneurs in pornography, prostitution and human trafficking.
At first I failed to comprehend why the protagonist, Sylvie, would submit so quickly to seduction by an enemy soldier but female friends scolded me, insisting that women do whatever they must to survive. Women, they said, are always oppressed, no matter who is in authority.
I see parallels between Watch Over Me and The Handmaids Tale - both deal with the treatment of women in an authoritarian system. While the latter looks at issues of particular concern to Americans - women's reproductive rights, the religious Right, anti-intellectualism - the former deals with the status of women generally. It has no particular locus.
It's time our authors looked beyond Aussie stereotypes for thematic material. It will be a sign of intellectual and philosophical maturity when our authors can take on broader themes and achieve significant international sales. Christos Tsiolkas achieved well deserved success with The Slap - published in 28 countries, sales of 300,000 in Australia and 1.2 million overseas - with a novel that transcends the Australian setting.
It is clear Claire Corbett has drawn on her background in defence and international conflict in writing this book. I hope she can continue to write novels that explore the big issues, with or without an Australian setting.
Whether the Australian reading public, and publishers, are ready for more novels like this remains to be seen.
November 12, 2017
Claire Corbett writes in evocative spare prose. She has also written a compelling and disturbing book. It has made some readers uncomfortable. Good. We should feel uncomfortable. We should feel disturbed.
This is a story that shows a woman navigating a war zone. The events echo what some of us may have heard about checkpoints in the Middle East. But this isn’t the Middle East. The weather is too cold. Maybe its northern Europe; the people seem to be white. But it isn’t Europe either; it’s somewhere else. Still, everything feels eerily familiar.
Corbett’s imagination is based on solid research of what is happening daily in war zones around the world, events most of us don’t want to think about. But similar to Coetzee’s approach in Waiting for the Barbarians, she wants the reader to focus on the human dilemma and authentic response, not the location. Real locations allow readers to distance themselves from what is being shown. “Oh, that’s how people behave over there. It wouldn’t happen here. Those people are different from us.”
Corbett’s story takes place in occupied territory, any occupied territory; that’s the point. Sylvie, the main character suffers the indignities of moving through checkpoints with her brother. She is constantly on edge and then completely terrorised when she becomes the play thing of a cocky soldier who pulls her out of the line. When she is saved from the situation by a young lieutenant, she falls in love, despite his oppressive controlling nature and despite this being a betrayal to her brother, who is trying to overthrow the regime. She also gives birth to the lieutenant’s child.
Through Sylvie, Corbett shows female pragmatism. In these situations, women know the odds and choose to survive the best way they can. Yet, there is also the longing for beauty, pleasure and something that may endure. Sylvie takes these things where they are offered. Why doesn’t she break away? Why doesn’t she become a hero and help get rid of the occupiers? To a large extent women are continually occupied—and one occupier can look much like another. Unexamined idealism doesn’t deliver many promises for them.
Watch Over Me is a milestone of a book. Current, topical and the way it is.
This is a story that shows a woman navigating a war zone. The events echo what some of us may have heard about checkpoints in the Middle East. But this isn’t the Middle East. The weather is too cold. Maybe its northern Europe; the people seem to be white. But it isn’t Europe either; it’s somewhere else. Still, everything feels eerily familiar.
Corbett’s imagination is based on solid research of what is happening daily in war zones around the world, events most of us don’t want to think about. But similar to Coetzee’s approach in Waiting for the Barbarians, she wants the reader to focus on the human dilemma and authentic response, not the location. Real locations allow readers to distance themselves from what is being shown. “Oh, that’s how people behave over there. It wouldn’t happen here. Those people are different from us.”
Corbett’s story takes place in occupied territory, any occupied territory; that’s the point. Sylvie, the main character suffers the indignities of moving through checkpoints with her brother. She is constantly on edge and then completely terrorised when she becomes the play thing of a cocky soldier who pulls her out of the line. When she is saved from the situation by a young lieutenant, she falls in love, despite his oppressive controlling nature and despite this being a betrayal to her brother, who is trying to overthrow the regime. She also gives birth to the lieutenant’s child.
Through Sylvie, Corbett shows female pragmatism. In these situations, women know the odds and choose to survive the best way they can. Yet, there is also the longing for beauty, pleasure and something that may endure. Sylvie takes these things where they are offered. Why doesn’t she break away? Why doesn’t she become a hero and help get rid of the occupiers? To a large extent women are continually occupied—and one occupier can look much like another. Unexamined idealism doesn’t deliver many promises for them.
Watch Over Me is a milestone of a book. Current, topical and the way it is.
February 9, 2020
The dedication: 'FOR THE WOMEN OF TROY' sets the scene for this modern tale of survival.
For Sylvie, everyday of the military occupation of her small northern city brings with it new levels of fear. No place is safe. Nothing is ever certain. Both resisting and succumbing to the violence surrounding her becomes a distorted 'new normal'. However author Claire Corbett refuses to allow you the luxury of outright hating even the most vile character without making you stop and think again. Ruin greets both oppressors and the oppressed. No place and no one is safe from violence.
'Nations spend a great deal commemorating the sacrifices of their soldiers. But we have no memorial to The Unknown Woman. No commemoration of the grandmothers and mothers and sisters and daughters who tended us, fed us, raised our spirits, kept us together and alive through the dark, many of them paying for it with their lives.' pg 459
An unsettling and important read.
For Sylvie, everyday of the military occupation of her small northern city brings with it new levels of fear. No place is safe. Nothing is ever certain. Both resisting and succumbing to the violence surrounding her becomes a distorted 'new normal'. However author Claire Corbett refuses to allow you the luxury of outright hating even the most vile character without making you stop and think again. Ruin greets both oppressors and the oppressed. No place and no one is safe from violence.
'Nations spend a great deal commemorating the sacrifices of their soldiers. But we have no memorial to The Unknown Woman. No commemoration of the grandmothers and mothers and sisters and daughters who tended us, fed us, raised our spirits, kept us together and alive through the dark, many of them paying for it with their lives.' pg 459
An unsettling and important read.
May 10, 2017
Watch Over Me is a difficult read for a veteran, because it is very, very close to the bone. The experience of women in war - not women soldiers, but civilian women - is one of history's longest heartbreaks. This novel explores many of them: fear, intimidation, casual assault and rape, mockery at her suffering even at the point of death. It shows the generally untold story of defeated men lashing out at their nation's women because their own power has been shattered by stronger men.
Now I am forced to confront the suffering that I and many others like me visited on the innocent when we marched to war. The best books are not the easy ones but the ones that leave you stunned. Watch Over Me is one of them.
Now I am forced to confront the suffering that I and many others like me visited on the innocent when we marched to war. The best books are not the easy ones but the ones that leave you stunned. Watch Over Me is one of them.
October 7, 2018
Modern warfare involves surveillance which has changed to include not just electronic listening to telephones or computers but small mobile devices that can be in the air called drones. This story set on an imagined island near the arctic circle and thus near resources being mined, is very thought provoking. I am still thinking over questions it has raised over choices we make to try to save our loved ones, to save ourselves, to aid resistance (or not), to.......
Although I found it did not grab me at the start, the story did grip me, and I wanted to keep reading whenever I could to see if the main character survived.
For me the book is one that raises questions about the behaviour of the invaders and the invaded, and warfare as is, resistance and the costs to the innocents.
Although I found it did not grab me at the start, the story did grip me, and I wanted to keep reading whenever I could to see if the main character survived.
For me the book is one that raises questions about the behaviour of the invaders and the invaded, and warfare as is, resistance and the costs to the innocents.
July 3, 2017
I won this novel in a Goodreads giveaway thanks to the generosity of the publishers. 2.5 stars
I just couldn't get into this one. I tried and kept coming back, hoping for improvement when I looked at reviews. Towards the end it got better but it took so long. So long to get to know the characters and setting. So long to get into this world of occupation and loyalties. It just dragged on.
I also loathed the protagonist's pining over a horrible, sadistic man who loves power and wants only to dominated her. The characters all seemed to be cardboard cutout stereotypes without much depth. I left the novel at the end, 25 years later, not really having cared for any of the characters.
I just couldn't get into this one. I tried and kept coming back, hoping for improvement when I looked at reviews. Towards the end it got better but it took so long. So long to get to know the characters and setting. So long to get into this world of occupation and loyalties. It just dragged on.
I also loathed the protagonist's pining over a horrible, sadistic man who loves power and wants only to dominated her. The characters all seemed to be cardboard cutout stereotypes without much depth. I left the novel at the end, 25 years later, not really having cared for any of the characters.
September 22, 2017
Although I've given this novel a score, I still don't know what I really think about it. It could be set now or in the close future. It could be another take on 50 shades of grey or it could be a really honest exploration of passion. It could be sci-fi thriller or it could be a romance. And because I didn't know what I was reading and where I was going....I kept going and reading. Others have described the content of the novel so I don't need to do that but I will say that some of the writing was quite beautiful and some of the insights into the impact of war/soldiers/occupation were quite profound.
October 11, 2017
Thanks Goodreads for this giveaway.
I really enjoyed the story line of the uprising of the 'underdogs' etc and the fight for survival but I really didn't expect the explicit nature of the book. Don't get me wrong, I love erotic fiction but it just didn't seem right in this book. I would have preferred more focus on the story rather than the love story part of the book.
All in all I did enjoy it but it was not something I would read again.
I really enjoyed the story line of the uprising of the 'underdogs' etc and the fight for survival but I really didn't expect the explicit nature of the book. Don't get me wrong, I love erotic fiction but it just didn't seem right in this book. I would have preferred more focus on the story rather than the love story part of the book.
All in all I did enjoy it but it was not something I would read again.
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