Non-fiction book of the month: This House of Grief by Helen Garner. ANSWERS BACK FROM HELEN!

[RachelMumsnet]

Our next non-fiction book choice is written by one of Australia's most revered writers of both fiction and non-fiction, Helen Garner. Her first novel Monkey Grip won numerous awards in Australia and was made into a film. Her non-fiction book, The First Stone caused much controversy dealing with a 1992 sexual harassment scandal at Ormond College, one of the residential colleges of the University of Melbourne.

This House of Grief follows the real life trial of a recently jilted father who drove his children into a dam in a small town in Victoria on Father's Day in 2005. The three children drown but he escapes, unharmed. It takes a seven year investigation and trial to determine whether this is a tragic accident or an act of vengeful murder. Helen Garner's incredibly detailed account of the trial is compelling and deeply unsettling. Apply for a free copy and join the discussion on this thread.

Helen has also agreed to answer your questions about the book, so please do post up Qs here before 29th April and we'll send over a selection to Helen. We'll upload her answers on 6th May.

Thanks for sending me This House of Grief. I'm looking forward to reading it even though it's very sad.

It is so refreshing to read a book that is so beautifully written. I get fed up with books that have not been edited to correct bad grammar. I have only just started this book but love the way Helen writes, it is so smooth and fluid and a joy to read. I want to race to finish it yet also want to savour every page.

I have started reading this book, but not finished it yet. I have not read non-fiction before, apart from biographies. I am finding it hard to put down, but sad at the same time. It is interesting to read about the facts and everything involved in a case and giving evidence etc. It makes you think what is involved in jury service.

Mumsnet, thank you so much for sending me this book- it is one I would have never bought for myself, as I tend to think of the true crime genre as being a bit prurient and judgemental.

However, this is a stunner.

On one level, it is the description of a tragic event- a separated father drives into a dam, wherein all the children of the failed marriage drown. How did he survive? Was it deliberate? Was it vengeance? A horrific and nightmare inducing accident?

At another level, it is a fascinating description of the drama and professionalism of the legal players involved- from medical experts to the Counsel to the journalists covering the story.

For me, the most absorbing aspect is the psychology of the protagonists. The range of motivations; love, power, revenge, depression. The roles of women in the home and society, the relationships and loyalties. Words can't communicate the range of feelings it dragged up for me.

I highly recommend this- it is a page turner though not light. I found myself awake during the night over the weekend, and sat up to finish it.

Ultimately, there is no resolution- this is real life. The boys remain dead. The decision of the courts cannot change that. There is no restitution.

It will stay in my mind for a long, long time.

Cloggie Downunderon 7 April 2016
“The central fact of the matter would not let us rest. It tore at our hearts that inside the plunging car, while their father fled, three little boys had fought with their restraints, breathed filthy water, choked, thrashed and died.”

This House of Grief is the fourth non-fiction book by award-winning Australian author and journalist, Helen Garner. Few Australians would be unaware of the polarising court cases that convicted Robert Farquharson of the murder of his three young sons. As an interested observer with an open mind, Garner attended the trial, the appeal and the retrial. Her impartial account is so well told that at times the reader feels present in the courtroom.

Garner’s portrayal of the main players in this trial attest to her literary skill: the prosecutor “…a lean, contained-looking man, with a clipped grey beard and a mouth that cut across his face on a severe slant, like that of someone who spent his days listening to bulls*”, the defence counsel “…came barging in, with his black gown hanging off one shoulder and his wig pushed back from a shiny forehead. He was big, fair and bluff, Irish-style, with the bulk and presence of a footballer…”

The judge “a silver-haired man in his sixties with an open, good-humoured face. He wore a scarlet robe, but no wig…he was reassuring to look at, not lofty or threatening; behind his high bench he would lean forward on his elbows and address the court with genial warmth” and the appeal judges “…in scarlet robes with huge white fur cuffs. Their wigs were not the grey, dead-rat ones of the lower court, but foaming and globular, as pale as raw cauliflower, with a texture reminiscent of brain tissue. Their voices rang crisply, and their questions were challenging, pointed, and at times impatient. They gave no quarter. The quality of their listening was ferocious…”

As well as describing much of the testimony, she describes the reaction of the jury, judge, counsel, witnesses, the accused, family and other observers, to the evidence, and also, often, to the manner in which it was presented. She relates comments and opinions of her erstwhile companions in the courtroom, of journalists, acquaintances in the legal profession and family of the victim. And she shares her own reaction to it all. Yet, even in this sad tale, there are moments of humour. A brilliant read.

I have a real aversion to books that take a long time to get into, and that I really have to work hard to get the gist of. There is no such problem with "The Missing Hours", as from the very first paragraph you are there, in the situation, watching little Heather Cole in her shiny red shoes, the red shoes that Mummy told her she was not to wear. Heather, who at 7 years old, is sitting on the muddy bank near the playground, wondering where Mummy is. Has she left her? The overheard telephone conversation of that morning, between Mummy and Aunty Orla, is going round in her head. Heather turns round to climb back up the bank, it's difficult now, more difficult than when she clambered down earlier on – it seems more steep. Where is Mummy? Heather gets to the top of the hill – nothing. A small wail is heard. Looking round Heather sees little Tara, her 3yo sister, sitting on a motionless swing. "Mama, Heafer, Mama's gone".

What has happened? What Mum would leave these little sisters on their own? Enter Detective Constable Leah Mackay who begins the search for and the reason why their Mummy, Selena Cole, has seemingly disappeared.

The reader is taken into the investigative world of our Police Forces. An insight into the difficult job they have in putting together the pieces of the jigsaw to form a picture of events and to find the answers.

Alongside Leah's investigations into Selena's disappearance, there is another investigation being done by her brother, Detective Sergeant Finn Hale, this one is a murder!

The book is absorbing and a real page turner. In between the chapters taking the reader on the two investigations, are various accounts of Kidnap and Ransom taken from the files of The Cole Group.

Are these two cases linked? If they are, how on earth could that be? There are so many twists and turns, and probably like me, you will change your mind several times.

I really don’t want to tell you any more of the story because it will definitely ruin your pleasure in reading it.

The attention to detail in the book is wonderful and this can only come from an author who has first hand knowledge of how the Police work. A really brilliant read that I thoroughly enjoyed. In my opinion it is very well written and it shines through that the Author, Emma Kavanagh, is well versed in what used to be her previous career as a Psychologist, working with the police, the military, firearms officers and command staff to help them deal with and come to terms with their experiences

I found this book to be a real page turner and I would love to see it on the small screen as a mini-series along the lines of "Broadchurch" x "Silent Witness". It would translate very well for this.

Thanks for the book. I haven't read any non fiction lately, so I was really pleased to receive a copy, especially as I have been a forensic scientist.

I found it a very interesting read. I thought that it was a balanced portrayal of the trail. True crime, by its very nature, is a difficult task as it has to stay true to the facts, while still being able to grip the reader enough for them finish the book rather than reach for a synopsis of the trail. I think the author manages to flesh out the story with reference to the many characters and bringing her own ideas/experiences into the book.

Well it didn't take me long to finish this book. I found it to be a compelling and fascinating insight into the trial system as well as this individual crime and all the participants within it.

I found Helen's writing style very easy to read and her honesty about her own reactions throughout added an extra dimension to what at times could be quite difficult and complex material.

I would most definitely recommend this to others to read although I would understand if the nature of the crime would be too upsetting. As a mum of two boys myself I thought twice before embarking on it.

Normally I race through books, but given the harrowing true story, I can only read This House of ,in short bursts, to absorb and reflect the tragic loss of young children.
The book is well written, and although I'm engrossed in the story, to say I'm loving it
I feel would be a deep disrespect to Jai, Tyler, Bailey and their family and friends.

I love the phrase "a book hangover". I have that too. Thought I might have to give up on this but it was so gripping the writing kept me hooked despite the tough content.

If he is guilty, he's paid the ultimate price. I found very relevant (and chilling) the passage about regretting suicide (by jumping) "as soon as your feet leave the ground".

I hope his ex wife can find some peace.

My question - what is Helen's reading material (for pleasure) when writing about such a sad story. Mine would have to be a comedy that's for sure.

This book is beautifully written and Helen Garner was a really excellent and humane guide through this trial.

I'm amazed that Givemecoffee has read the book and still finds an 'if' hanging over it!

I felt Garner's feminism in interesting corners of the narrative. And I would like to ask her what she thinks about men and cars. It was a fascinating 'Whydunnit' and along with lots of other thoughts, I was left wondering if Robert Farqharson would have acted differently if he had had custody of the 'better car'?

Thank you for my copy if this book as true crime is not a genre I would normally choose for myself.

Despite that, I found the book a well written and very absorbing account of the murder trial and consequent appeal. It was however very disturbing to read and I can only imagine how awful some of the evidence would have been to see even as a neutral observer. I would definitely recommend it but I'm not sure I want to revisit it although I am slightly pregnant and hormonal at the moment so I am not sure how much that is colouring my opinion.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book, which is the story of an actual murder trial. I have only read about 1/4 of the book so far, but I am favourably impressed by the author's objectivity.

My question to Helen would be to ask whatever made her want to focus on this dreadful event for the time it would take to write a book about this trial? Did she find writing about it in some way cathartic?

Firstly, thank you for my copy Mumsnet. Although very interested in legal dramas - have never felt the urge to read one, but it was so well written. Even though you have your own thoughts & opinions about where this book is going to take you - you are compelled to read it. There are a few twists and turns which keep you gripped.

It is a complicated subject matter with obscure details which could have been difficult to follow - but the book was light, not heavy and flowed really well. I was surprised at how quickly I finished the book - my husband is now reading it!! As I've got older I have tried to broaden my books (straying away from happy go lucky chicklit) and this is certainly a good book to add to the list - great book for conversation.

Thanks Mumsnet and Text Publishing for the book.

Question for Helen: Hi Helen, I wondered if you could comment on the role of your your young intern in the book? She seemed to be very important in the first trial, not only as a companion, but also as a way of seeing the trial through other, perhaps younger eyes. It was interesting to note how she was able to detach herself from the trial in a way that wasn't possible for you and other journalists and I wondered whether you thought this and if this was something to do with having children/ grandchildren yourself or perhaps the fact that you knew you would write about it? I found it moving how she came back for the retrial at the end - she seemed to have quite a motherly role - which was a small interesting part in a book that was all about parenting and children.

Thank you.

On another note, and this is really for your Australian publishers, it would be fantastic to know if/ when The Children's Bach will be re-issued in the UK - I'm very keen to read!

I've just finished the book, and can't say I enjoyed it as such (it's far too distressing a story, with the knowledge that it all really happened) but I found myself needing to know what happened. I'm not sure it's converted me to reading True Crime as a genre though - I like my stories more neatly wrapped up than usually happens in real life. I think I read to escape, and that doesn't work so well with non-fiction. Having said that, this was well written and an engaging read.

My question for Helen is: At many points during the book you seem sceptical about the processes of the trial, whether the conversations that happen outside the hearing of the jury, or the cross examinations of technical evidence which send everyone into a stupor. Do you think trial by jury is an appropriate and just way to determine whether someone is guilty of murder?

A very compelling a brilliant read. Helen writes this with a non judgement. I read this book hoping that this was just an accident because it is so tragic.The event in the book is very clearly presented and makes it easy to follow. I will be reading more of her books in the future. 4.5/5!!

Great read!! Once I picked it up I was intrigued to find out what was happening next. Lovely descriptive writing, takes you straight to the where everything's happening as if you are part of it. I was reading it at work at quiet times and it filled up all my spare time!!!
Thanks for the book

I have now finished the book, and while it IS certainly well written I can not say it was a pleasure to read due to the subject matter.
However, I found that Helen Garner remained objective throughout, and had the courage to consider all angles, including reporting a memory of her own atavistic reaction to an incident where she herself was terrified.
It would seem that the court room dramas as portrayed on TV are correct, in that the Defence team will defend to their last breath even if where they are not convinced of the Accused's innocence.
I am left believing that the World's greatest actors probably work in court rooms, and I pray I will never be called as a witness or jury member.
If you have any interest in the Judiciary system this book is a "must" read.

Having finished this book I couldn't wait to pass it on to a friend. I found it really engaging and thought provoking, moving between thoughts each time someone was questioned in court. A great read although sad I couldn't put it down.

Finished this book and really enjoyed it , I must admit I wished for a happier ending but still it didnt disappoint. I found this book made me think more than any other I have read so far this year and I found it very different which was excellent. I probably wouldn't have picked this up at the book shop but I'm really glad I have had a chance to read it. Thanks mumsnet :)

Do we have the responses from Helen Garner yet? I just read this on a plane in one go and am as ever just bowled over by the way she writes.
As a resident of Melbourne I have lived this case in slow motion via the media over the years - at times got into the details of the various trials, appeal etc and at other times just could not allow myself to think about it. I am so glad I read this book - it has made me think about women, men, parents, cars, love, loss, the law and all the painful interactions between them.

Hi all- thanks for the really interesting questions! We've got Helen's answers back so will post them now...

@alialiath

Sounds like a rather challenging read, and I''m sure it must have been challenging to write. I'd like to ask Helen Garner how she managed to switch off from such a tragic story, after her daily writing stint was over?

Switching off was hard. I needed to talk about the day’s developments, but I sensed people’s reluctance to hear them. I didn’t want to pour it out to my daughter or her husband, so I had to unload it into my diary. I have several more hard-boiled friends, though, who would occasionally come to a bar with me and discuss them over a stiff gin.

I also walked a lot, and rode my bike, and did Pilates. This helped, though I’m not sure why.