The Architecture of Song

by Gary Crew

'I lived many lives beneath that piano ...I heard ten thousand stories in that space. There I was privileged to observe, to gather -- and not only gather, to concentrate within myself -- so much that is usually denied a child of my age. As a result, I have, you might say, grown.' So says Augustus Trump -- a dwarf destined to be a circus freak. Cursed by nature as he is, Augustus is nevertheless blessed with a determination to survive, and more than survive, to grow. This growth, both in stature and in spirit, is brought about by a second blessing -- his divine voice: an instrument so sublime that even the stars pay heed. Because no-one knows better the agonies, the violence and the love that inform the poetic than Augustus Trump: dwarf, protege, man. THE ARCHITECTURE OF SONG is a truly magical, unique novel of beauty, imagination and song, with a cast of dark, surprising characters who will enchant and delight you, just as the songs of Augustus Trump enchant and transform them.

Genres: Fiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Dr Gary Crew, author of novels, short stories and picture books for older children and young adults, began his writing career in 1985, when he was a high school teacher. His books are challenging and intriguing, often based on non-fiction. As well as writing fiction, Gary is a Associate Professor in Creative Writing, Children's and Adult Literature, at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland and editor of the After Dark series.

He lives with his wife Christine on several acres in the cool, high mountains of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland in Queensland, Australia in a house called 'Green Mansions' which is shaded by over 200 Australian rainforest palms he has cultivated. He enjoys gardening, reading, and playing with his dogs Ferris, Beulah, and Miss Wendy. In his spare time he has created an Australian Rainforest Garden around his home, filled with Australian palms. Gary loves to visit antique shops looking for curios and beautiful objects.

Gary Crew has been awarded the Children’s Book Council of Australia Book of the year four times: twice for Book of the Year for Young Adult Older Readers (Strange Objects in 1991 and Angel’s Gate in 1993) and twice for Picture Book of the Year with First Light in 1993 (illustrated by Peter Gouldthorpe) and The Watertower (illustrated by Steven Woolman) in 1994. Gary’s illustrated book, Memorial (with Shaun Tan) was awarded the Children’s Book Council of Australia Honour Book in 2000 and short listed for the Queensland Premier’s Awards. He has also won the Wilderness Society Award, the Whitley Award and the Aurealis Award for Speculative Fiction.

In the USA he has been twice short listed for the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Mystery Fiction Award for Youth and the Hungry Minds Review American Children’s Book of distinction. In Europe he has twice been and twice the prestigious White Raven Award for his illustrated books. Among his many Australian awards is the Ned Kelly Prize for Crime Fiction, the New South Wales Premier’s Award and the Victorian Premier’s Award. He has been short listed for both the Queensland Premier’s and the Western Australian Premier’s awards for Fiction.

Reviews

[Reindert Van Zwaal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm a bit weird but not in a bad way necessarily. I was quite interested in what would happen with Augustus throughout the story, which is a good thing. However, I think Augustus sounded like a 30 year old in all his life stages starting at the age of 5, that is so weird. The weird things happening weren't even the weirdest part of the book. I felt the ending was rushed enourmeously and it felt inconclusive like hell. I likes Augustus' observations he told us readers, they were somehow intriguing.

[Suzie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Good grief, I can't even. Next!

[Rebecca Kent · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started out ok - by no means a gripping read - but then about half way through the author must of dropped a tab of LSD or something because suddenly people are crows and books fly and imaginary girls disappear. I will admit to being very tired when I read this book and I have decided to leave it a few months and re-read it to see if my opinions change.
I understand that the book is meant to twist off into complete fantasy and its 'poetical and shit' but it just suddenly snapped and turned a hard left 90 degrees without much warning and completely lost me. I felt he was trying to be a Paulo Coelho but didn't quite succeed.

[Chele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of classic John Irving, with an antipodean twist, and without the bears and wrestlers.

[Lucy Bignall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful language, the sort one wants to wallow in. Not necessarily a gripping read, but really enjoyed it. A book to think about afterwards.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

melancholic, wistful, dreamy, courageous, hopeful, beautiful

[Mary-Lou Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magical realism. Poetry in plain words but never plain. A journey, a mystery. But ultimately I felt too distant from the characters to have much empathy. Although I was intrigued...

[Amanda Cush · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah - good, different, unusual.....