I loved this book. I was half way through it when I heard Colleen McCullough had passed away. I was terribly sad that there will be no more books coming from her well trained pen. Lucky for me she has written quite a few, the several of which I have in my possession. My two favourites are 'Thorn Birds' and 'The Touch'. 'Bittersweet' comes third so far. Whenever I choose a Colleen McCullough book, I know I am going to learn something significant. Her research is impeccable and her stories are closely aligned with historical places and events. This is true of Bittersweet, a novel set in rural NSW in 1920's and 30's. This is a charming story of four sisters who happen to be two sets of twins, at the forefront of professional nursing becoming the first registered nurses in Corunda. Even though the town is fictional, one gets a very realistic feel of rural Australia and love of the land. The book offers a very informative insight into women's lack of professional opportunities at a time when marriage was their primary option in a patriarchal society. It is hard to believe that only 80 years ago women were forced to choose between marriage or work. The book also leads the reader through the Depression and its devastating effects on families and in particular men, who were main providers. Colleen McCullough has a talent for incorporating the reader into the time and place she has chosen as a setting for her story. I appreciate this about her books more than the stories she weaves around places and points in history. This is an excellent book that highlights women's ability to deal with their limitations and tragedies and should make women of today more grateful for many opportunities and choices they are faced with.
