Author Archives: Debbie Terranova

About Debbie Terranova

I write stories of mystery, history, and adventure that will inspire readers to question accepted 'truths' and discover alternative explanations. I call this approach ‘fiction with a conscience’. While settings, historical events, and some characters may be real or based on research, the narratives and central characters are generally the creation of my imagination. I have published three stand-alone novels with a fourth due out in 2021.

An intriguing novel about WWII intrigue

Posted on 26 April 2022 by Debbie Terranova

The Imitator by Rebecca Starford My rating: 4 of 5 stars An enjoyable novel about the role of women in WWII espionage. By the author’s own admission, the characters are in the main invented and the story is loosely true, … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged espionage, historical fiction, London, MI5, spy, women in war, World War Two, WWII | Leave a comment

Easy read, compelling story

Posted on 26 April 2022 by Debbie Terranova

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens My rating: 4 of 5 stars Despite the dark themes of alcohol addiction and domestic violence, this novel is a delight to read. In particular, the writing is tight, succinct, and appropriate. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged adult fiction, determination, survival, wildlife | Leave a comment

Review of ‘Still Life’ by Sarah Winman

Posted on 7 April 2022 by Debbie Terranova

Still Life by Sarah Winman My rating: 4 of 5 stars I fell in love, and then out of love, with this novel. The writing – which utilizes an expansive vocabulary that had me reaching for the dictionary – is … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged historical fiction, Italy, Tuscany, WWII | Leave a comment

What was it like in a WWII internment camp?

Posted on 1 March 2022 by Debbie Terranova

A rare first-hand chronicle of internment that sheds new light on Australia’s wartime history. Mr Koike’s diary, which survived despite all odds, is beautifully translated and edited. Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged Diary, internment, internment camp, Japanese, Java, Loveday, Pacific War, WWII | Leave a comment

A gripping 1880s migrant adventure

Posted on 13 December 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Paradiso A Novel by Steve Capelin My rating: 4 of 5 stars A gripping tale of hope and despair on the high seas. Set in 1879-80, a group of migrants from the struggling north of Italy chases the promise of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged adventure, Australia, historical fiction, Italian, Little Italy, migrants | 1 Comment

A gently-written novel about heartache and healing

Posted on 16 September 2021 by Debbie Terranova

The Labyrinth by Amanda Lohrey My rating: 4 of 5 stars Question: What does a mother do when her only son is in prison with a life sentence? Answer: She buys a crumbling shack by the sea and builds a … Continue reading →

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A memorable memoir by Brisbane author, Krissy Kneen

Posted on 6 September 2021 by Debbie Terranova

The Three Burials of Lotty Kneen by Krissy Kneen My rating: 5 of 5 stars When Krissy Kneen was a speaker at my authors’ group a few months ago, I was intrigued by her latest book. I’ve read some of … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged aleksandrinke, Eastern Europe, Egypt, family history, folklore, Krissy Kneen, memoir, Slovenia | Leave a comment

The Quiet Voice: a short read about growing up in the 70s

Posted on 8 June 2021 by Debbie Terranova

The bartender called for last drinks. Closing time: eleven o’clock on a Friday night. The band was packing up; the patrons were drifting out. The four of us were reluctant to part. ‘Come to my place for coffee.’ A statement, … Continue reading →

Posted in Content and Research, Uncategorized | Tagged Brisbane, coming of age, short fiction, short stories | Leave a comment

Human rights tyrants and how to stop them

Posted on 26 May 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Bad People – and How to Be Rid of Them: A Plan B for Human Rights by Geoffrey Robertson My rating: 4 of 5 stars While this book provides a history of human rights dating right back to the 17th … Continue reading →

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged corruption, human rights, non-fiction | Leave a comment

‘The Next Twenty Years’: my short story in ‘Pen and Pixel’

Posted on 13 May 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Inspired by a turning point in my life, ‘The Next Twenty Years’ is a reflective piece about change and resilience. My short story was penned for a monthly competition run by the Queensland Writers’ Centre for their online magazine, ‘Pen … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged ageing, midlife crisis, short fiction, short story | Leave a comment