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.

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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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‘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 →

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Recommended for fans of convict-era historical fiction

Posted on 9 March 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Fled by Meg Keneally My rating: 4 of 5 stars Convict-era historical fiction based on the true story of the daring escape of Mary Bryant (and others) in an open boat from Sydney Cove to Kupang, Timor. The known aspects … Continue reading →

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WWII in pictures: the voyage of the notorious ‘Dunera’

Posted on 6 March 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Dunera Lives: A Visual History by Jay Winter My rating: 5 of 5 stars Beautifully put together, this visual history shows through paintings, cartoons, photographs what happened to a shipload of German, Italian, and Jewish men – most of whom … Continue reading →

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‘In the Moment’ – The Lockdown Diaries

Posted on 2 February 2021 by Debbie Terranova

Meat: nothing but mince and chuck Pasta: none Milk: going fast Flour: 12.5 kilo bag or nothing Toilet paper: don’t get me started Recently the Queensland Writers Centre called for short stories (500 words) for an online anthology, The Lockdown … Continue reading →

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An escape to the magical ‘deep country’ of our ancient land

Posted on 28 October 2020 by Debbie Terranova

All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton My rating: 4 of 5 stars An epic tale, in the spirit of the Brothers Grimm, set in the impossibly harsh country of Australia’s Top End. The characters are intriguing and larger-than-life, in … Continue reading →

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