pamela
Written on Jan 22, 2015
Australian colonial history is fascinating, and as an historian the setting of an historical museum, replete with anthropological, archaeological and sociological specimens and objects offered an entertaining read. Flannery tackles museum politics, anthropological study and colonial history with respect and knowledge. It is through these elements that the novel really shines. He tackles big issues in a way that is both entertaining and thought provoking and these parts were a pleasure to read.
Where the novel fails to shine however is in the execution of its primary plot. There are too many characters who serve a sideline function which doesn't serve to further the plot, and indeed the titular 'Venus Island Fetish' itself seemed to be just a sideline for what Flannery was trying to say, serving no real purpose that the setting of the museum wouldn't have served on its own. Indeed, the ending felt like Flannery had realised that he'd failed to resolve the overarching mystery by the end of the novel and had hurriedly written a few more pages on the advisement of his editor. Indeed, I would argue that the novel would have been far better if it had simply left out the mystery of the fetish and instead focused on the research, cultural understanding and politics of heritage and colonial culture that were the truly strong elements of 'The Venus Island Fetish'.
Flannery's novel is a wonderful glimpse in to Australia's colonial past and is well written and entertaining. The end however felt like a disappointment. Despite this however I can highly recommend this novel to people with an interest in anthropology, heritage institutions and/or Australian history. It is a very Australian novel.