‘This is a book for lovers of ideas, of good conversation, of impossible loves – and for those intellectuals who enjoy having heated arguments in cafes.’ Bookseller Publisher
‘A work of limpid stillness and restrained, pellucid style, a modern Platonic dialogue, on the subject of love.’ The Advertiser
‘Restrained and refined, this is a cerebral rather than a physical seduction, carefully constructed as an elaborate game around the theme of desire and memory.’ Caroline Baum
‘[A] masterful book. It is [his] brilliant control of language that identifies Brooks as one of Australia’s finest writers. This is a book to savour, like the bottle of Lacryma Christi that the characters share.’ Australian Book Review
‘The Conversation captures all of the security, warmth and freedom of a summer’s evening spent in a European city.’ Readings Monthly
‘A meditation on life than anything else … [The Conversation] is a beautifully presented book, with a sumptuous dust jacket.’ ANZ LitLovers LitBlog
‘Combined with the exotic and perennially romantic setting of an Italian piazza, Brooks’ story is sensuous and timeless.’ The Hoopla Literary Society
‘A thoughtful, affecting rendition of the most austere and ingenuous of scenarios, the dialectic dialogue. Brooks, admirably, makes it seem easy. We are entirely present in the scene.’ Weekend Australian
‘Together, Brooks’ whimsy, the romantic exotica of the Italian setting and the mysterious plot make for a wonderfully entertaining read that effortlessly balances substance with style.’ Avid Reader Newsletter
‘Shadowing their words is a delicious rising tension. Unpredictable and satisfying.’ Herald Sun
‘A huge pleasure to read. Brooks writes beautifully’ MX Melbourne/Sydney
‘Intimate, engaged and precious in [its] distinctiveness.’ Weekend Australian
‘Urbane and assured, The Conversation brilliantly examines modes of civility still possible in an adult world…’ Sydney Morning Herald
‘This will be rewarding for travellers, philosophers, wine-lovers and ravenous culture vultures.’ Courier Mail
‘Brooks invites us to share the almost sensual pleasure of eavesdropping.’ Jennifer Byrne for Australian Women’s Weekly
‘Brimming with mystery, confessions, food and philosophy … a wonderfully entertaining read that effortlessly balances substance with style.’ River North Editions