‘Resistance is thought-provoking on some big issues—mental health care, parenting, motherhood, ageing, gender equality and First Nations history—and will appeal to anyone interested in the human condition with all its fascinating foibles.’

‘Sublime and affecting, a novel that speaks intimately to both mind and heart.’

‘A daring and richly layered novel that examines the unreliability of conscience and memory, and our own invented truths. A compelling read from a masterful storyteller.’

‘A taut, delicate record of the ultimate act of listening. Halloran exposes both the knowingness and unwillingness of the human psyche.’

‘The format is suggestive of Russian Matryoshka dolls, with people and narratives nestled within each other…[Resistance] becomes a meditation on storytelling itself. Halloran questions who owns the stories we are told, and examines dominant paradigms regarding colonialism, racism, addiction and loss.’

‘A surprising, insightful and layered work of literature that explores family and secrets, and the ethics of mental health care.’

‘Resistance is a novel about secrets and shame, as well as the place of women among men in their families. Halloran…writes very elegantly.’

‘Resistance is a meditation on what influences the stories we identify with, willingly or not, and the impact family can have on the myriad roles we come to inhabit…Throughout this artfully rendered novel, Halloran interrogates the other stories we may struggle at times to contend with, or even understand. It’s a compelling insight into the human condition and on the indelible marks that can be impressed upon us by those closest.’

‘Resistance is a novel precise in its character sketches and prose…Resistance is to be recommended, for Halloran is always worth reading.’

‘[Resistance] goes beyond its simple plot ingredients, to offer a broader view of what it means to be Australian – and the importance of recognising a nation’s history as your own…Throughout these stories and reckonings, the novel interrogates the usefulness of psychology in the face of past trauma.…Resistance is a poignant, thoughtful novel with layered meanings…Story is a vehicle for deeper reckoning here as the characters face their own – and others’ – resistance.’

‘Fascinating…Curiosity is a central tenet to the book, Resistance is very sharply observed…[with an] assured sense of pacing.’

‘Rich picture that demonstrate the complexity of human life…exploring our human and family relationships and great observations of daily life…Through lightness of touch [Resistance] avoids being subsumed by its weighty subject matter.’

‘This excellent read will gently propel you into reflectiveness. It will make you question what you do and don’t have a right to know.’