In “A Whispering of Trees”, Carol Rosenhain and Peter Newbury give us a meticulously researched account of an obscure but dreadful crime committed in Australia in 1971. True crime fans are likely to be drawn to the unusual features of the crime.
On 23 June 1971, Ted Benedek shot his six year old son Charlie, and then himself. His four year old daughter watched from the back seat of their car. Charlie died, Ted survived but was declared insane, and Susan became caught up in an inadequate welfare system.
I don’t read much true crime, as I tend to feel it’s exploitative of both victims and their survivors. So it’s worth noting that an adult Susan actively participated in the research for this book, and apparently wanted the story told.
The authors actively avoid sensationalism and have meticulously documented the crime and its aftermath. Indeed, there is so much detail that at times it might overwhelm the reader, and in avoiding sensationalism, the tone is sometimes on the dry side.
Still, it is hard not to get caught up. The authors set the scene for the crime very extensively – in fact, they go back to a time before Ted and the children’s mother met. I think they were trying to build an understanding of Ted, and to a large extent they succeed. It’s hard, though, to get your head around Ted’s premeditated and conscious decision to kill his children.
They also describe the crime in considerable detail, but the dry narrative also mutes the emotion and horror of the moment and the immediate aftermath.
This was not a crime that ever had to be “solved”, which is perhaps why it got relatively little attention at the time or afterwards. The authors go on to show the effects of Ted’s actions rippling through decades of Susan’s life. There is, unfortunately, little new in this section; the failings of the child welfare system in Australia have been sadly well documented in recent years. While this personalises them, it doesn’t tell us much that’s new.
This is a well researched book which tries to tell a story with empathy but without sensationalism. It is sensitive to the feelings of witnesses who still live, notably Susan. I think true crime fans will appreciate it.
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading A Whispering of Trees by Carol Rosenhain and Peter Newbury. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing that joy.
I’ve been an avid reader for as long as I can remember, across all genres. There’s not much I won’t at least try. I’ve been an enthusiastic book reviewer for years. I particularly enjoy discovering writers new to me, and sharing good writing with others.
My career has included time spent writing and editing technical documents, but it’s fiction that really moves me. I’ve reviewed for a number of different outlets over the years, and have been a judge in literary competitions.
I’m now raising little bookworms of my own, which brings a whole new kind of joy to sharing books.
More of my reviews can be found on my review blog www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog .
On starting this book, my heart broke for the two kids, Charlie 6 and Susan 4. A mother named Ritva who is unstable returns to Finland and has not much contact with her kids. The children’s father Ted Benedek truly loves his kids but is a broken man.
I do read true crime stories and always been fascinated with them and always feel sad after reading though.
Throughout reading, I just wanted to hug Susan for what she went through. To lose her brother in Australia in 1971 and to have seen how he died at such a young age really rocked me to the core. Her father is taken into custody, and he tells them exactly how it all happened. He never lies at what he did.
Susan is cast into orphanages and then thankfully into the care of Pearl and her husband Kevan, although not related, Susan and Charlie had been cared for by Pearl at their day care centre. Susan was much happier to go and live with her and not strangers.
Susan rejoiced as Pearl buys a 140 acres farm and she loves the freedom and space she had never known.
As you read, you learn more of what Susan had to endure in her lifetime and they are horrible to even think that she had to go through them.
With Susan’s help as an adult now, she agreed to help the authors with information for this book.
I found it a fascinating read, I can’t imagine what Susan has been through and seen with her eyes. There were times I was angry at her dad but at the same time, thinking he really thought he was doing the best but why do it.
I wish Susan the best as she has her own family now. For people that do follow real crime stories, this is a great read and it will capture your attention. I found it really interesting. The story will stay with me for a while too.
I loved the cover which really depicts the love between Charlie and Susan.
Thank you to Beauty and Lace and Big Sky Publishing for sending the book to me.