Review of new book Other Country for Allan and Unwin:
If you are travelling to the Kimberely you may find this book interesting....
Stephen Scourfield’s Other Country paints a story of two brothers surviving and growing up from a legacy of abuse. They escape their father’s daily violence but don’t escape the influence it continues to have them and their relationship.
The story is told with a strong Australian male voice that may initially grate on the reader. However, the raw sometimes punchy descriptions fit the gritty storyline that unfolds in the Australian outback. The author evocatively describes the cultural and environmental landscapes providing a rich level contemporary and historical information. The story’s credibility is founded on this realistic context. Readers familiar with outback Australia, especially the North West will recognize places and events.
As the story sweeps along, the reader grows increasingly familiar with the characters and expectant of a powerful conclusion that is comprehensively delivered.
This debut book from Stephen Scourfield is fresh, powerful and distinctive. My first reaction to the opening pages was this is too blokey for my interests but I was drawn into the storyline and images of the landscape. I’m currently traveling in North West Australia and was drawn to the familiarity of the area and lives of people here. I thoroughly recommend the book to readers who are looking for a distinctive Australian story.
The story is told with a strong Australian male voice that may initially grate on the reader. However, the raw sometimes punchy descriptions fit the gritty storyline that unfolds in the Australian outback. The author evocatively describes the cultural and environmental landscapes providing a rich level contemporary and historical information. The story’s credibility is founded on this realistic context. Readers familiar with outback Australia, especially the North West will recognize places and events.
As the story sweeps along, the reader grows increasingly familiar with the characters and expectant of a powerful conclusion that is comprehensively delivered.
This debut book from Stephen Scourfield is fresh, powerful and distinctive. My first reaction to the opening pages was this is too blokey for my interests but I was drawn into the storyline and images of the landscape. I’m currently traveling in North West Australia and was drawn to the familiarity of the area and lives of people here. I thoroughly recommend the book to readers who are looking for a distinctive Australian story.
Graeme
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