annebennett1957's review
3.0
Finally I have read this beautiful tribute to Western Australia given to me by a friend from Australia. I confess my ignorance of places and names. I spent quite a bit of time looking up names of the areas mentioned, and for the plants, animals and even people that Winton calls attention to.
It is a dream of ours to go to Australia some day and hopefully we can find our way out west to the remoter side of the continent. I'd like that. Thanks for Tim Winton for the the introduction.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/three-short-reviews-gourmet-childrens.html
It is a dream of ours to go to Australia some day and hopefully we can find our way out west to the remoter side of the continent. I'd like that. Thanks for Tim Winton for the the introduction.
My review: https://headfullofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/07/three-short-reviews-gourmet-childrens.html
theshiftyshadow's review against another edition
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Feels different from Winton's previous memoir style book, Lands Edge, in that it feels like there's a clear point being made. While Land's Edge felt more like it was just a series of memories and an exploration of one man's relationship with the sea, Island Home seems to be structured around the issue of human led destruction that's blighted Australia since invasion.
There's still stories from his youth, and the writing style is still recognisably Winton, and I suppose it is through his relationship with the land that he's come to care so much about its conservation. Still, it feels like something aimed very squarely at Australians. Even so, the idea of belonging to the land rather than the land belonging to us is a universal philosophy that more people should subscribe to.
There's still stories from his youth, and the writing style is still recognisably Winton, and I suppose it is through his relationship with the land that he's come to care so much about its conservation. Still, it feels like something aimed very squarely at Australians. Even so, the idea of belonging to the land rather than the land belonging to us is a universal philosophy that more people should subscribe to.
never4get's review
5.0
Beautifully written homily by Tim to the natural landscape of his home State of WA, where he grew up free to explore the country around his home - especially the beachside.
His journey through life has taken him to other places and he sees the impact of humanity on nature. Ultimately it is a paean to nature and the Australian way of looking at its landscape.
His journey through life has taken him to other places and he sees the impact of humanity on nature. Ultimately it is a paean to nature and the Australian way of looking at its landscape.
bookpossum's review
4.0
A collection of essays about Winton's various experiences of different parts and aspects of Australia, mostly in his state of Western Australia. I enjoyed it but I'm not sure how well it would "translate" to non-Australians because his use of the vernacular. His passion comes through very clearly, and as I share his love for the harsh beauty of Australia, and his anger at the destruction being wrought through mining and other industry.
daveburton's review
5.0
Touching and powerful, 'Island Home' is a simultaneously soothing and challenging snapshot of contemporary Australia in its wholeness: its beauty, its past, its failings and its future. Written with Winton's trademark prose, the language often feels like the lyrics of a forgotten but familiar song. Some passages beg for second and third readings. It's a necessary book for all Australians, particularly for those of us who reside in metropolitan areas. It reminds us of who we are. One of the first lines: 'I grew up on the world's largest island', presents a simple fact as a forgotten truth, and in doing so begins to change the reader's perception of home. For me, it conjured feelings of the sacred, and in some sense healed scars I didn't know I had. It grabbed me by the ankles and pulled me back down to the ancient earth in which I was born.
jfl's review
5.0
Critical to understanding the underlying power of Tim Winton's novels. Should be read along with Winton's The Boy Behind the Curtain.