Tag: Australia

Worse Things Happen at Sea

Worse Things Happen at Sea

Tales of Life, Love, Family and the Everyday Beauty in Between

by William McInnes & Sarah Watt (Hachette, 2011)

audiobook read by Clem Fechner (QNS Audio, 2014)

Book cover: “Worse Things Happen at Sea: Tales of Life, Love, Family and the Everyday Beauty in Between” by William McInnes & Sarah Watt (Hachette, 2011); audiobook read by Clem Fechner (QNS Audio, 2014)

Entwined memoirs with a cumulative focus on family, mortality, embracing life and coping with death. McInnes reaches his conclusions through rambling associative leaps, Watt by more direct reflection. Fechner’s audiobook reading captures the sometimes humorous, always heartfelt tone (but not female voices).

Upright, Season Two

Upright, Season Two

dir. Mirrah Foulkes (Fox Showcase, 2022)

TV poster: “Upright, Season Two” dir. Mirrah Foulkes (Fox Showcase, 2022)

A large and inevitable stepdown from Season One, more consciously offbeat in its performances and plot-twists yet still well capable of throwing laugh-out-loud punches. Alcock and Minchin jump headfirst back into their characters. The emotional arc is drawn freehand, wonky on painkillers.

Blackwattle Creek

Blackwattle Creek

by Geoffrey McGeachin (Viking, 2012)

audiobook read by Peter Hosking (Bolinda, 2012)

Book cover: “Blackwattle Creek” by Geoffrey McGeachin (Viking, 2012); audiobook read by Peter Hosking (Bolinda, 2012)

Plot-wise the second Charlie Berlin novel seems less involved than the first. It remains, however, a consummate portrait of person and place. A very Australian detective story that could just about be classified as feelgood nostalgia (were its underbelly not so dark).

Upright

Upright

dir. Matthew Saville (Sky Atlantic, 2019)

TV series poster: “Upright” dir. Matthew Saville (Sky Atlantic, 2019)

A perfect series to represent Australia. Stunning outback cinematography. Bravura performances by Tim Minchin and Milly Alcock. Beyond the entwined character studies, the scripting and delivery ensure a cavalcade of laugh-out-loud moments that keeps on rolling even when the going gets serious.

Death at Victoria Dock

Death at Victoria Dock

by Kerry Greenwood (Poisoned Pen Press, 1992)

audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (ABC, 2011)

Book cover: “Death at Victoria Dock” by Kerry Greenwood (Poisoned Pen Press, 1992); audiobook read by Stephanie Daniel (ABC, 2011)

Stephanie Daniel’s audiobook reading lends vivid personality to all the characters; Greenwood’s depiction of interbellum Melbourne society suggests considerable research; yet Phryne herself has become more goddess than investigator. She is adored and feared to the extent of encountering too little resistance.

Return of the Nimbin

Return of the Nimbin

by Jenny Wagner (Penguin, 1992)

Book cover: “Return of the Nimbin” by Jenny Wagner (Penguin, 1992)

Wagner plots an unusual path to conflict, channelling the heat of the Australian summer into a sweltering ennui that saps her protagonist of good decision-making. A sweet, sad story where affection is tempered by lethargy, and doing nothing—badly—has disastrous consequences.

Painting in the Shadows

Painting in the Shadows

by Katherine Kovacic (Echo, 2019); audiobook read by Casey Withoos (W.F. Howes, 2020)

Book cover: Painting in the Shadows by Katherine Kovacic

Though the mystery and its investigation are quite slight, Kovacic concocts a cosy and somewhat fraught intrigue throughout. The text shines with passion for art, while Alex and John’s female/male friendship shows real Australian personality. Hogarth the Irish Wolfhound remains a delight.

Full Bore

Full Bore

by William McInnes (Hachette, 2016); audiobook read by William McInnes (W F Howes, 2017)

Book cover: Full Bore by William McInnes

A gentle, rather wistful gathering together of memories and musings. McInnes presents recollections within recollections, the weave of his stories constituting less a riotous series of anecdotes and more an appreciation of life as a mosaic of shared happiness and small moments.