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Landscape of Desire by Kevin RabalaisAn accomplished first novel, The Landscape of Desire revisits the Burke and Wills tragedy and brings to life the later expedition, led by Alfred Howitt, which was charged with establishing the fate of those men and rescuing them if possible.Published 23 February, 2008 
The Landscape of Desire (Kevin Rabalais, Scribe, $29.95 pb, ISBN 9781921215681, March) **** An accomplished first novel, The Landscape of Desire revisits the Burke and Wills tragedy and brings to life the later expedition, led by Alfred Howitt, which was charged with establishing the fate of those men and rescuing them if possible. These two strands are full of action, drama, bravery and folly, yet author Rabalais introduces more material in the form of a mesmerising young actress who has become involved with both Burke and Wills. Yet another subplot involves the explorers King and Brahe who are also adrift in the outback. The author, born in New Orleans and currently selling books in Melbourne, controls his material skilfully, yet demands concentration from his readers as chapters move from one story to another in a sometimes challenging way. Best read in two or three sittings rather than in spare moments, it will reward anyone who enjoys the use of fact as a basis for well-wrought, poetic fiction. With its balance of elegant language, plot-driven action, contemplation and thematic seriousness, it is very likely to feature on 2008 literary awards shortlists. Max Oliver has been a bookseller and avid reader for over 50 years This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC. © Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowker More from Fiction Book Reviews
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Deception is Michael Meehan’s third novel, following on from the award-winners1 September, 2008 
Crossing Paths falls with a resounding thump into the category of chick-lit. Which isn’t a slight on this book; on the contrary, I found it to be a relaxing, funny read.1 September, 2008 
The narrator is Isabel, an attractive, intelligent woman reflecting on her life and family, whom we follow from her first marriage to her awareness of limitations brought by middle-age. We all know an ‘Isabel’ in our circle of family or friends.1 September, 2008 
Richard Francis Burton was as explorer, translator, writer, soldier, orientalist, ethnologist, linguist, poet, hypnotist, fencer and diplomat. So says Wikipedia. And if the success of a novel based on the life of an historic personage is that it makes you want to know more about that person, then, in my case, The Collector of Worlds, clearly succeeded. 12 August, 2008 |
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