12 minute read
Great summer reads by Mark Laurie of South Seas Books at Port Elliot
Summer book reviews by Mark Laurie of South Seas Books, Port Elliot
domestic life. He demonstrates that amidst all of the craft and curated deception of the world he describes, it is the actual community of personal relations and their networks of loyalties and betrayals which define identity and place. Ultimately, this must prevail over the imagined community of the nation state and all of its petty jostlings. of such luminaries as Edward Lear, Spike Milligan, Lewis Carroll, Peter Cook, Monty Python, Charlie Chaplin, the Marx Brothers and Shaun Micallef, he examines what makes us laugh and why. This may well vary with personality, societal mores and time, but our desire for silliness, to connect ‘with childhood, madness and the primitive’ in that space between anarchy and normalcy, is timeless and continuing. There must always be a place for those who wish to join the Order of the Occult Hand, promenade with their pet lobster in the garden, or celebrate having a face resembling a badger. To quote G.K. Chesterton, this book is an ‘exuberant capering round a discovered truth’ much like a giant inflatable Trump baby buffeted by a strong breeze.
Agent Running in the Field by John le Carré
Published by Viking (Penguin Books) ISBN 9780241401217 $32.99
The master storyteller brings his finely developed clandestine world into the age of Brexit, climate change, Putin and Trump, its protagonists weaving their duplicitous craft within the divisions, contradictions and uncertainties of the current age. Reprieved from expected redundancy, veteran spy Nat is tasked with transforming a small, sidelined spy centre in London to run an unprepossessing assortment of Russian agents. At the same time, his longestablished badminton supremacy at the local club is challenged by Ed, an ill-at-ease and introspective man half his age given to railing at modern-day ills. Convergence between his private and professional lives forces Nat to confront the past, ringing in his ‘memory’s ear’ and the effects it has wrought on him, recognising that he may be ‘at a loss to know the difference between what he feels and is pretending to feel.’ le Carré is as watchful as his charges, his great gift the power to mix the oil of espionage with the water of ordinary
Silliness: A Serious History by Peter Timms
Published by Wakefield Press ISBN 97817433056455 $24.95
An engaging exploration of the philosophy, history and categories of human absurdity, demonstrating our need for freedom from the tyranny of rationalism and an antidote to respectability and conformity. Peter Timms draws forth a host of jesters, pranksters, comedians and eccentrics who have plumbed the ridiculous through the ages, exploring manifestations through word play, physical comedy, bizarre and eccentric behaviour within performance, writing, music and film, cataloguing creativity’s offbeat edges. From Aristophanes through to Arrested Development, linked by the efforts
Paris Savages by Katherine Johnson
Published by Ventura Press ISBN 9781925384703 $32.99
A fictional reimagining of the journey of three Indigenous Australians from Fraser Island to be exhibited and studied in Europe in the late 1800s. Drawing from extensive research conducted in Australia, Germany
and France, this novel draws ethnic shows and human zoos from the twilight of largelyforgotten history and gives life to the central characters of the time. The indigenes, scientists and showmen who took part are brought back to life, as are the crowds who participated in these immensely popular exhibitions.The author’s primary aim is to give voice and character to each of Bonangera, Dorondera and Jurano, the Badtjala people who travelled to Europe and were never to return. She seeks to rehumanise them against surviving scientific records of them as specimens, no more than the sum of their measurements and physical characteristics, or as cabinet curiosities to a public seeking only spectacle and affirmation of the self against the other. In doing so, Johnson holds a mirror to the attitudes and theories of the time, exposing Western ‘civilisation’ to an uncomfortable past, filled with disease, prejudice and the self-serving effects of Robert Knox’s racebased theories of biological determinism. While her research and training render substance, Johnson achieves this through nuanced character studies, of varying shades of dark and light, and the creeping compromise which may claim us all.
Taking Tom Murray Home by Tim Slee
Published by HarperCollins ISBN 9781460757864 $32.99
Jack Murray’s father, Tom, accidentally perishes in the fire he made to deny the bank his foreclosed home. The pyre and his death are a cataclysmic event within the small dairy community in Victoria’s southwest, forcing those within it to confront their marginalisation and powerlessness. A horse-drawn funeral procession to Melbourne, led by Jack’s mother and promoted by his twin sister, provides a platform for the dairy community to give voice to its plight and a fulcrum for rapidly spreading sympathetic support. There is a quiet nihilism underlying this story, a simmering reaction to rolling, heedless neoliberal forces and untrammelled corporate power abetted by the heavy policing of dissent. The pain and dislocation dealt with here is no less real for being gently told. However, its appeal lies in the personal, nuanced treatments of protesters, bankers, shopkeepers and police through the book’s characters, and the understanding that a community is comprised of individuals rather than institutions. Good hearts, wry humour, quiet determination and a heartbreakingly brave horse draw the reader in.
Lanny by Max Porter
Published by Faber & Faber ISBN 9780571340286 $27.99
I’ve not read Max Porter’s much-lauded debut novel, Grief is the Thing with Feathers. Having just finished his second book, I will hunt it down immediately. The possibility that it may be better than Lanny, with all the difficulties traditionally associated with following up great success, is irresistible. Describing this work is difficult. Composed as a cross between a long form poem or ode and a modern play, combining pagan mysticism with searing social commentary, liberally enlivened with experimental typesetting, it defies labelling. It also defies my attempts at a breezy, enlightening review. After numerous false starts I am left with an impressionistic series of loosely connected ideas and dialectics, that here we have; birth, growth, death and decay in an instant; the dangers both of nostalgia and of forgetting; nature as solace, saviour and slaughterer; the piercing of community’s thin skin. Unusually, I am easily able to pinpoint narrative stages, sentences and thoughts now, long after finishing the book. Stretching for tangible evidence, I return almost to the beginning: ‘…he wants to chop the village open and pull the child out. Extract him. Young and ancient all at once, a mirror and a key… Then Dead Papa Toothwort leaves his spot and wanders off …drunk on the village, ripe with feeling, tingling with thoughts of how one thing leads to another again and again, time and again, with no such thing as an ending.’ Here is a story identifiably British but for all of us, peculiarly of its time and yet for all times, at once despairing and joyful. Hasten slowly with its reading.
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Bespoke masterpiece Six local businesses that will help you plan the wedding of your dreams.
Above: Photography by Deb Saunders.
BEYOND BEAUTIFUL STYLE LOUNGE Located in the heart of McLaren Vale, Beyond Beautiful Style Lounge is an awardwinning bridal specialist. From boho looks to classic waves and everything in between, Lisa and the team know how important it is to feel and look amazing and they love sharing your special day with you. DEB SAUNDERS Relationships of all kinds are important to Deb, and this is what makes her photography so special. She captures the special moments with your loved ones and the interactions that may be fleeting, but become your memories to last a lifetime and beyond. Whether it’s your wedding day, a tiny new life, a celebratory event or an up-todate family portrait, you can count on Deb for an easy, natural and fun process.
JESSICA MARY MAKEUP ARTISTRY Jessica is a fully qualified makeup artist and hair stylist, based in the southern suburbs of Adelaide. She was recently listed as one of the top 10 bridal makeup artists in Adelaide, due to her attention to detail and professionalism. Jessica loves nothing more than seeing the smile and look of happiness on her client’s face when they see their completed look.
SHE SEWS She Sews specialises in made-to-measure bridal and evening wear. Megan offers no-obligation quotes on creating an individual dress or outfit that fits perfectly and reflects your style. She Sews offers an extensive range of lace, silk, wool and satin fabrics. Megan will also tailor your ‘off the rack’ gown, and offers made-to-measure alterations for bridesmaids, mother of the bride and men’s suits.
THE TURQUOISE ROSE Multi award-winning floral designer The Turquoise Rose, is located in the stunning wine region of McLaren Vale. Vicky and her team work their magic from a purpose built design studio, having built an impressive portfolio of creations that showcase their flowers, passion and style. You can be assured The Turquoise Rose will bring your wedding floral dreams to life.
TIPI LANE Based in McLaren Vale, Tipi Lane offer bespoke giant nordic tipis and venues for hire on the beautiful Fleurieu. From intimate weddings to extravagant events, their tipis create a magical and unique event space for up to 200 guests. Owner Cherie is a local marriage celebrant who is passionate about helping ensure your wedding or event is a dream come true.
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