Island Home (Tim Winton, read by David Tredinnick, Bolinda)

Tim Winton’s Island Home is a personal and passionate exploration of the Australian landscape and the way it’s shaped Winton’s life and the country as a whole. The book intersperses short autobiographical anecdotes—an encounter with a turtle during a house inspection, hiking WA’s Cape Range in search of black-flanked rock-wallabies—with longer, thought-provoking essays that combine memoir, travel writing and cultural and historical studies of Australia’s relationship with its environment. Winton’s examination of the scrub, swamps, coasts and surf that have shaped his writing and outlook is delivered in his trademark mix of down-to-earth language and lyricism, and he never loses sight of the danger of the land—the overwhelming and oppressive effect it can have that escapes description. He is also unafraid to be angry and political, personally calling out politicians and lobbyists who see the natural world as a resource to exploit. Australian actor and audiobook narrator David Tredinnick keeps vocal flourishes to a minimum and understands that the strength of the writing is enough to convey Winton’s voice and capture the audience’s attention. Those wishing to engage more fully with Winton’s ideas may prefer print, but those looking for something pleasurable and transportive for a long car journey or some armchair travel will find this audiobook ideal. Its essay structure also makes it suitable to listen to in convenient short bursts.

Jackie Tang is the editorial assistant at Books+Publishing

Category: Reviews