ISLAND HOME A Landscape Memoir

For the author, the landscape of Australia is ever present, casting a long shadow over the lives of its residents and seeping into the fabric of its literature. At times, this audiobook is poetic, and narrator David Tredinnick gives a languid and dreamy narration. For example, he clearly expresses Winton’s wonder at the discovery of mummified kangaroos in a high, dry cave. At other times, Winton delivers a strong environmental message. Tredinnick captures that polemic with a crankier quality to his tone as the threats to coral reefs, whales, and water are made clear. For Winton, Australian greed for minerals and indifference to indigenous rights are less attractive qualities of Australian culture. There is no more perfect fit for an Australian memoir that ranges from meditative beauty to disbelieving anger than Tredinnick. It’s pure listening joy. A.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2016, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2016]