Eucalyptus
Set in New South Wales, the novel begins with a strange condition for marriage based on knowledge of trees. Family, landscape, and the power of storytelling intersect in a novel that blends playfulness with seriousness.
Work Information
A condition about naming trees changes the course of family and love.
One of Murray Bail's best-known novels, it joins botanical knowledge with narrative imagination. Backed by precise observation and humor, it leaves a distinctive aftertaste that can read as both love story and fable.
Review Summaries
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Readers appreciate the unusual premise linking botany and romance, along with the book's dry charm. Its fable-like structure and quiet humor are often received positively.
Book Information
- Publisher
- Farrar Straus & Giroux
- Published
- 1998-09-01
- Pages
- 255 pages
- Language
- 英語
- Size
- 15.24 x 2.54 x 22.23 cm
- ISBN-13
- 9780374148577
- ISBN-10
- 0374148570
- Price
- 6451 JPY
- Category
- 洋書/Literature & Fiction/Contemporary
A farmer announces that his daughter may only wed the man who can correctly name the species of each and every eucalyptus tree on his property, a decision that is complicated when Ellen chances upon a mysterious young man
Murray Bail, born in Adelaide in 1941, is the author of two other novels, Holden's Performance and Homesickness (which won Australia's National Book Award; forthcoming from FSG), and a collection of stories. He lives in Sydney.
Reviews
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One of my favorite books of alltime
Not an easy book to read but definitely worth spending time with and thinking about, beautifully written and imaginatively conceived (it reminded me of the use of whales in Moby Dick, another difficult book that's worth the reader's effort) - and a dreamy love story to boot! You won't appreciate this book if you are trying to read quickly and superficially, however. The second time I read it (for my book club), I'd purchased a guide to eucalyptus trees which added yet another dimension to the story: it really helped to look first at the genus of eucalyptus trees Bail was referring to in each chapter, then go back to the novel. Perfect book for gardeners, romantics, Australia-philes, and readers looking for exceptional imagery and craft.
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Modern day fairy tale
It's quirky and quaint - the kind of book you want to read again because you're sure you missed something the first time.
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Five Stars
Very enjoyable and informative book.
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one of my fav Ozzie books
I loved this book first time I read it. I re-read it again after 12 years and I fell in love with it again. the feeling in this book is so beautiful... i love the eucalyptus trees in general, they are among my favorite trees, and this book is just amazing. my husband also loved it!
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It's OK
I finished it but wouldn't look back on it