Eucalyptus
2 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by 
crimson-tide
from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, September 17, 2004
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Friday, September 17, 2004
1999 Winner of the Miles Franklin Award and the Commonwealth Writers Prize.
From Amazon.com:
"The gruff widower Holland has two possessions he cherishes above all others: his sprawling property of eucalyptus trees and his ravishingly beautiful daughter, Ellen. When Ellen turns nineteen Holland makes an announcement: she may marry only the man who can correctly name the species of each of the hundreds of gum trees on his property. Ellen is uninterested in the many suitors who arrive from around the world, until one afternoon she chances on a strange, handsome young man resting under a Coolibah tree. In the days that follow, he spins dozens of tales set in cities, deserts, and faraway countries. As the contest draws to a close, Ellen and the stranger's meetings become more erotic, the stories more urgent. Murray Bail's rich narrative is filled with unexpected wisdom about art, feminine beauty, landscape, and language. Eucalyptus is a shimmering love story that affirms the beguiling power of storytelling itself."
From Amazon.com:
"The gruff widower Holland has two possessions he cherishes above all others: his sprawling property of eucalyptus trees and his ravishingly beautiful daughter, Ellen. When Ellen turns nineteen Holland makes an announcement: she may marry only the man who can correctly name the species of each of the hundreds of gum trees on his property. Ellen is uninterested in the many suitors who arrive from around the world, until one afternoon she chances on a strange, handsome young man resting under a Coolibah tree. In the days that follow, he spins dozens of tales set in cities, deserts, and faraway countries. As the contest draws to a close, Ellen and the stranger's meetings become more erotic, the stories more urgent. Murray Bail's rich narrative is filled with unexpected wisdom about art, feminine beauty, landscape, and language. Eucalyptus is a shimmering love story that affirms the beguiling power of storytelling itself."
Journal Entry 2 by crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, November 20, 2005
crimson-tide from Balingup, Western Australia Australia on Sunday, November 20, 2005
A very different story this one, and not easy to describe. A fairytale set amongst the eucalypts, telling of a most unusual courtship. Each chapter is headed by the name of a particular eucalypt and something within that chapter, usually something to do with a story the stranger is telling Ellen, relates to that particular tree. Stories within stories..... entwining around the branches and each other and then going off at tangents..... captivating both Ellen and the reader.
The language is very lyrical and descriptive. Also imaginitive and easy to read, although I must admit it took me the first 50 pages or so to settle into it as initially I was put off by Bail's little asides. So don't give up too easily. Think as you read. Enjoy the landscape, the trees, the characters and the language. It will all make so much more sense by the time you reach the wonderful ending.
Reserved for Carlynlee as promised.
The language is very lyrical and descriptive. Also imaginitive and easy to read, although I must admit it took me the first 50 pages or so to settle into it as initially I was put off by Bail's little asides. So don't give up too easily. Think as you read. Enjoy the landscape, the trees, the characters and the language. It will all make so much more sense by the time you reach the wonderful ending.
Reserved for Carlynlee as promised.
Journal Entry 3 by Carlynlee from Perth City, Western Australia Australia on Monday, November 28, 2005
Eucalyptus (plus surprise!) was delivered today....thanks heaps Crimson-Tide, I'm looking forward to this one!
