Border Districts

A man moves to a remote town in the border country to review the spoils of a lifetime of seeing, reading, and fictional characters. Border Districts is a farewell from one of the greatest living writers of English prose, winner of the Australian 2018 Prime Minister's Literary Award and shortlisted for the 2018 Miles Franklin Award.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2019
Publisher: And Other Stories

A man relocates from a bustling capital city to a secluded village nestled in the borderlands, where he plans to spend the remaining years of his life. He believes it is an appropriate moment to reflect on the treasures amassed throughout a lifetime of exploration and intellectual pursuits. As he delves into his memories, he is driven by a growing sense of urgency to organize his mental landscape, unaware of the secrets that lie within and the trajectory his "report" will take.

Border Districts is a magnificent testament to the literary prowess of one of the greatest living writers of English prose. This remarkable work, winner of the Australian 2018 Prime Minister's Literary Award and shortlisted for the 2018 Miles Franklin Award, marks Murnane's first publication in the UK in thirty years.

Immersed in the tranquility of the borderlands, the man finds solace in the peaceful surroundings and the opportunity to ponder the essence of his existence. He reflects on the people, places, books, fictional characters, turns of phrase, and lines of verse that have shaped his life and left an indelible mark on his soul. As he catalogs his memories, he is filled with a sense of anticipation, curiosity, and perhaps even a hint of apprehension about the revelations that await him.

With each recollection, the man's mental landscape unfolds, revealing fragments of his past, present, and future. He revisits cherished moments, encounters with remarkable individuals, and profound insights gained from his extensive reading. Through this introspective journey, he begins to discern the essence of what truly matters to him and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.

Border Districts is a profound exploration of the human condition, offering a glimpse into the complexities of life, love, and loss. Murnane's writing is characterized by his meticulous attention to detail, his poetic prose, and his ability to evoke powerful emotions and profound insights. This book is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

As the man concludes his "report," he realizes that the journey of memory and introspection is not merely about cataloging the past but also about finding meaning and purpose in the present. He understands that the sights, people, books, fictional characters, turns of phrase, and lines of verse that have survived into the twilight are not just remnants of a bygone era but rather symbols of the human spirit's enduring resilience and capacity for growth.

In conclusion, Border Districts is a remarkable farewell from one of the greatest living writers of English prose. This book offers a profound exploration of the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on the treasures of a lifetime and the legacy they wish to leave behind. Through Murnane's meticulous writing and his ability to evoke powerful emotions, this book serves as a testament to the enduring power of literature and the human spirit.

Weight: 164g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911508380