Eucalyptus

Holland challenges his daughter Ellen to marry the first man who can name all the eucalypts, and she encounters a strange young man among her father's trees, a storyteller with enchanting tales of faraway lands. Murray Bail is the warmest and quick-witted of storytellers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 July 2021
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

A masterpiece of literature, this novel blends high seriousness with a delightful playfulness. Set on a picturesque property in New South Wales, the story revolves around a man named Holland and his daughter, Ellen. As Ellen matures into a beautiful young woman, her father announces a peculiar challenge: she must marry the first man who can identify all the eucalypts, down to the last tree.

As suitors flock to meet this daunting task, Ellen encounters a mysterious young man among her father's trees. He is a storyteller, weaving enchanting tales of faraway lands. Known for his warmth and quick wit, Murray Bail captivates readers with his captivating storytelling. At the heart of this novel lies one of the most remarkable and unexpected courtships in literary history.

Michael Hulse, in his review for the Spectator, praises the book as "a masterpiece." He acknowledges the author's ability to blend seriousness and playfulness, creating a work that is both profound and entertaining. Hulse also highlights the remarkable courtship between Ellen and Murray Bail, describing it as "one of the great and most surprising in literature."

Michael Ondaatje, another renowned critic, praises the book for its "warmth and quick-wittedness." He emphasizes the book's central theme, which revolves around one of the most remarkable and surprising courtships in literature. Ondaatje describes Murray Bail as a "master storyteller," noting that his tales are unforgettable and leave a lasting impact on readers.

In conclusion, this novel is a true masterpiece that captivates readers with its blend of high seriousness and higher playfulness. Michael Hulse and Michael Ondaatje, among other critics, have praised it for its remarkable storytelling and its ability to create one of the most remarkable and unexpected courtships in literature. Whether you are a fan of literary fiction or simply seeking a captivating and entertaining read, this novel is sure to exceed your expectations.

Weight: 196g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784876906