The Sun Walks Down: 'Steinbeckian majesty' - Sunday Times

The Sun Walks Down is a masterful novel by Fiona McFarlane that tells the story of a small town in the South Australian outback in 1883, where a six-year-old boy goes missing during a dust storm. The residents of Fairly confront their relationships with each other and the ancient landscape they inhabit, while also dealing with the many gods that haunt them. The book has received widespread praise for its stunning storytelling, superb characters, and its kaleidoscopic portrayal of colonial Australia.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 09 March 2023
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

A captivating and enigmatic tale that has captivated readers worldwide, "The Sun Walks Down" is a masterful novel by the acclaimed author of "The Night Guest" and "The High Places." Set in the remote and picturesque town of Fairly in South Australian outback in September 1883, the story revolves around the disappearance of six-year-old Denny Wallace during a dust storm. As the search for the missing child unfolds, the residents of Fairly, a diverse community comprising newlyweds, landowners, farmers, mothers, artists, Indigenous trackers, cameleers, children, schoolteachers, widows, maids, and policemen, are forced to confront their relationships with each other and the ancient landscape they inhabit.

The colonial Australia depicted in "The Sun Walks Down" is a fascinating and complex world, characterized by its unfamiliarity, multiculturalism, and the cacophony of opinions, arguments, longings, and terrors that permeate its every corner. Haunted by a multitude of gods, including the sun itself, which rises and falls with each passing day, the novel explores the intricate connections between the people and the land they inhabit.

Fiona McFarlane's treatment of the dust storm is nothing short of magnificent, evoking a sense of awe and wonder with her simple yet evocative prose. The details are meticulously crafted, reminiscent of Claire Keegan's keen-eyed novellas, Foster and Small Things Like These, and Sunday Times. The reader is transported to the heart of the desert, feeling the heat, the dust, and the desperation of the search party as they comb through the rugged terrain in search of the lost child.

"The Sun Walks Down" is a thrilling success, full of mystery and wonder. The plot unfolds at a pace that keeps the reader engaged and eagerly turning the pages, as the search for Denny takes unexpected turns and reveals the hidden secrets and tragedies of the town. The characters are well-developed and relatable, with their flaws, strengths, and motivations bringing them to life on the page. From the newlywed couple who must navigate the challenges of their new marriage in the midst of the search to the Indigenous tracker who possesses a deep knowledge of the land and its secrets, each character adds depth and complexity to the story.

What sets "The Sun Walks Down" apart from other novels is its brilliant storytelling and superb characters. McFarlane has a gift for creating vivid and memorable scenes, and her prose is filled with vivid imagery and sensory details that transport the reader to the heart of the story. The characters are multi-dimensional, with their motivations and emotions driving their actions and shaping their relationships with each other. The reader is able to empathize with their struggles, joys, and tragedies, making them feel like they are part of the community of Fairly.

In conclusion, "The Sun Walks Down" is a remarkable novel that has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. With its captivating story, intricate characters, and masterful storytelling, it is a testament to the power of literature to transport us to new worlds, explore the depths of human emotions, and leave a lasting impact. Fiona McFarlane's talent as a writer is evident in every page of this epic tale of unsettlement, history, myth, love, and art, and it is sure to be cherished by generations to come.

Weight: 638g
Dimension: 242 x 165 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529389821