Eucalyptus: A Novel

I loved this incredibly well written book. I think it won the Booker prize a few years ago. Very clever and so very uniquely Australian. I highly recommend it. Struck a real cord with me.Just fantastic

couldn't finish

Wonderful modern day Cinderella story with plot twists that will leave you smiling.

Author's style is grating at best. I don't understand how this was ever published.

Nice little story, captures something about Australia and - in particular - about gum trees. Unique style. Lots of stories in the story.

I would describe Eucalyptus as a fairtale. Murray Bail, the author, essentially begins his novel with ‘once upon a time’, at once denoting a type of fantastical or fairy tale within his writing. As the book continues, the reader discovers many fairy tale-like conventions. All fairy tales must have a hero, and Eucalyptus is no exception, albeit he remains nameless throughout the...more

I would describe Eucalyptus as a fairtale. Murray Bail, the author, essentially begins his novel with ‘once upon a time’, at once denoting a type of fantastical or fairy tale within his writing. As the book continues, the reader discovers many fairy tale-like conventions. All fairy tales must have a hero, and Eucalyptus is no exception, albeit he remains nameless throughout the entire novel. Ellen, the book’s heroine, literally stumbles across him lying beneath a tree. His strangeness and the way he almost magically appears on the property pique her interest. Later we find out, the hero has had (enchanted) help. Fortunate enough to meet the Sprunt sisters from town whilst travelling on a train, they tell him of “the most beautiful woman you’re ever likely to see”. When Ellen comes upon him he is lying under a Coolibah tree. Bushman or Swagman, it appears that Eucalypt’s hero is one that has been fashioned from the Australian landscape and folklore. Ellen stumbling upon her hero certainly invokes distrust and suspicion at first, however the hero quickly disarms her by his compelling storytelling. It is almost as though Ellen and readers alike fall under the enchanted spell of his narrative. Ellen is a captive princess, living in a house that has a “tower” and she finds herself completely trapped. Mr Cave, an approved suitor by her father, and one she does not love is only steps away of occupying her as a “neat house”. This novel has you on tenterhooks as to whether or not Mr Cave will succeed in winning Ellen, or will she somehow be saved? A delightful award winning Australian novel.   hide

I fricken loved this book. A really sweet love story, written in such an interesting style. A bit magical realism, set in the Australian bush. I am so glad that Russell and Nicole never ended up making the movie based on this.

A frustrating bush fairytale about a very controlling father and his very compliant daughter. It has prickly Australian flavour and great if you need an education about Australian Eucalypts.

Very challenging!!