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Fly Away Peter

David Malouf

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Mar 23, 2008 Ainsley rated it did not like it

David Malouf is one of Australia's most talented authors, renowned for his sensual, descripive style. Unfortunately (for him and me), I happen to loathe this style of communication. I admire people who can maintain a sense of interest and wonder as Mr Malouf spends two or three pages describing how the character felt when walking up a hill. This book deals, at least partially, with war and communicates the confusion of a soldier in battle reasonably well. However, that's all it does. You are lef ...more

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Sep 05, 2007 Kerry rated it it was amazing

This is a beautifully written novella which uses bird imagery to capture the horrors of WW1. It is superb in describing the strange ambivalence that Australians have about getting involved in other people's wars on the other side of the world. I really enjoyed the main character's refections as he tried to understand why he was headed for a war in places he knew nothing about and didn't really understand why he needed to go. A very interesting comparison when read alongside a novel like Birdsong ...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Swiftsea rated it liked it

I'm currently reading and evaluating every chapter of this book in my current Year 11 I.B. English Class.
It was rather difficult to begin with. For those whom are unaware of the Australian cultural references to the landscape of Queensland and the terms used to describe Jim as a character, would not truly understand in full the depth the nature and moral values this moral is attempting to convey to us.
Although I have to say I didn't really enjoy this book, I wouldn't brush away it's significan ...more

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