Beautiful caring moments between Albert and Mike as they try to find those girls. Leda and the swan imagery throughout this novel paints a picture of a monolithic force (like chronos time) ready to destroy innocence (the swan).
Hi Mark, really liked your review. I have been toying with an idea to read this book, I am very inspired now. I’ve never heard of this author before and never read classical novels about Australia. So this is going to be the 1st for me. My favourite classical book is not very popular in the West: “ Gadfly” by Eithel Lilian Voynich, (Irish author) I read it 4 times and every time I cried, cried, cried!
It's been said that the original contained clues such that the reader could solve the mystery, and that the solution was different from what the author later explained in a posthumously published epilog. I believe we can't trust writers regarding what they later say were their intentions, or even what they say contemporaneously, because writers like to play with their audiences. The solution promoted by the analyst was quite prosaic: a rock slide that buried and hid the victims, covering its own traces.
Great review! Saw the Weir movie a long time ago but will have to pick up the book. Reminds me of the relatively recent New Werid movement of writers - which can be pulpy (I sort of like that) but can go in for the unspoken uncanny, though they might be more influenced by Lovecraft and his lot. Thanks for all the reasons to pick this up.
Jay Shay Thank you! I think Picnic at Hanging Rock was definitely an uncanny book, but with the lightest touch, which makes it all the better. I love that vague sense of unease. I must investigate some of the New Weird movement. If you have recommendations send them my way!
tbh, the latest adaptation is not particularly good. I dont think that Miranda is anything like either the beloved novel or film. I know its open to interpretation but i am a tad disappointed. The ethereal masterpiece of Peter Weir cannot be surpassed for me!
The Peter Weir film is from 1975.
Another novel the book reminds of is Arthur Machen's The Hill of Dreams.
Beautiful caring moments between Albert and Mike as they try to find those girls. Leda and the swan imagery throughout this novel paints a picture of a monolithic force (like chronos time) ready to destroy innocence (the swan).
A really intelligent look at the book. A joy to listen to your ideas. Well done.
Good movie, based on the novel.
The Weir film leaves much to the imagination of the viewer, and the soundtrack remains astonishing even today.
Hi Mark, really liked your review. I have been toying with an idea to read this book, I am very inspired now. I’ve never heard of this author before and never read classical novels about Australia. So this is going to be the 1st for me.
My favourite classical book is not very popular in the West: “ Gadfly” by Eithel Lilian Voynich, (Irish author) I read it 4 times and every time I cried, cried, cried!
The 1975 is a Aussie classic
Oh boy I loved Maurice.
It's been said that the original contained clues such that the reader could solve the mystery, and that the solution was different from what the author later explained in a posthumously published epilog. I believe we can't trust writers regarding what they later say were their intentions, or even what they say contemporaneously, because writers like to play with their audiences. The solution promoted by the analyst was quite prosaic: a rock slide that buried and hid the victims, covering its own traces.
It was odd how Sarah's benefactor turns up but you never see him.
We don't see the benefactor arrive, because he didn't. It was a lie that Mrs Appleyard told to cover that she knew that Sarah was already dead.
Great review! Saw the Weir movie a long time ago but will have to pick up the book. Reminds me of the relatively recent New Werid movement of writers - which can be pulpy (I sort of like that) but can go in for the unspoken uncanny, though they might be more influenced by Lovecraft and his lot. Thanks for all the reasons to pick this up.
Jay Shay Thank you! I think Picnic at Hanging Rock was definitely an uncanny book, but with the lightest touch, which makes it all the better. I love that vague sense of unease. I must investigate some of the New Weird movement. If you have recommendations send them my way!
nice review !!!!
Yes the rock is like a character isn't it.
The rock almost claims the girls for itself - they have become native girls.
Looks like Amazon prime removed it to make way for millennial trash films again.
tbh, the latest adaptation is not particularly good. I dont think that Miranda is anything like either the beloved novel or film. I know its open to interpretation but i am a tad disappointed. The ethereal masterpiece of Peter Weir cannot be surpassed for me!