I can’t forget Breath, Tim Winton’s latest novel about daredevil surfers. I’m reminded of it now as I finish watching Moby Dick on ABC1, also about dying/drowning and manhood. Such strong narrative themes.
I discovered a copy of Breath in a B&B at Mt Macedon and just had to read it. Sex, death and surfing – what a heady mix. It’s meaningful, exciting and scary. When I came to the end and closed the book, I was moved to tears by the power of the writing.
And yes, it is about breath, the breath we take for granted but that is the difference between life and death, as any surfer knows. And if, like me, you’ve never managed to stand up on a surfboard, read the book for vicarious surfing.
Later, in a second-hand country bookshop, I came across a first edition hardback of The Turning, Winton’s book of short stories that I had to have. A perfect weekend!
