Blueback by Tim Winton

Blueback is an achingly beautiful story about family, belonging, and living a life in tune with the environment, from Tim Winton, one of Australia's best-loved authors.

Blueback is an achingly beautiful story about family, belonging, and living a life in tune with the environment, from Tim Winton, one of Australia's best-loved authors.

'Winton ... convince[s] us of the preciousness of our oceans not through lectures but through his characters' steady wonder.' New York Times

Abel Jackson's boyhood belongs to a vanishing world. On an idyllic stretch of coast whose waters teem with fish, he lives a simple, tough existence. It's just him and his mother in the house at Longboat Bay, but Abel has friends in the sea, particularly the magnificent old groper he meets when diving.

As the years pass, things change, but one thing seems to remain constant: the greed of humans. When the modern world comes to his patch of sea, Abel wonders what can stand in its way.

Blueback is a deceptively simple allegory about a boy who matures through fortitude and who finds wisdom through living in harmony with all forms of life.

'In true fable style, this is a simple story, but one so beautiful, poignant and moving it is impossible to ignore.' Daily Telegraph

Tim Winton

Reviews

“ In true fable style, this is a simple story, but one so beautiful, poignant and moving it is impossible to ignore. ”

Daily Telegraph

“ A memorable and redemptive fable of our maddening times. ”

Booklist

“ Winton is a true storyteller who digs deep into nature's soul to procure his images. ”

Herald Sun

“ While an ecological message is obviously being pitched here, Blueback can't be dismissed as a simple tract. Tim Winton is determined to convince us of the preciousness of our oceans not through lectures but through his characters' steady wonder. ”

New York Times

“ At moments surreal, this captivating gem inspires and motivates. ”

Australian Financial Review

“ Though containing suspense, indignation and sadness, the overwhelming tone of the book is an affirming vitality. ”

Big Issue

Paperback

9780143202837

August 31, 2009

Penguin

160 pages

RRP $22.99
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Find your local bookstore at booksellers.org.au
Paperback

9780143304333

December 22, 2008

Puffin

176 pages

RRP $17.99
Online retailers
Or

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EBook

9781742537399

September 14, 2012

Penguin eBooks

156 pages
Online retailers