Wild Words Newsletter
Get monthly recommendations on all the latest nature writing, heritage and conservation related reads available at Sherlock & Pages
Praiseworthy, authored by the acclaimed Alexis Wright, is an extraordinary literary work that immerses readers in a narrative where environmental catastrophe collides with cultural tenacity within a remote Aboriginal settlement. This captivating tale follows the journey of Cause Man Steel, who boldly endeavors to create a nationwide donkey transportation network, reclaiming autonomy for his people against a backdrop of adversity.
At the heart of this gripping story lies a mysterious haze, symbolizing both looming disaster and the gathering of ancestral spirits. The tension escalates as Cause employs unconventional methods—transporting feral donkeys in his Ford Falcon and leaving them at the local cemetery—fueling conflict within the community. Meanwhile, his wife, Dance, seeks refuge among her beloved lepidopteran friends, dreaming of a life beyond the struggles that beset them.
The narrative poignantly captures the emotional turmoil within the community, particularly through the eyes of Tommyhawk Steel, a young boy navigating his identity amidst the aspirations of whiteness and the weight of his cultural heritage. Wright's prose is a linguistic powerhouse, filled with rich imagery and explosive storytelling that draws readers into this vibrant world.
In Praiseworthy, readers embark on an unforgettable journey that challenges societal norms and inspires reflection on resilience and identity.
ISBN: | 9781913505929 |
Author: | Alexis Wright |
Format: | Paperback / softback |
Imprint: | And Other Stories |
Publisher: | And Other Stories |
Dimensions: | 130 x 199 x 58 mm |
Publication Date: | 02 November, 2023 |
Weight: | 642g |
Sherlock & Pages is a little bookshop with a big heart. We are based in Frome, Somerset, England and curate lists of books in the areas we are passionate about – landscape, nature, history, and heritage. In short, the conservation of all we’ve inherited and all we are responsible to pass on. We aim to inspire and be inspired, to form a literary culture of care and passion about this precious planet we call home.
This is a shop where you might find something you haven’t seen before, and we like to think we’ve got something for everyone. We choose each of our books with care and for a reason. This is because our physical store is small but beautifully formed, holding only around 1200 titles at any one time. We try and recreate the feel of the shop wherever we are online, to reflect our niche categories and personality.
We have an active social media presence and aim to share our story with all our friends. The long-term goal is to build a hub for the books and writers we believe in. Who knows where our adventure will lead but by supporting Sherlock & Pages you’re helping us to add a further layer of magic to our little corner of the world. If you haven’t visited our physical store, one day you might just make a literary pilgrimage down to Somerset.
Our tagline is ‘Long Live the Hedgerows’ and our symbol a hibernating dormouse. If you want to support an independent with a unique character and which will share stories with you for years to come, then choose Sherlock & Pages. The world needs bookshops with soul, for they are ‘citadels of light.’