Book Review: Oscar and Lucinda

A world classic from Australia

Oscar and Lucinda is a great little book. It follows the adventures of the two eponymous characters both in Australia and Europe. Oscar Hopkins and Lucinda Leplastrier are Southern star crossed lovers [geddit?] and gamblers from different sides of the world. Their will they/won’t they relationship is just one of the many elements in this novel, that will leave you wanting to read more.

The sweetest things: stress apples and great literature are the best things to relax with.
The sweetest things: stress apples and great literature are the best things to relax with.

Inspired by several great books – such as Gosse’s Father and Son and Patrick White’s Voss  – this novel nevertheless takes its own unique course. As the characters set off on their own visionary journeys, the book becomes, at times, reminiscent of both magic realism and postmodernism , and of the Australian walkabout. This classic of Australian fiction will leave you literally breathless.

Unputdownable and deep

This book is great and should be read. It’s a real page-turner but discusses deep and challenging issues that are still important today. 5 stars.