- Robbie Arnott's third novel is his best so far. It is a stunningly good achievement. His first novel, Flames, was a semi YA polyglot which in my view didn't work. His second, The Rain Heron, was coherent and very enjoyable, but Limberlost is just excellent in every way. It's a mature, realistic family saga, principally focussing on the youngest son Ned.
- It's set in Northern Tasmania, on an apple orchid called Limberlost, not far from Launceston. We traverse the 20th century, starting with World War I. Ned is a young teenage boy and his two older brothers, Bill and Toby, are fighting in the war in Europe. He has an older sister, Maggie, as well. Their mother died a few years earlier. Their father is rather brusque but very supportive.
- There are incidents and sub-plots dotted throughout that enrich the story immeasurably. Ned lacks self-confidence (When would the natural competence of other men come to him?) but he's a very mature, sensitive and kind man.
- He marries Callie, the sister of an old friend, and they have three children. They develop their own farm, growing apples and vegetables and making a good living. Callie is a strong, independent woman whom Ned loves dearly, but for some reason Arnott refers to her as 'Ned's wife' or 'his wife' continually. It's not at all clear why. It was the common parlance of the time of course, but....
- Arnott's writing is strikingly beautiful, and he brings the rich natural environment of Tasmania vividly to life. He also addresses wider issues such as the history and rights of the original Indigenous inhabitants of the land.
- The ending is very emotional indeed. It brings the life and times of this family to a very satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended.
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