Wayne Marshall, Henry Goes Bush

- Wayne Marshall's first novel is a fascinating story about famous Australian poet and writer Henry Lawson. It's historical - set in the 1890's - but also an indulgence in fantasy, often whacky and insane. Nevertheless it's delightful and full of meaning.   

- Lawson is sent to Bourke in the North-West of NSW by The Bulletin’s editor, J.F.Archibald, to write some articles about the bush. He’s also a drunk. ‘He’d gladly sell his soul for a beer’. He's pretty negative about all the romantic bullshit about the bush. His famous poem is 'The Drover's Wife'.

- His upper class mate is famous poet Banjo Paterson, ‘a city wanker’ according to Henry. He's a celebrator of the character of the bush and its people, and he created 'Waltzing Matilda'. He's also sent to Bourke. Archibald wants a 'poetic dual’. 

- Henry discovers a tunnel located in a backyard. It's washed in brilliant colour. He falls down and around and ends in a new room. Banjo and his female friend also fall into the tunnel where it’s dark for days. 

- The novel is written in a rhythmic prose which echoes the poetic style made popular by Lawson and Paterson. Each line is balanced by two clauses - 'There was movement at the station for the word had got around'. It's lyrical and engaging. 

- Marshall adds details of the life and death of Lawson and how the rivaIry with Banjo and their friendship developed. I would urge you to read a selection of their famous works.