(The backpacker murders were a spate of serial killings that took place in New South Wales, Australia, between 1989 and 1993, committed by Ivan Milat. The bodies of seven missing young people aged 19 to 22 were discovered partially buried in the Belanglo State Forest, 15 kilometres south-west of the New South Wales town of Berrima. Five of the victims were foreign backpackers (three German, two British) and two were Australians from Melbourne. Milat, then 51 years old, was convicted of the murders on 27 July 1996 and was sentenced to seven consecutive life sentences, as well as 18 years without parole. He died in prison on 27 October 2019, having never confessed to the murders for which he was convicted). Wikipedia
- Fiona McFarlane's new novel, Highway 13, is really twelve different short stories of around 25 or so pages each, five of them having been previously published. Each of them are set in a different year or time frame, from 1950 to 2028. It's a novel only because they are all connected by a fictionalised version of the backpacker murders described above. The killer is named Paul Biga.
- The stories are long enough for McFarlane to dig deep into her characters. They are all victims of the murders, or family or friends of the victims. As readers we meet them up close and are drawn to them. What struck me about their stories though was the fragility of their circumstances generally. Their lives are fragile and flimsy, as are their relationships. Most couples end up getting separated or divorced, and brothers and sisters emotionally isolated. McFarlane seems to be reminding us that we humans are always loosely connected to each other in so many ways. Tragedy can happen, but it's hardly surprising.
- McFarlane's prose is clear and uncomplicated and she has the gift of penetrating deeply into personalities and emotions, focusing on quirks, strengths and vulnerabilities. It's a real joy to read.
- The novel is shortlisted for the 2025 Miles Franklin Award, and might well win. It's superb on so many levels.
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