Visitants

Text Classics

By: Randolph Stow

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Paperback | 26 August 2015 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Paperback
288 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
19.68 x 13 x 1.5

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When Patrol Officer Alistair Cawdor commits suicide on a small island off New Guinea a colonial inquest is launched. Five witnesses are called to give testimony- the government interpreter, the territory's cadet officer, a planter who claims ownership of the island, one of his servants and the son of the local chief.
Each has a disturbing story to tell. Cawdor's secret past will eventually be put together, piece by damning piece. But what of the ominous newcomer Metusela, and the unidentified visitant that has inspired a cargo cult?
First published in 1979, Randolph Stow's novel Visitants was informed by the author's own time in the Trobriand Islands two decades earlier. It is one of the most potent examinations of Australian colonialism.

'A brilliant, ambitious novel.' Sydney Morning Herald
'Tautly and vibrantly written, and brilliantly evocative of its Trobriand Islands setting.' Australian Book Review

Industry Reviews

`A brilliant, ambitious novel.' * Sydney Morning Herald *
`Tautly and vibrantly written, and brilliantly evocative of its Trobriand Islands setting.' * Australian Book Review *
`Storytelling at its very best...An extraordinary novel.' * Boston Globe *
`It is a rare pleasure for those of us who are already fans to have these works at our disposal...[Stow was] the most talented and celebrated Australian author of the post-White generation.' * Monthly *
`It should be taken as no commentary on contemporary Oz Lit that I choose Text's fistful of Randolph Stow reissues for my local favourite(s) during 2015. Their appearance reminds us that a gentle, wise, wounded, and immensely talented poet in prose once lived among us.' * Geordie Williamson, Australian Book Review, Books of the Year 2015 *
`Stow is an exceptional writer, truly gifted at capturing the natural environment as well as the essential physical and psychological characteristics of his characters. What makes his work memorable however is his examination of human connections...Beautiful.' * Salty Popcorn *

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Visitants

Text Classics

At a Glance

Paperback

Industry Reviews

Shipping

How to return your order

Defective items

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