Review:
Black Water by David Metzenthen
Read by David Tredinnick. Louis Braille
Audio, 2007. 8 CDs, 9 hrs.
Penguin, 2007.
(Age 12+) Set on the coast of Queenscliff near Melbourne,
Metzenthen tells the story of two country boys during the dark days of
World War 1. Danny has joined the army and is fighting the Turks at
Gallipoli, while Farren works at the local pub. When their father
drowns at sea, Farren is left with the family fishing boat and the news
that his brother is in a hospital in Melbourne, crippled and disfigured
from his war wounds. When Danny comes home, affected by what he had
experienced at Gallipoli, he is unable to face the townspeople and
stays isolated in his home on the island until one night he rescues
Souki, a young girl washed up from a shipwreck.
This is a beautifully crafted story that works on many levels.
Metzenthen explores the horror of war and the expectation that all men
should serve as soldiers, the hollow feelings of grief when a parent
dies and the warmth of a caring community. David Tredinnick's reading
brings an extra resonance to an already wonderful story. His deep rich
voice captures the life of the Fox family, the allure and danger of the
sea and the tight knit fishing community where they live. The
excitement of the boat race between rivals is brought to life and the
listener can easily imagine the taunts and boasts of the warring
fishermen.
Tredinnick has a lovely voice that is very easy to listen to, and his
portrayal of the male characters is wonderful. He changes the nuance of
his voice so that the listener instantly knows who is speaking and is
able to gain a clear image of the nature of the different characters.
This audio edition of the CBCA Honour book would be a useful addition
to the library and would be helpful as an adjunct to a class set.
Pat Pledger
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Consulting, 2007