Plot summary, “A House of Trees” by Joan Colebrook in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"A House of Trees" is a memoir that recounts the author's childhood in 1920s Australia, specifically on Atherton Tableland in the North Queensland region. The memoir explores the stark contrast between the rugged and raw beauty of the Australian land and the more refined values and customs of England, which were still regarded as the mother country by many white Australians during that time.
Joan Colebrook's memories highlight the challenging demands that the Australian landscape posed on European settlers who sought to make it their home. She draws parallels between the "civilizing" of the land and her own process of growing up, likely reflecting on the struggles and transformations she experienced while coming of age in such a dynamic environment.
Critics have praised the writing of "A House of Trees" as otherworldly and lyrical, with the ability to evoke a lost time and place, capturing the essence of the past in a beautifully written narrative.
The memoir delves into the experiences of the Colebrook family, with Joan being the fourth of six children. Her parents were part of the first generation of settlers who came to Australia after the initial wave of European immigrants, which included deported convicts and others seeking new opportunities and adventures.
Living amidst the rainforest on Atherton Tableland, Joan's childhood was shaped by the untamed and diverse natural surroundings. Her father, described as a pro-union businessman with a romantic streak, and her mother, a dedicated and hard-working woman, played significant roles in shaping her upbringing.
The book also touches on the culture of daring and adventure that characterized Australia's early settlers, as well as the hardships they faced, including the outside torments of monsoons and historical acts of deprivation, such as cannibalism in some remote settler camps.
"A House of Trees" appears to be a captivating memoir that intertwines the author's personal experiences with the broader historical context of early 20th-century Australia. It paints a vivid picture of a lost time and place, showcasing the resilience, complexities, and contrasts that defined life in that era.