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ISBN: 9781760990268
Dimensions: 20.8x14cm
Pages: 216
Publication year: 2022
Publisher: Fremantle Press
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Only Birds Above

Written by Portland Jones

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This is the story of Arthur Watkins, blacksmith, who leaves his beloved young wife Helen to serve with the 10th Light Horse Regiment in the Middle East in World War I. He returns without his horse, a man forever changed by what he has seen and suffered. Years later, Arthur’s children Ruth and Tom are still feeling the effects of the first war when Tom is sent by his father to work in Sumatra. Tom Watkins is there in 1942 when the Japanese invade and is taken prisoner. This is the story of two wars that divide and unite a father and son, and all the years that lie in between.

PRAISE FOR THE BOOK

‘Uniquely crafted tale of two world wars, seen through Jones’ tender horse trainer touch …’ Australian Women’s Weekly

Only Birds Above establishes Jones as one of Western Australia’s finest writers of literary-historical fiction.’ Writing WA

‘This novel perfectly and poignantly takes you into battle with men and horses at war, and captures the pain and beauty, along with the slivers of hope, carried by the mothers, wives, sons and daughters left behind.’ Jon Doust

‘Although deeply sad, this is a wonderful novel with a beautiful ending that reminded me to never give up hope.’ Good Reading Magazine

Only Birds Above is sublime …’ Amanda Curtin

‘Jones is a perceptive observer of the human-equine bond, and her prose is perhaps never more beautiful than when she describes these animals.’ Geraldton Guardian

Only Birds Above is a beautifully realised work of historical fiction.’ The Australian Baby Boomers Podcast

‘This is a story that should never be forgotten.’ Beauty and Lace

Awards

2022 ARA Historical Novel Prize (Longlisted 2022)



Pages: 216
Publication Year: 2022
Publisher: Fremantle Press
Categories:
, ,
Share via:      

Portland Jones

Portland Jones is a writer, lecturer and horse trainer who lives and works in the Swan Valley. She has a PhD in Literature and her first novel, Seeing the Elephant, was shortlisted for the City of Fremantle Hungerford Award. Only Birds Above is her second novel. She has also co-authored a non-fiction book, Horses Hate […]