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Holden's Performance

By Murray Bail
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Holden's Performance by Murray Bail explores the life of Holden Shadbolt in suburban Australia, highlighting his quest for identity and belonging. Through a series of vignettes, the novel delves into the theme of personal growth amidst the backdrop of his family's complex dynamics and broader societal changes. The narrative cleverly intertwines elements of nostalgia and self-discovery, offering a unique perspective on the Australian experience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are drawn to stories that dive deep into the complexities of identity and personal evolution within the context of Australian culture. The narrative is known for its rich character development and explores themes of self-discovery through the lens of familial relationships and broader social changes. It's an engaging choice for readers who appreciate thoughtful prose and cultural insight.

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From the author of "Homesickness" and "Eucalyptus", comes a brilliant prize-winning novel which tells the life story of Holden Shadbolt, a man who possesses extraordinary gifts. Shortlist Miles Franklin Award 1987.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Holden's Performance is the sprawling tale of Holden Shadbolt, a guileless and matter-of-fact man, as he passes through the cities and landscapes of Australia. He follows the flamboyant people around him - ex-corporal Frank 'Bloodnut' McBee who woos Holden's mother; his uncle Vern, a shortsighted proofreader with a weakness for eating newspaper with his breakfast cereal; and the crippled artist Harriet, whose twists and curves intersect Holden's own unswervingly straight lines...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Holden's Performance by Murray Bail is often lauded for its unique blend of wit and introspection. Reviewers appreciate the novel’s clever narrative and vivid character portrayal, noting that it provides a deep exploration of identity and ambition through the life of the titular Holden. The writing style is frequently described as engaging and evocative, with a distinctive Australian essence that adds depth and authenticity to the storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781875847686

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 May 1999

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 132.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 356g

Pages: 374

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Murray Bail Penguin Books

About the Author

Murray Bail was born in Adelaide in 1941. Homesickness, his first novel, won the National Book Award for Australian Literature and the Melbourne Age Book of the Year Award. Holden's Performance, first published in 1988, won the Vance Palmer Prize for Fiction. Eucalyptus was the winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize and the Miles Franklin Literary Award. Murray Bail's non-fiction includes an acclaimed monograph on the work of the painter Ian Fairweather and Longhand, A Writer's Notebook.

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