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Something for the Pain

A Memoir of the Turf
By Gerald Murnane
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3.88 goodreads logo

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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
In Something for the Pain, Gerald Murnane delves into his lifelong passion for horse racing, interweaving memories of his childhood and adult experiences. The book offers insights into Murnane's personal world while reflecting on the intricate links between memory, imagination, and identity. It's a contemplative journey through his unique perspective, with horse racing as a compelling backdrop.
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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 captivating memoir if you appreciate introspective reflections on life, memory, and the intricacies of a writer's journey. Known for their rich narrative style, the author provides a deep dive into personal experiences with a keen sense of observation and thoughtfulness. This book may appeal to those who enjoy exploring the intersection between imagination and reality through the eyes of a thoughtful and reflective individual.

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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

As a boy, Gerald Murnane became obsessed with horse racing. He had never ridden a horse, nor seen a race. Yet he was fascinated by photos of horse races in the Sporting Globe, and by the incantation of horses' names in radio broadcasts of races. Murnane discovered in these races more than he could find in religion or philosophy—they were the gateway to a world of imagination.

Gerald Murnane is like no other writer, and Something for the Pain is like no other Murnane book. In this unique and spellbinding memoir, he tells the story of his life through the lens of horse racing. It is candid, droll, and moving—a treat for lovers of literature and of the turf.

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?

Something for the Pain by Gerald Murnane is praised for its meticulous style and humour, described as a compelling and original memoir revolving around his passion for horse racing. Reviewers laud it for its blend of comedy, emotional depth, and thought-provoking ideas, portraying Murnane as one of Australia's finest writers. The memoir is noted for not only detailing his fascination with racing but also offering insight into his life and the complexity of memory and obsession.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781925355437

Publisher: Text Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 January 2017

Country: Australia

Imprint: The Text Publishing Company

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 21.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 194g

Pages: 288

Collections

Biography & Memoir Gerald Murnane Non-Fiction Penguin Books Sports

About the Author

Gerald Murnane was born in Melbourne in 1939. He has been a primary teacher, an editor and a university lecturer. His debut novel, Tamarisk Row (1974), was followed by nine other works of fiction, including The Plains (now available as a Text Classic) and most recently A Million Windows. In 1999 Murnane won the Patrick White Award and in 2009 he won the Melbourne Prize for Literature. His memoir Something for the Pain won the 2016 Victorian Premier's Award for non-fiction. He lives in western Victoria.

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