The Songlines

"That Chatwin is one of the most distinct and original writers we have is confirmed by the publication of another quite remarkable book" -- Nicholas Shakespeare "The songlines emerge as invisible pathways connecting up all over Australia: ancient tracks made of songs which tell of the creation of the land. The Aboriginals' religious duty is ritually to travel the land, singing the Ancestors' songs: singing the world into being afresh. The Songlines is one man's impassioned song" -- David Sexton Sunday Telegraph "Chatwin is not simply describing another culture; he is also making cautious assertions about human nature. Towards the end of his life Sartre wondered why people still write novels; had he read Chatwin's he might have found new excitement in the genre" -- Edmund White Sunday Times "Chatwin delves into aspects of landscape that are beyond road signs and highways, and into a way of living that is entirely alien to the average European. those who are open to a bit of a wander will adore it" Evening Herald