Travelling Light

I can't believe I haven't read Robyn Davidson sooner. She writes with a natural poeticism and a reflective bent befitting the eyes of a observer and be-er in nature. This collection of essays includes a brief memoir of parts of her childhood on the Darling Downs and the Sunshine Coast, personal historical descriptions of these places that bring them to life in a way I haven't come across before. She also muses eloquently on Australian culture and identity with pith and insight.

How thrilling too, to have the voice of a regional Queensland woman whose education and values encompass environmentalism, political awareness and an openness to the uncertainties of life.

Published in 1989, after her most well known book Tracks, this collection of stories covers a number of settings over a long period of time. It includes the early part of her establishment of the Tracks book, but a lot more new writing.

There are a number of stories in Australia, including the story of her childhood (The Mythological Crucible) which was incredibly readable; the introductory story mentioned above which leads into Tracks; three short stories collected under the title Travelling Light: Home and the final story, titles Alice Springs.
As well as these we have three short stories collected under the title The City and the Bush which are not so geographically focused, but describe the love/hate of living in London, and wanting to return to Australia; and, under the title Travelling Light: Away - a trip on a Harley from New York to California; and travels in Rajasthan, India.

They are thoughtful and well considered stories, well written, and entertaining. Davidson shares a lot of herself in these stories, and she comes across as not only thoughtful and considered, but a free spirit and like she would be a lot of fun to be around - presuming you were not on the opposite side of her opinion.

It is a short read, but a rewarding one, well worth seeking out.
4 stars.