The title of this book refers to a character who is really peripheral and who is not explored much at all. The reader learns nothing of his feelings, his character, and very little of his background other than as a stereotype.
The book is really about 2 women, one the wife of the station manager, the second an English jillaroo, and alternates between them.
I found the first section of the book fascinating, the description of landscape was so vivid I almost felt I was there. The character Susannah, from whose point of view the book begins, was also vividly drawn. Her loneliness, isolation and even fear, and her connections to both the landscape around her and to her husband and to her children were very strong and emotional.
However I found the second character Laura to be less believable, and elements of her story far fetched. Also puzzling to me was the complete lack of empathy, until maybe the end, between her and Susannah.
I did enjoy sections of the book more than others, but overall was disappointed. I had read and enjoyed the author's first book "Skins" and so was expecting to enjoy this as much.
Texas
