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picnicatthehangingtree's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Beautifully written and atmospheric
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Child death, and Death
Moderate: Classism, Emotional abuse, Blood, Gore, Grief, Sexism, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Fire/Fire injury, and Child abuse
Minor: Alcoholism, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Rape
bookstorian's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
After reading the script adaption and wanting to know more about the story prior to teaching it I knew that this Aussie classic needed to be read.
There are so many aspects of the story that my literary brain loved and there were others that were a little waning on my modern sensibilities.
-Loved the establishment of place, the idea that the landscape, especially the rock becomes a character. There is so much beautiful language used to articulate this.
-The shrouded mystery happens quickly. There is so much foreshadowing in the lead up to the picnic.
-The things that cannot be explained. The lure towards the rock, the clocks stopping and the curse like aftermath of the picnic is clear (reminded me of what happened to Howard Carter’s crew after the discovery of King Tut).
-Feels a little spooky, so well done that you can see why people think it is a true story as it feels so plausible that it could actually happen. People disappearing into the bush, probable.
-The flick between time and perspective got a little confusing at times and I had to go back an reread different sections. The narrator achieved a very subjective perspective throughout the story. Not placing the blame on any one or anything and letting the reader decide (even from the very beginning this is clear).
-I became sleepy like the characters at the later half of the story. I did already know the ending from the reading the script though.
-I’m ok with the ending. I’m ok with the not knowing. It makes the story more plausible and believable, people disappear all the time without any resolutions being made. I think stories that don’t have an ending that comes wrapped in a big bow are often the ones I think about the most afterwards.
-Also special shout out to the cover artist. I loved the moody sketch and colour palette of the book, plus extra points for a matte cover!
Overall, I am glad that I have read this text as not only do I have more contextual information about the play but I can also give this Aussie classic a big tick. Keen to check out the mini-series as see how it translates to screen now!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Death, Grief, and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism
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