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quadruploni's review
informative
reflective
slow-paced
3.25
The first, titular section is wonderful, rich in idiosyncratic detail and thoughtful reflections (though the final part, on the metaphysical aspects of the toilet, lost me a bit), the language elegant but never precious. The middle two sections, recounting stays in Italy and India, respectively, are fine, coming off like fairly conventional travel pieces one used to find in the big magazines. The last section returns to childhood, where the author seems to have a firmer grip on the material, and the result is compelling but slight, compared to the opener.
carolhoggart's review
4.0
Beautifully written and deepy thoughtful. This is a memoir of places in Malouf's life. The title refers to the address of his childhood home in Brisbane and the first part of this short book explores it, room by room. But 21 Emondstone St is far more than a simple retelling of childhood memories - it is a reflection on memory, time and in particular how the body shapes one's perceptions of the spaces and things around. This is a book that bears many rereadings. It will certainly haunt the corners of my memory.
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