The Legacy of Old Gran Parks by Isobel Blackthorn

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The Legacy of Old Gran Parks by Isobel Blackthorn is a dark satire that uses the juxtaposition of the vast remoteness of the Australian landscape, and small town claustrophobia to great effect. When Miriam rolls into town with a broken-down car, she becomes embroiled in the dark undertows at work in the town. The events that unfold over the course of her enforced stay might have proven more than she could handle, if she hadn’t spent so long working in a Government department.
Blackthorn has a particular skill with characterisation. The cast of women in The Legacy of Old Gran Parks, although not easy to like, are beautifully wrought. The men are equally singular, although they are, almost to a man, reprehensible. Even the local constabulary is considered worse than useless. However, as the final body count attests, this does not mean the residents of Cann River take insult lying down. With an eclectic mix of literary and cultural references, strong characters and a moody, detailed setting, The Legacy of Gran Parks will appeal to readers who enjoy their horror a little left of centre field.




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