The Birdwatcher

by William McInnes

A novel about love, about twitchers, and about learning to trust from bestselling, award-winning author, William McInnes.

This is a story about a bloke who's losing his hearing; a bird that can't fly but likes being read to; and a teenage daughter who doesn't know who to be angry at.

It's about a woman living with the echo of illness finding out how much fun it can be to trust someone; a man called Murph who has a secret; and Perry Como.

It's part love story, part Hot Diggity moments of discovery, whether they happen in a rainforest or while sitting on a verandah, or in somebody's heart.

It's about cold outdoor showers and people not quite being complete. But, most of all, it's about giving yourself the gift to be still while you wait for the lights to change or the rain to stop, so you have time to think.

For all of us, there are memories and secrets that can change our lives. If we let them.

Genres: Fiction, Birds

185 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 29, 2013

About the author

Darryl William McInnes (born 10 September 1963) is one of Australia’s most popular stage and screen actors.

His leading roles in Sea Change and Blue Heelers have made him a household name. The mini-series Shark Net and My Brother Jack earned him widespread critical acclaim. He has been nominated for numerous stage and screen awards, and has won a Variety Club Drama Award in 1997 and two Logie awards for Most Outstanding Actor in 2000 and 2004.

William grew up in Queensland and has travelled extensively throughout Australia. He now lives in Melbourne with his two children. He was married to the late film maker Sarah Watt.

Reviews

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

William McInnes's story telling just gets better and better, and he really hits his straps with this one. Ahh, mature love - not in the testoserone driven first flush of youth, but between two adults who are wary, awkward, and knowing.
My big question is this: is William a twitcher? He certainly seems to have a genuine knowledge of not only the birds, but of birders themselves, the driven, determined and quirky bunch of octogenarians who track and count birds.
The house that Clare grew up in, where everything was kept, and valued, for another day, is lovingly described. Having just seen large coloured photographs of artists in their studios in the Swan Hill gallery, I can appreciate the comfort of this, and how it can support, and possibly propel, a creative life.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous reading! I was always under the impression that he wrote "blokey" books - couldn't be more wrong. I'll be looking for more of his....

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

David travels to Cairns to find a bird, and instead finds one of a different kind...

William McInnes' latest novel is his best yet. Hilarious, light, yet meaningful without being deep. Set in places you're familiar with; a Melbourne tram, Queensland, your "typical" suburbia, "the Birdwatcher" is instantly empathisable.

A novel primarily driven by the idiosyncrasies of its two protagonists. David, a bloke who's losing his hearing, aimlessly navigating relationships and taking spontaneous birth watching excursions to Cairns, and Clare; whose bird loving father had just passed away, whose teenage daughter is angry at no one and everyone in particular, whilst she herself lives in the shadow of disease.

It's easy to smile at this novel that reminds us there is magic in the sky and all around us. If you yourself are a bird lover (and even if you aren't) you will hold this book very dear to your heart.

[Nicole Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely little story although I am not sure how to rate it. I can't really think of any other way to describe this. I think 3 stars is about right because this is not the great Australian novel and yet.....
I like William McInnes because he has a nice way of describing things without becoming overblown. This is a very easy read with likable characters and it doesn't take too long to get to the point.
The male main character is an awkward fellow in thoroughly endearing way while the female main character is somewhat the same but for entirely different reasons. I think the thing I liked about this the most was that although both main characters were damaged in some way, the story did not suffer for it and didn't get bogged down in pages and pages of overly descriptive or dramatic text about their traumatic pasts. This kind of reminds me of a sketch drawing, sparse and few lines but a complete and satisfying picture in the end.
I think Mr McInnes is getting better with each book and I look forward to his next effort.
Bugger it. I'm giving it 4. There is beauty in simplicity most of the time.

[Daniel Hugo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book. Lots of bird talk!

[Toni Umar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read one of William McInnes books for so long, I have followed his weekend news paper articles for years and he has a lovely and very funny writing style. I did find this book took me a while to get into, but by around chapter four I was pretty hooked! The story seemed to just get better and the writing style flowed. The characters are all rather wonderful, I could see close friends/family and maybe myself in some of the people we meet whilst reading. The novel is not too long and has a lovely but subtle message, which I won’t give away here. I’m proud of William and how he has shared some of his own heart and soul as he wrote this unique story. Looking forward to reading more of his books, and I thank the op shop who sold me this particular yellowed copy for a bargain of three books for a dollar, definitely the best book out of the three - a very good read!

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have admired William McInnes as an actor for many years, but this is the first of his writing that I have had the pleasure of reading. What I found was a gentle, slow-paced, graceful novel about people and their many, many feelings - intertwined with some bird nerd diversions. It made me feel good. It made me laugh. It was an uncomplicated, satisfying read. 3.5 is where this sits for me, but I would most assuredly recommend it to anyone who is looking for something on the genteel side. Lovely.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! As a bit of a twitcher myself I enjoyed the descriptions of the birds and the beautiful nth Queensland scenery. I also enjoyed the snoop pets of homespun philosophy such as patience at the traffic lights...it gives you a time space to just be...the poetry and the way the main characters lives were lives of gentle revelation.
...I also have a real "thing" about William McInnis...

[Glenys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an unusual choice of reading material, as I am not into birds in any way... I found the book an absolute delight, and it gave me greater insight into a local friends hobby. I learnt a lot about birds, it was a beautiful love story, and superbly written too. The ending was beautiful which was what I was hoping would happen. I feel that there is the probability to have a sequel to this book.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3 and a half……. But I will round up because it’s better than a three.

I can always hear William McInnes in his characters….. and that’s a very good thing. He is an iconic Australian…. much loved by everyone in my Book Club.

This novel is sweet. That’s not a word most would want said about a book…. but don’t take it the wrong way. This book is quite lovely.

[Clio · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet and touching story of love, birdwatching and family. Everything works out for everyone, and some small precious moments were had by all. Beautiful and Australian, a perfect combination.

[Deb Beath]

A bookclub book that I just couldn't get into. Read the first chapter and then gave up.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone gave me this book. I was wary - birdwatching? You must be kidding, but this is a quirky, quietly funny romance in slow motion. Not my thing at all, but I enjoyed every minute.

[Emma Bothwell · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read something by an Australian author, having just moved to Queensland myself. McInnes writes a nice story, though I found myself wanting more depth - or more grit? - from the characters... I almost found that I gained as much about some of the people in this story from reading the back of the book as I did from reading the book itself. That being said, perhaps McInnes intentionally left some of the character details out in order to be more open to interpretation. I might not have identified as much with the protagonist had she been presented in more detail...hmm.

However, being the parter of a huge bird nerd I instantly appreciated the jet-setting, field-guide-carrying mannerisms that accompany birders both in this story and in real life. Thanks for a good read!

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love William McInnes? Although his acting is far superior to his writing. You probably have to be part ‘twitcher’ to really enjoy this book. And I did. I have turned up to remote places where rarities have been sighted to find a large group of similarly dressed people with binoculars and cameras with huge lenses. I know people who fly to other side of Australia at the drop of a hat after word of a special bird sighting. And I’m sure I’ve personally met some of his characters. There are some inconsistencies. Queensland does not sell alcohol at grocery stores. Cairns is not a suitable climate for a citrus orchard. And worse, Bush Stone-curlews are not related to Curlews. Otherwise, it’s an enjoyable non-taxing read with a suitable, if not predictable, conclusion.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quiet achiever. An easy read - the sort that I was easily compelled to read a few chapters at a time, but that I was easily able to forget about reading for a week.

I think that the romance of the book could have started a little earlier on, but I also liked that it was subtle and that the relationship between the central characters wasn't the core of the book. To me, central to the story was the development of the character's relationships with themselves, and what is truly important in life.

I recommend this one as an easy weekend read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that skillfully develops relationships and explains the motivation of the characters. McInnes shows insight into the life of birdwatchers and skillfully links characteristics of birds to people and relationships. The characters change and develop as they learn to understand the life of others and themselves; Clare gains insight into her father's loneliness, Jas understands her own rebellion as she learns that her Pop and her mother experienced awkwardness as a youth and David learns that relationships are more important than finding the elusive bird.

[MsMead · Rating 3 out of 5]

I couldn't help but picture McInnes as his protagonist, David. Knowing that McInnes's wife Sarah Watt died of cancer (breast and secondary bone cancer) made him and his character almost inextricable for me, which is not a bad thing as McInnes is a great actor and easy on the eye.
I like that Clare is not a perfect woman but David just knows that she is perfect for him. I may be being either cynical or jealous when I say that the situation between them was all too rushed and easy, and that made the story a bit glib for me.
Cool to learn a bit more about birds while reading though.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quintessentially Australian story, told by a surprising storyteller. Twitchers sound like an interesting, if eccentric, bunch.
I can picture Clare sitting on her Dad's verandah in the warm night, reading to a rather odd bird and remembering him.

[Hannah Draper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the idea of this book, the setting and the narrative but unfortunately the execution let it down a bit. Had some really interesting developments in the plot but unfortunately they happened further towards the end of the book so it was a little slow.

[Deb Kingston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as I like bird watching and it also had a romantic touch. A nice light read.

[Rowlie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this very hard to get into. Not being a birdwatcher myself I couldn't really relate to the world of bird watching. Well written though.

[SS · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gentle book of love and birds. Based in Australia and centred around a twitcher and a twitcher's daughter.

[Lilly Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightful Australian read. Light and easy and yet full of depth and character.

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've liked a number of McInnes's works but this one did not resonate with me as strongly, simple easy to read, m and quite breezy, but perhaps it blew right past me, and did not attach itself.

[Holly Munday · Rating 4 out of 5]

5 stars -1 only because I wish it were longer

[Njwayz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

[Leonie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this, it was quite good.

[Amy Ursula · Rating 3 out of 5]

I rather enjoyed the twitcher theme!
The characters are odd, but they are experiencing common emotions which makes them relatable.
A sweet story.

[Ryo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ Simple, easy to appreciate story. Very Aussie male voice. Good thrift find