Other Country

by Stephen Scourfield

Raw, forceful, and intensely masculine, this is a powerful novel of land, blood, and history.

Set in the mythic remote country of the Top End in Australia's Northern Territory, Other Country tells the story of two young brothers, Ace and Billy, and their struggle to overcome the bitter legacy of their brutal father. Bound by blood, memories, and trust, they are destined to clash, one fettered by the past, the other straining towards the future. Out of it all, they are given only two paths: to end up mean and empty like the Old Man, or not.

Written with an authentic grittiness and an understated dry humor, this is also an unforgettable story of the 'other country' of the Top End: the implacable and unforgiving moods of the landscape and the laconic and tough characters who make this hard country their home.

Genres: Fiction

280 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the magnificent Kimberley region of Western Australia this is an epic, raw, confronting and mesmerising story of two brothers brought up by a violent father on a failing cattle station. 'The Ace' and his younger brother 'Wild Billy' abandon their home and abusive relationship and embark upon building their own lives together doing what they know best, as ringers and then as managers of a bigger station.

The harsh, unforgiving yet beautiful landscape is a character in itself and integral to the story. Author Scourfield knows this country well and the title 'Other Country' is perfect as that is what I felt it was on my first visit to this region. As the boys become men they experience success yet with wildly different attitudes and opinions of how things should be done. Violence is always simmering, waiting to boil over. Scourfield delves into ancient indigenous culture, geology, sustainability, diversification and the strength and fragility of human nature. This is an intense read that I could not put down. Highly recommended.

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this as I traveled the Kimberley's- in context the narrative was very powerful the land and its story captured brilliantly. But the best part of this book is the characters they become part of you. I always know I am enjoying a book when I think about the characters when I'm away from it. As I claimed and clambered the Kimberley riverside cliffs and showered in its waterfalls I was constantly thinking of Ace and Billy. The book ends with an unexpected turn which is still on my mind .....

[Helen Dugdale Peacock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Raw, rough, sad and true Australian grit.

[Diane Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was worth spending my time reading. I enjoyed it a lot and is the first of Scourfield's novels to cross my path.