The Call of the High Country

by Tony Parsons

In the heart of Australia's rugged high country, three generations of the MacLeod family battle to make a living on the land. As a young married couple, Andrew and Anne work together to make the very best of their property, High Peaks, but at what cost to their happiness? In time, the property will pass to their son, David. Handsome and hardworking, David is determined to become the best sheepdog handler in the land. Nothing is going to stand in his way-not even the beautiful Catriona Campbell, daughter of the wealthy graziers next door. The Call Of The High Country is an inspiring and heartwarming saga of a family battling through hard times, of a love that defies all odds, and of dreams that won't be broken.

Genres: Romance, Australia

612 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Credited as Tony Parsons on his works.

Anthony David Parsons, OAM, has worked as a professional sheep and wool classer, a journalist, news editor and rural commentator, a consultant to major agricultural companies, and an award-winning breeder of animals and show poultry. He owned his first kelpie dog in 1944, and in 1950 established 'Karrawarra', one of the top kelpie studs in Australia. In 1992 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his contribution to the propagation of the Australian kelpie.

His novels, The Call of the High Country, Return to the High Country, Valley of the White Gold and Silver in the Sun, have all been bestsellers. He is also the author of Training the Working Kelpie, The Australian Kelpie and, in 2010, The Kelpie, now regarded as classic works on the breed.

Tony lives with his wife, Gloria, near Toowoomba. He still maintains a keen interest in kelpie breeding.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first read from this author and it wont be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The story line was just wonderful. I cant praise it enough. The characters in the book demonstrate how hard life is on the land. Bringing the dogs into it and how they were trained was just an added bonus. After reading a little on the author of the book it is pretty much what he does every day.
Well done for such a wonderful book.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

In school I won a literary competition and got a voucher to the bookstore and got this. At the time McLeods Daughters was a huge hit on TV and being a country girl I was all for it. Even then I do find the main character to be too perfect - unrealistically so- infact a lot of the dramas in this book and its sequel read completely like a TV drama but I still loved it.
If you loved McLeods Daughters on your screen you will love this- I always thought it could be used to become a movie because it has all the plot characters etc readily available- so when the world is ready to idolize the country life again this story is ready.

[Linda Wakeham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters were typical Aussies and I could image how the spoke while I was reading. The fact that the book starred Kelpies was amazing for me as I love the breed, oh and I have McLeods in my family

[Libby Hyett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It's one of my favourite comfort novels, to be read over and over!! I just wish it was available in audiobook!!!!

[Jackie Rooney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great strong story.. good if you like horses, dogs and the country life.. highly recommend

[Carol Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An Australian saga of family, trials & tribulations & sheepdogs. Outback romance & dreams that can’t be lost.

[David Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book that establishes an Australian dynasty.

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I acquired The Call of the High Country by Tony Parsons recently in town when someone was doing a big clean up and clear out. I always love acquiring new horse related books – especially if they are free! This one is a large novel for adult readers and is a really entertaining read.

Read more at https://equus-blog.com/the-call-of-th...

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A country story set in the High Country in New South Wales, it follows the struggles of the MacLeod family trying to keep their property High Peaks and raise their son David. David is a gifted dog handler and determined to win the National sheepdog trials with his kelpies. At the same time he is being determinedly pursued by Catriona, daughter of the wealthy upper class Campbells next door. The story is written with obvious passion for country life and respect for its challenges. I found the characters a little too perfect and the romance lacking in chemistry but I appreciated the portrayal of genuine, hard-working, down-to-earth, Aussie men of the land. This book honours that tradition of good country blokes and the code of conduct that goes with it.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, for its historical content and the story. They could easily make a movie out of this. It got me to do a little research on the National sheep dog trials, and appreciate the kelpie a lot more. Would love to meet a man like David MacLeod.

[Pam]

rec 06/07/08 via bookmooch

[Erin Morphett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this author writes. More along the lines of what life on the land is really about.

[Beatté · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant Read!! Highly recommend this book

[Tanya]

great read