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Banjawarn
Winner of The 2021 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript
Garreth Hoyle is a true crime writer whose destructive love affair with hallucinogenic drugs has sent him searching for ghosts in the unforgiving mallee desert of Western Australia. Heading north through Kalgoorlie, he attempts to score off old friends from his shearing days on Banjawarn Station. His journey takes an unexpected detour when he discovers an abandoned ten-year-old girl and decides to return her to her estranged father in Leonora, instead of alerting authorities. Together they begin the road trip from hell through the scorched heart of the state’s northern goldfields.
Love, friendship and hope are often found in the strangest places, but forgiveness is never simple, and the past lies buried just beneath the blood red topsoil. The only question is whether Hoyle should uncover it, or run as fast as his legs can take him.
Banjawarn is an unsettling debut from Josh Kemp. Echoing Cormac McCarthy’s haunting border trilogy and narrative vernacular that recalls the sparse lyricism of Randolph Stow and Tim Winton, this is a darkly funny novel that earns its place amongst the stable of Australian gothic literature.
Garreth Hoyle is a true crime writer whose destructive love affair with hallucinogenic drugs has sent him searching for ghosts in the unforgiving mallee desert of Western Australia. Heading north through Kalgoorlie, he attempts to score off old friends from his shearing days on Banjawarn Station. His journey takes an unexpected detour when he discovers an abandoned ten-year-old girl and decides to return her to her estranged father in Leonora, instead of alerting authorities. Together they begin the road trip from hell through the scorched heart of the state’s northern goldfields.
Love, friendship and hope are often found in the strangest places, but forgiveness is never simple, and the past lies buried just beneath the blood red topsoil. The only question is whether Hoyle should uncover it, or run as fast as his legs can take him.
Banjawarn is an unsettling debut from Josh Kemp. Echoing Cormac McCarthy’s haunting border trilogy and narrative vernacular that recalls the sparse lyricism of Randolph Stow and Tim Winton, this is a darkly funny novel that earns its place amongst the stable of Australian gothic literature.
451 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2022
8 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 25, 2022
The debut novel by author Josh Kemp, Banjawarn is a disturbingly brilliant example of Australian Gothic literature that presents at its grittiest and, at times, most depressing.
The story’s main protagonist is Garreth Hoyle, a one-time true crime author who earned his fortune from a book that cashed in on his experiences on the Banjawarn sheep station. In so doing, he estranged himself from his friends Kerryn, Clay, Turk and Stella, by revealing secrets and talking about past tragedies that should never have been disclosed.
These days, Hoyle has deteriorated to becoming a wandering junkie, spending his time roaming around the Western Australia Goldfields trying to dodge the Covid lockdown. His drug of choice is PCP, shooting up whenever he gets the opportunity to ride the wave of euphoria out in the lonely majesty of the surrounding countryside.
He makes his way to Kalgoorlie and looks up Kerryn, herself now an ice addict. Together they look to score, visiting a drug house that’s as dingy, dirty and disgusting as befits its purpose.
It’s here that he meets 10 year old Luna who has been locked in the house toilet while her carer, Jordy, has gotten himself high, but not before warning her not to open the door to any strange man. In a manner that becomes clear is typical Hoyle, he decides that he must save Luna from the situation and deliver her to her father where, in his mind, she will be safe.
Although his actions may amount to kidnapping in the eyes of some, he and Luna embark on a trip to Leonora. Hoyle believes he can take care of Luna and is responsible enough to protect her. But the man’s a drug addict so he repeatedly lets her down, finding himself slave to his addiction.
Luna is a fascinating character. Although only 10 years old, she has lived and survived through some of the most harrowing ordeals. She constantly clings to her one-eyed teddy bear, Gary, and uses him as her shield against the world. She also proves far more resilient than she first appears.
Through their numerous encounters with less than savory characters and other shared experiences, they become closer and more dependent on each other. Indeed, tension is built throughout by this shared dependence. When they’re not within sight of each other, something that happens frequently, the desire to make the reconnection is all-consuming.
There is a strong use of remembered experiences scattered through the narrative. This not only serves to put the action and thoughts of the present into context but also gradually reveals the horrors that have been experienced to get here.
Naturally, when dealing with hallucinogenic drugs we are also taken on some very weird trips courtesy of Hoyle.
Their journey inevitably continues to Banjawarn where the full gothic horror of the story plays out. Hoyle has crossed paths or reunited with each of the 4 other friends from the past. After a long and arduous journey, the explosion of violence that takes place is jarring. Even more so for the respective roles that Hoyle and Luna play.
Banjawarn is a tension-filled story that builds relentlessly. It sits as a brutal commentary on the hopelessness of drug addiction and the effects it has on all members of society. It is recommended for readers who are prepared to be challenged with the confronting nature of some of the worst traits of modern humanity.
Banjawarn was the winner of the 2021 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript as well as winner of the 2022 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime Novel.
The story’s main protagonist is Garreth Hoyle, a one-time true crime author who earned his fortune from a book that cashed in on his experiences on the Banjawarn sheep station. In so doing, he estranged himself from his friends Kerryn, Clay, Turk and Stella, by revealing secrets and talking about past tragedies that should never have been disclosed.
These days, Hoyle has deteriorated to becoming a wandering junkie, spending his time roaming around the Western Australia Goldfields trying to dodge the Covid lockdown. His drug of choice is PCP, shooting up whenever he gets the opportunity to ride the wave of euphoria out in the lonely majesty of the surrounding countryside.
He makes his way to Kalgoorlie and looks up Kerryn, herself now an ice addict. Together they look to score, visiting a drug house that’s as dingy, dirty and disgusting as befits its purpose.
It’s here that he meets 10 year old Luna who has been locked in the house toilet while her carer, Jordy, has gotten himself high, but not before warning her not to open the door to any strange man. In a manner that becomes clear is typical Hoyle, he decides that he must save Luna from the situation and deliver her to her father where, in his mind, she will be safe.
Although his actions may amount to kidnapping in the eyes of some, he and Luna embark on a trip to Leonora. Hoyle believes he can take care of Luna and is responsible enough to protect her. But the man’s a drug addict so he repeatedly lets her down, finding himself slave to his addiction.
Luna is a fascinating character. Although only 10 years old, she has lived and survived through some of the most harrowing ordeals. She constantly clings to her one-eyed teddy bear, Gary, and uses him as her shield against the world. She also proves far more resilient than she first appears.
Through their numerous encounters with less than savory characters and other shared experiences, they become closer and more dependent on each other. Indeed, tension is built throughout by this shared dependence. When they’re not within sight of each other, something that happens frequently, the desire to make the reconnection is all-consuming.
There is a strong use of remembered experiences scattered through the narrative. This not only serves to put the action and thoughts of the present into context but also gradually reveals the horrors that have been experienced to get here.
Naturally, when dealing with hallucinogenic drugs we are also taken on some very weird trips courtesy of Hoyle.
Their journey inevitably continues to Banjawarn where the full gothic horror of the story plays out. Hoyle has crossed paths or reunited with each of the 4 other friends from the past. After a long and arduous journey, the explosion of violence that takes place is jarring. Even more so for the respective roles that Hoyle and Luna play.
Banjawarn is a tension-filled story that builds relentlessly. It sits as a brutal commentary on the hopelessness of drug addiction and the effects it has on all members of society. It is recommended for readers who are prepared to be challenged with the confronting nature of some of the worst traits of modern humanity.
Banjawarn was the winner of the 2021 Dorothy Hewett Award for an Unpublished Manuscript as well as winner of the 2022 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime Novel.
April 25, 2022
This was fantastic - gothic Australia - I had to google what a euro was.
Haunted landscapes - the past of the land into the future, guilt, shame, hope and great characters - go Luna!!!
Haunted landscapes - the past of the land into the future, guilt, shame, hope and great characters - go Luna!!!
July 11, 2022
Banjawarn was, well, ahhh… quite a ride! I grimaced, I laughed, and everything in between.
The two main characters are skilfully developed as unique, deep and nuanced. I was invested in the girl, Luna, and her plight, which saw me through times when the narrative forced me to pull back with its unflinching depictions of the abject.
The only thing that disappointed me about this excellent novel was the climax. For me, at this point, the narrative devolved into too-easy horror cliches which didn’t align with the original style of the overall story. I felt that some of the minor characters would not have behaved so extremely hateful. Alas, my disbelief was not suspended.
Nevertheless, if you’re not deterred by utterly raw depictions of life, a sometimes warped sense of reality, or violence, and love Australian fiction or gothic fiction, then this novel is sure to satisfy. If, on the other hand, you can’t stand gritty narratives that lack sensibility filters, or you are easily nauseated, then you probably won’t have the stomach for this ride called Banjawarn.
So do I recommend it? Yes for some, and no for others. It’s a divisive novel! But if you decide to read it, I promise you’ll never forget it!
The two main characters are skilfully developed as unique, deep and nuanced. I was invested in the girl, Luna, and her plight, which saw me through times when the narrative forced me to pull back with its unflinching depictions of the abject.
The only thing that disappointed me about this excellent novel was the climax. For me, at this point, the narrative devolved into too-easy horror cliches which didn’t align with the original style of the overall story. I felt that some of the minor characters would not have behaved so extremely hateful. Alas, my disbelief was not suspended.
Nevertheless, if you’re not deterred by utterly raw depictions of life, a sometimes warped sense of reality, or violence, and love Australian fiction or gothic fiction, then this novel is sure to satisfy. If, on the other hand, you can’t stand gritty narratives that lack sensibility filters, or you are easily nauseated, then you probably won’t have the stomach for this ride called Banjawarn.
So do I recommend it? Yes for some, and no for others. It’s a divisive novel! But if you decide to read it, I promise you’ll never forget it!
July 4, 2023
WINNER WA Premier's Books Awards, Emerging Writer Category, 2023
One of my books of the year so far.
An outstanding example of Australian Gothic fiction that builds throughout to a spectacular conclusion.
West Australian to its core, thought provoking and full of memorable anti-heroes, and one genuine 10 year old hero, this is a stunning debut that juxtaposes the majestic of the Goldfields with the impact of addition on communities and families.
This book has it all, atmospheric locations you'll want to visit, a rollercoaster of a road trip, and a ghost town.
Banjawarn deserves to sit along other Australian classics on your bookshelf.
Warning: ft drug induced scenes, violence related to the story.
One of my books of the year so far.
An outstanding example of Australian Gothic fiction that builds throughout to a spectacular conclusion.
West Australian to its core, thought provoking and full of memorable anti-heroes, and one genuine 10 year old hero, this is a stunning debut that juxtaposes the majestic of the Goldfields with the impact of addition on communities and families.
This book has it all, atmospheric locations you'll want to visit, a rollercoaster of a road trip, and a ghost town.
Banjawarn deserves to sit along other Australian classics on your bookshelf.
Warning: ft drug induced scenes, violence related to the story.
November 27, 2022
There seems to have been quite a few dystopian styled novels passing before my reading eye in recent months, and BANJAWARN is the latest.
Josh Kemp's debut novel is Gothic, gritty, depressing, uplifting, disturbing and rewarding - sometimes at different times, sometimes simultaneously so. All in all, a most unusual reading experience.
The central character, Garreth Hoyle, is a true crime writer addicted to hallucinogenic drugs, with a best-seller book behind him, based on his experiences on a sheep station - Banjawarn. The book estranged him from some of the few people in the world he could have called friends - after too many secrets were revealed that should never have been disclosed.
Hoyle has now descended into a sort of nomadic lifestyle - dodging Covid lockdowns, roaming the Goldfields area of Western Australia, shooting up his drug of choice - PCP - whenever he gets the opportunity, mostly surrounded by the bush and solitude. Apart from a few memorable encounters that play with his head, his expectations and his ambitions.
In Kalgoorlie, whilst trying to reconnect with one of his estranged friends, he comes across young Luna, in dire circumstances, who Hoyle, for reasons best known to himself, decides he must rescue. Of course his actions are all too easily seen by others as kidnapping, and their journey towards her natural father is littered with Hoyle's best intentions, and drug-addled failings.
In the nature of this style of novel, the relationship between these two is key. And the question of who is saving whom not so straight forward. A journey novel, their progress is littered with confronting memories for both, and the disconnect that drug addiction provides for Hoyle. There's also something sinkingly inevitable about their progress, working it's way always towards Banjawarn station again, a reunion with the 4 people who Hoyle's book wronged, and an inevitable confrontation.
A confronting, tense and utterly searing look at the fall-out from drug addiction, BANJAWARN is dark and challenging reading - using a dry sense of humour to illuminate (as opposed to deflect) something dead and broken at the core of modern humanity.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Josh Kemp's debut novel is Gothic, gritty, depressing, uplifting, disturbing and rewarding - sometimes at different times, sometimes simultaneously so. All in all, a most unusual reading experience.
The central character, Garreth Hoyle, is a true crime writer addicted to hallucinogenic drugs, with a best-seller book behind him, based on his experiences on a sheep station - Banjawarn. The book estranged him from some of the few people in the world he could have called friends - after too many secrets were revealed that should never have been disclosed.
Hoyle has now descended into a sort of nomadic lifestyle - dodging Covid lockdowns, roaming the Goldfields area of Western Australia, shooting up his drug of choice - PCP - whenever he gets the opportunity, mostly surrounded by the bush and solitude. Apart from a few memorable encounters that play with his head, his expectations and his ambitions.
In Kalgoorlie, whilst trying to reconnect with one of his estranged friends, he comes across young Luna, in dire circumstances, who Hoyle, for reasons best known to himself, decides he must rescue. Of course his actions are all too easily seen by others as kidnapping, and their journey towards her natural father is littered with Hoyle's best intentions, and drug-addled failings.
In the nature of this style of novel, the relationship between these two is key. And the question of who is saving whom not so straight forward. A journey novel, their progress is littered with confronting memories for both, and the disconnect that drug addiction provides for Hoyle. There's also something sinkingly inevitable about their progress, working it's way always towards Banjawarn station again, a reunion with the 4 people who Hoyle's book wronged, and an inevitable confrontation.
A confronting, tense and utterly searing look at the fall-out from drug addiction, BANJAWARN is dark and challenging reading - using a dry sense of humour to illuminate (as opposed to deflect) something dead and broken at the core of modern humanity.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
August 7, 2022
This is a hard review to write. When I bought the book I obviously skipped over the telling hints of the content; "gothic" "Cormac McCarthy" and "terror". I was attracted by the setting, harsh northern Goldfields of Western Australia and a huge chunk of the book set in the ghost town of Gwalia, locations I had lived and visited during the late 1990's and 2000's. Gothic terror is not really my thing and drug induced trips in the Western Australian landscape where the landscape is fundamental to the terror also not high on my bucket list, yet Kemp has written a superior debut novel that resonates within the landscape, makes your skin crawl with disgust at the power of drug addiction and still conveys hope. Crikey, Kemp is a powerful writer.
August 3, 2022
Fantastic imagery and totally gripping read. It took a while to get engaged with the off beat characters but then Hoyle and Luna and Clay do get under your skin and drag you into their story.
It’s not a part of Australia that many novels are set in and it was great to see it rendered so vividly. It’s gruesome…. kind of like the movie Parasite. It’s similarly riveting.
It’s not a part of Australia that many novels are set in and it was great to see it rendered so vividly. It’s gruesome…. kind of like the movie Parasite. It’s similarly riveting.
May 19, 2022
An exceptional read from start to finish. It ticks all the boxes of being well written, an excellent story and a fine piece of literature. Being so set in WA might be off-putting to some but I think it is mandatory reading in Australian literature. I can't rate it highly enough.
February 22, 2024
Banjawarn took me on a hair-raising journey through gorgeous West Australian landscapes with some less than gorgeous characters and very little to lighten the novel's darkness.
With gothic elements such as an anti-hero, a damsel in distress and unworldly apparations to the fore, I found it very hard to look away from the story, even though the latter parts of it featured some incredibly blood thirsty scenes.
A compelling, interesting debut from Josh Kemp.
With gothic elements such as an anti-hero, a damsel in distress and unworldly apparations to the fore, I found it very hard to look away from the story, even though the latter parts of it featured some incredibly blood thirsty scenes.
A compelling, interesting debut from Josh Kemp.
February 4, 2023
This story is so cool. It moves fast. Really fast. Beautiful poetry with an excellent plot. Pretty much the best kind of novel. And you become quickly invested in the characters, they are fabulous, flawed, and all kind of lunatic. I loved how the anti-hero becomes eclipsed by the heroine: a tough, brave, cat-smart young girl. I love the way Josh writes about country. And I love the horror aspects, there's a haunted house in this book that is the scariest kind of haunted house. Five stars from me. Can't wait for Josh's next book!
July 21, 2022
OH MY GOD! What a shocker of a book!!
I loved it so much, and then it shocked me, and I loved it even more.
I loved it so much, and then it shocked me, and I loved it even more.
September 19, 2022
This Australian Gothic recently won the Ned Kelly Award for a debut novel, and it’s certainly a compelling read. It starts with a puzzle, in the manner of crime fiction, but steadily progresses to a full Gothic horror towards the end. Set in WA, it stands out as one of the most different Australian novels I’ve read recently.
December 27, 2022
This is quite a brutal book and I found it really hard to read at times but the central character, a young girl called Luna kept me going, a very memorable and beautiful character.
May 4, 2025
This is a momentous debut novel. The characters are vivid, complex, and morally grey. The perspectives shift seamlessly between deeply scarred adults and a tragically innocent child - the best child character I’ve come across and a compelling heroine.
The plot unfolds steadily and always accelerates with intensity, tender at times and horrifying at others, often hallucinatory. It's an ultra-realistic and contemporary insight into substance abuse that is both condemning and empathetic.
The novel doesn't shy away from the harshness of indigenous oppression, or the brutal reality of WA's history, most specifically with the early mining industry of the Goldfields. It tackles this directly with delicate dialogue and indirectly with provocative metaphors.
The prose is poetic and reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's unique detail to exposition, while not copying it. I enjoyed the multiple nods to Cormac, and I definitely wasn’t expecting where it ended.
Some of my favourite quotes:
"They straggle down into a creekline burnt out some months ago, the Goldfields blackbutts only now greening themselves back to life.Their debris-bark hangs from their limbs like flags of near-extinguished nations. Their roots ruffle the firm floor of green rushes that survived the fire."
"He crouches right at the edge of the waterhole now but can't see his reflection where the surface wobbles and rucks back in on itself. He watches the heron ride the shimmer, and the whole universe, this and all the others, comes apart at the seams, liquefying around the lone, cautious figure of the bird. That bird rides with aplomb, eyes the same colour as the stranger watching on, as the world bleeds away beneath them."
"The red dirt suddenly changes, becomes white as ash, and the unhealthier stands of mulga trees unreel. He knows he's in breakaway country. The first granite cliffs rear, palatial and craggy, tucking caves away into the gnarly folds of themselves. The sun snarls down over the outcrop..."
The plot unfolds steadily and always accelerates with intensity, tender at times and horrifying at others, often hallucinatory. It's an ultra-realistic and contemporary insight into substance abuse that is both condemning and empathetic.
The novel doesn't shy away from the harshness of indigenous oppression, or the brutal reality of WA's history, most specifically with the early mining industry of the Goldfields. It tackles this directly with delicate dialogue and indirectly with provocative metaphors.
The prose is poetic and reminiscent of Cormac McCarthy's unique detail to exposition, while not copying it. I enjoyed the multiple nods to Cormac, and I definitely wasn’t expecting where it ended.
Some of my favourite quotes:
"They straggle down into a creekline burnt out some months ago, the Goldfields blackbutts only now greening themselves back to life.Their debris-bark hangs from their limbs like flags of near-extinguished nations. Their roots ruffle the firm floor of green rushes that survived the fire."
"He crouches right at the edge of the waterhole now but can't see his reflection where the surface wobbles and rucks back in on itself. He watches the heron ride the shimmer, and the whole universe, this and all the others, comes apart at the seams, liquefying around the lone, cautious figure of the bird. That bird rides with aplomb, eyes the same colour as the stranger watching on, as the world bleeds away beneath them."
"The red dirt suddenly changes, becomes white as ash, and the unhealthier stands of mulga trees unreel. He knows he's in breakaway country. The first granite cliffs rear, palatial and craggy, tucking caves away into the gnarly folds of themselves. The sun snarls down over the outcrop..."
October 27, 2022
Comparisons with Cormac McCarthy are somewhat overheated - but a very interesting, solid debut by a writer with real potential. Super characters, good story, tremendous sense of place, totally absorbing. I found it let down a little by some plot issues and unlikely events - but overall an excellent read. I think he has the potential to be an excellent writer, and now that he has been published, hopefully will grow into on with the support of a good editorial team. A real addition to the growing Australian bush noir set.
June 4, 2023
The description of the Outback and Banjawarn is absolutely beautiful and draws you in. It makes you want to be immersed in the very places the characters travel.
I felt the story to be a slow burner, with intriguing characters. A little journey of self-realisation and acceptance in a harsh and beautiful backdrop.
A little gothic in its literature, I found Banjawarn to be an interesting read.
I felt the story to be a slow burner, with intriguing characters. A little journey of self-realisation and acceptance in a harsh and beautiful backdrop.
A little gothic in its literature, I found Banjawarn to be an interesting read.
October 20, 2022
This book took a piece of my soul and manipulated it until I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I am
obsessed with Josh Kemp’s writing. His prose is brilliant and deeply passionate. The beautifully nuanced juxtaposition of outback Australia against the dark storyline is incredible. I literally couldn’t stop reading this until I finished it.
obsessed with Josh Kemp’s writing. His prose is brilliant and deeply passionate. The beautifully nuanced juxtaposition of outback Australia against the dark storyline is incredible. I literally couldn’t stop reading this until I finished it.
January 22, 2023
A different kind of read. Quite dark in places, interesting perspectives on life not lived by me but can relate to characters & situations.
Some violence & seemingly improbable situations but who knows??
(Spoiler alert) - ending is rather different- did it happen & they live happily ever after - or did they pass on to the afterlife….?
Some violence & seemingly improbable situations but who knows??
(Spoiler alert) - ending is rather different- did it happen & they live happily ever after - or did they pass on to the afterlife….?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2023
This book isn’t really my thing (Australian gothic) so it took me a while to get into it, but I like to challenge myself & read from different genres, so I persevered. Before long I could not put it down. It is a stunningly evocative piece of writing & well worth the awards it has won. It left me shaken & unnerved. I might be in recovery for a bit.
March 16, 2024
I loved listening to the audiobook which was read by Josh Kemp. Banjawarn is a tale not to be missed with a mix of some of the most complex characters I have come across. I did not want this book to end, I still have lots and lots of questions Josh.
Am looking forward to more books by this author
Am looking forward to more books by this author
September 17, 2022
Confronting and disturbing.
September 30, 2022
A slow start but the end a true crescendo!! Once I got to understand the PCP induced hallucinations it made it much more enjoyable.
November 9, 2022
Graphic, but compelling story. Clever blending of perception and reality, and lovely descriptions of outback Australia.
July 28, 2023
This book was well written, but I did NOT enjoy it. It was heavy and dark, gory and vivid. Not my cup of tea at all.
August 7, 2023
Maybe 4.5 stars. Terrifically dark and gripping. Review to come.
December 12, 2023
One of the best books I have read this year
February 21, 2024
Disturbing and dark, a story that teeters on the edge of reality, and the grim depth of societies sidelines. It was not enjoyable, and there was not really a mountain top resolution.
July 26, 2024
Wild. Well written fiction with some true history intertwined
September 22, 2024
A thoroughly haunting and harrowing exploration of broken lives set in the vast red wilderness of the WA Goldfields region. Beautifully written.
January 4, 2025
Not for the light hearted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews