Page 41 - Tropic Magazine Issue 38

TROPIC • BOOKS

Local reads

LITERATURE
Tropic takes a look at some of the new releases
from Far North Queensland writers.

Medical memoir
Described by Professor Tim Flannery as the ‘book of the decade’, Dr Lachlan McIver
has penned a no-holds-barred memoir about his years as a remote doctor, right
from the decision he made to enter the medical field when as a 16 year-old, he
found his father dead from a heart attack on the side of a dirt road. Originally from
Millaa Milla, the adjunct Associate Professor at James Cook University has worked
across the globe. Life & Death Decisions confronts not only his frustrations of trying
to provide medical care in extremely under-resourced environments, but broader
crises such as climate change and drug-resistant infections. He also faces his own
personal battles, including with depression, alcohol abuse and bankruptcy.
MORE: ultimopress.com.au

Triumph over hardship
Award-winning romance author Frances Dall’Alba has just released her latest novel,
Eight Seconds. It’s set in the 60s and 70s and centres on a bull-riding heroine who
overcomes huge barriers to succeed in a male-dominated sport. Dall’Alba, who calls
Malanda home, is also behind the Australian at Heart series. You can guarantee
you’ll forget all about the house chores or work stresses as you enjoy pure
escapism literature.
MORE: francesdallalba.wixsite.com

Island language
The central island cluster of the Torres Strait is preserving a critically endangered
local language, Kulkalgau Ya through a new book. Puylay and Uruyal (Plants and
Animals) of the Warraberalgal and Porumalgal Indigenous Protected Area features 100
plants and 40 land and sea animals of the Kulkalgal nation. As well as being rich in
language, it’s a wealth of cultural knowledge. A range of community members, from
young ones to rangers, Traditional Owners and Elders all had a hand in writing,
while illustrations were created by local artist Tony Harry.
MORE: tsra.gov.au

Funny yet poignant
Julietta Henderson grew up in Kuranda but now divides her time seeking wintry
weather between Melbourne and Europe. Following her debut and critically-
acclaimed novel The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman, Julietta has just launched
her latest book, Sincerely, me. It’s the tale of an estranged brother and sister who are
reunited by their daughter/niece when the brother gets drunk one night and draws
media attention. Uplifting and heart-warming, it’s about second chances and the
power of forgiveness.
MORE: penguin.com.au

41 • tropicnow.com.au