This is an odd and rather challenging read but it is such a wonderful and imaginatively written book that it is well worth sticking with. This strange and haunting natural thriller is set in Tasmania which is presented as an almost magical and unexplored island full of Flannery O'Connor-esq southern gothic characters and wierd occurences. Think wombat farmers and gods in the guise of rodents and you will get a feeling of some of the strands of this remarkable story. This is not at all what I expected of Tasmania which is usually described as a dull and boring appendage to Australia but here the island is portrayed as a beautiful enchanted forest full of mystery. Flames is an enjoyable ride through the dense trees and backwoods of a land filled with quirky people and even quirkier creatures. This is a book full of history, fantasy, the natural world and even tales of the sea which all combine to make a stunning novel as this is an entirely original tale and Robbie Arnott has a remarkable gift with language and story telling. I look forward to reading his next novel.

If you are looking for something that will take you away from the real world and plunge you into something mythical with meaning, then look no further. I absolutely loved this book, from the beautiful yet simple front cover, to the free flowing story where all the characters are entwined one way or another. I love how the elements of the earth are used as characters, given a heart and soul, a purpose. Each chapter is almost a story in itself, with the main theme running in the background. It's all glued together and comes to a full circle at the end. Fantastic style of writing, I'm looking forward to more from this author. I also really liked the little note at the end of the book, a message about his cat Zelda trying to thwart his writings, very amusing!!

I really loved this book. It had a very interesting view of the world, its language almost poetic. Its very experimental, trying out different styles of narratives, different voices: in particular I loved the rat river god and the voice of fire. They were beautiful and witty, and they subtly renew your love for nature. If you like books that give you insights into another way of life, this is the one for you, and each character lives very VERY different lives. And yet what pulls them all together is the theme of grief, which effects everyone no matter who they are or how they deal with it. I really enjoyed it, it was something very different from the kind of stuff I normally read, and I will definately be keeping an eye out for any future books by the same author. A joy to read.

This book is jam packed with magical realism. The imagery is beautiful, it is constantly surprising, and I couldn't get enough. There are women who rise from the dead, seals who forge unbreakable bonds with swimming fishermen, Gods, Goddesses, and people borne of fire. Tasmania is imagined as a fantastical landscape, steeped in beauty and folklore - it's a place I've never been to, but this book certainly piqued my interest. I can honestly say that each chapter is a surprise. I didn't see any of the storyline coming. There's no guessing at what's going to happen - and I loved that unpredictable journey through this book. If I could give this book more than 5/5, i most certainly would!

Following various characters on a quest to find the root of what makes them human. The characters explore the rich Tasmanian landscape, finding friendships, their nemesis, anger, pain, release and redemption. Written in a style which may not appeal to some, others may name it drivel and nonsense. It’s true that there are some challenging concepts but this is fundamentally a fine work of fiction with a central plot which draws a story telling string from start to end. Beautifully written but you may only see how each piece fits together at the end so be patient and open. There is a theme of fantastical happenings and people, this is a reflection of the insanity of unbelievable nature. The resultant youthful joy of discovery reels your mind back to a time when everything was new. Written from the first person perspective it puts you into their shoes. The raw and trustless world of the high functioning alcoholic private eye. In contrast the wild and refreshing experience of an Esk Rivergod paddling and tearing it up within the Tasmanian waters. There’s something for everyone. If you want to read something different, inspiring, magical, natural then this is the book for you. This has been my best read so far of 2018. I hope the author can continue with this high standard that he has set himself.