Additional information
| Weight | 743 g |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 230 × 150 × 19 mm |
| ISBN | 9781925877205 |
| Format | |
| Imprint | Boolarong Press |
| Page extent | 426 |
| Publication Year | 2019 |
| Subject | Biography |
Reflections in a Stagnant Pool
$34.99
Dimity Mortensen
Reflections in a Stagnant Pool is not only a deeply ruminative and philosophical examination as well as often humorous Aussie yarn on
Queensland’s colourful history, but it is also a poignant and moving personal portrayal of rediscovery, closure, human connection, and
enlightenment.
Based on the unfinished memoirs of Edward A M Mortensen the story centres on Thursday Island, spanning from his heritage in the early pioneering days of the Torres Strait to his boyhood experiences in WWII and ultimately acceptance as a Cadet Midshipman into the Flinders Naval College in 1948. After his sudden and unexpected death in 1983, his manuscript becomes lost, until it is unearthed by his daughter over 30 years later. He was 47 and she was 47 when it was rediscovered in 2016, the first of many bizarre coincidences she was destined to encounter along the way in a Queensland myth-busting odyssey that would take her from Sydney to the farthest northern reaches of tropical Queensland.
This enduring auto-biographical story is like a lapping wave, fluctuating back and forth on a tropical tide of reflections, all converging at its suspenseful conclusion into one human picture that relates to everything and everyone.
Out of stock
Bill Forsyth –
The author with her inimitable and rich use of language conveys a vivid picture of the sometimes harsh yet beautiful Queensland landscapes and culture and how this ,both in an historical and personal perspective has impacted her own and her family’s lives. She uses her writing skills to recount the journey she has undertaken to reveal and to understand her forebears lives and how their environment and life experiences have shaped them and indeed how this forms an integral part of the country’s history-not to mention her often humorous vignettes
depicting the trials and tribulation one has to endure in the process.
Her research is tireless, meticulous and dedicated and yields many fascinating details of Aussie history although at heart this is a deeply personal, reflective and heartfelt narrative ,a moving eulogy to a much loved father.
Particularly affecting is the sudden abrupt ending to Mr Mortensen’s memoir but which nonetheless flows into Ms Mortensen’s narrative, adopting a remarkably similar writing style and providing a “wholeness” to her story.
An emotional and immersive read and to be highly recommended.
Bill Forsyth