In the southern Grampians district of western Victoria in 1953, a young woman widowed in World War II and doing her best to raise her two fatherless sons, is delighted when her only brother visits. The boys are a delight, especially Lawrence, 10, who is outgoing, clever, good at art, and endears himself to his teachers as well as the family’s neighbour, Mrs Barry.
A constant presence near the two isolated houses is Wallis, a mountain purported to be part of the mighty Grampians. Suspend all disbelief at this point, because while Laguna correctly names many of the area’s other peaks, Wallis does not exist. It provides a focal point for this story, providing Lawrence with a stability he desperately needs after a foul betrayal, leaving him physically and psychologically affected. Gone is all the glorious promise of his 10-year-old self. He grows into a stammering, insecure wreck of a man, who deep inside is just a traumatised boy. He lives like a hermit, 40 years later, disturbed and frightened by new neighbours.
Laguna has a subtle touch. There are hints at characters’ pasts, how that influences their behaviour, and how they perceive Lawrence, who just wants to paint. He takes inspiration from a book of illustrations of Old Masters’ paintings and their letters. Lawrence pursues the splendours of the landscape with his artworks which fill the house. He regularly climbs to the summit of Wallis, but in trying to establish friendships with young boys, attracts suspicion.
This new novel by one of Australia’s most accomplished writers will raise your spirits as it glories in the landscape of this country. On the other hand, it is a most disturbing and heartbreaking book.

Reviewed by Jennifer Somerville