The Songlines

by Bruce Chatwin
The Songlines cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Travel and Adventure
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1690
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 1987-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

The Songlines is a captivating fictional account of travels around Alice Springs, where the author delves into the intricate relationship between songs, land, and identity. The narrative is woven with place names that are fictional, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the journey. This book explores the deep cultural significance of songlines, which are ancient pathways across the land that serve as a mnemonic device for passing down knowledge and history. Through vivid descriptions and thought-provoking concepts, the story offers a unique perspective on the spiritual and cultural landscape of Australia. /n/n The novel blends adventure and cultural exploration, providing readers with a rich tapestry of experiences and insights. It challenges the reader to consider the interconnectedness of music, geography, and personal identity, making it a compelling read for those interested in both travel and cultural studies.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-10-20
compelling 4.00

The reviewer praises the book for its vivid storytelling and the way it brings Chatwin's travels to life, while also questioning the authenticity of his experiences.

The reviewer is impressed by the vivid and simple storytelling in The Songlines, which brings Chatwin's travels among white settlers and Aboriginal people to life. They appreciate the way the book captures the essence of the Australian outback and the cultural significance of the Songlines. However, they also express some skepticism about the authenticity of Chatwin's experiences, suggesting that the book might present a romanticized version of his travels. Despite this, the reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and enjoyable read, offering a unique perspective on Australian culture and history.

Quick quotes

    What you get with THE SONGLINES is an amazingly vivid yet simply told tale of Chatwin's travels (or what he wants you to think were his travels) among white settlers and Aboriginal people.

    The book captures the essence of the Australian outback and the cultural significance of the Songlines.

    The reviewer expresses some skepticism about the authenticity of Chatwin's experiences.

Vishy's Knight · 2021-04-28
ambivalent 3.50

The reviewer found the first half of the book engaging as a travelogue but felt the second half meandered. The book's essence lies in its exploration of ideas and connections.

The first half of the book is structured like a classic travelogue, with Chatwin immersing himself in Australian culture. However, the second half becomes more abstract, leaving the reviewer feeling disconnected. Despite this, the book's exploration of ideas and connections is notable.

Quick quotes

    The first half of the book is structured like a classic travelogue.

    The second half of the book meanders.

    The book's essence lies in its exploration of ideas and connections.

The Irish Times · 2018-07-28
enthusiastic 4.50

The book is praised for its exploration of Australia's heart and the concept of Songlines. It's a story of ideas and connections.

Bruce Chatwin's journey to Australia's Red Centre in search of the Songlines is a compelling exploration of the country's emotional and geographical heart. The book delves into the invisible pathways that crisscross the land, offering insights into the hopes and dreams of those he meets.

Quick quotes

    Bruce Chatwin goes to the Red Centre, Australia's geographical and emotional heart.

    He's looking for the Songlines, the invisible pathways which criss-cross the land.

    The book is a story of ideas in which two companions explore the hopes and dreams of those they encounter.

The Guardian · 2017-10-15
laudatory 4.50

The book is critically lauded and connects the reviewer to Chatwin's detailed observations. It explores hopes and dreams through travel and conversation.

The book is a best-selling, critically acclaimed work that delves into the heart of Australia. Through travel and dialogue, it explores the hopes and dreams of those encountered, creating a rich tapestry of ideas.

Quick quotes

    Chatwin's best-selling, critically lauded The Songlines followed two lightning trips.

    The book explores the hopes and dreams that animate both the travelers and the people they encounter.

    It is an imperfect book, but it forced the white world to gauge the depth of Indigenous knowledge.

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