Understory

  

Inga Simpson's Understory is an irresistible mix of personal memoir and nature writing. She begins the narrative with an account of finding a property on the inland Sunshine Coast with her partner. At first all goes well. The family discover the local wildlife, adjust to their leaky, creaky home, and make their home. Each chapter begins with a description of a species of local tree, which ties into the memories which follow. But a growing sense of dread begins to pervade the pages, as Simpson and her partner, N, 'begin to make some bad decisions,' buying the property next door, starting a business, and realising their property is under threat from a proposed powerline development.

The tension in this book builds like a thriller, which makes an unusual contrast with the more meditative style of most nature writing. I actually had to flip to the end to make sure everyone was going to be okay (I don't do well with suspense). There are also flights backward in time to Simpson's childhood, and earlier stages of her life (not among trees) which cast light on her reactions. I had previously read and loved Simpson's novel, Willowman, not coincidentally featuring woodwork and cricket, but Understory made me appreciate that novel even more.

Ultimately Understory is a moving, sometimes devastating personal story intertwined with beautiful vignettes of connection with the forest, as well as with individual trees and animals, as well as Simpson's own writing and publication journey. I loved it all the more for being so thoroughly Australian.