I'm serious - RUN FOR IT.
This could possibly be the most overrated, repetitive, pointless novel I've ever been forced to finish reading. Sure I've read some dubious stuff - unimaginitive, cliche and badly plotted books which would better serve as kindling. But this book disappoints on a deeper level, because the man helming it is known for being a writer that creates works that are the OPPOSITE of this.
Tim Winton has a name for imagery and a penchant for involved and complicated stories, containing intricate visuals that are as brilliant as they are hard to grasp (for some).
This, unfortunately, is not the case for Breath. The potential that is so hopefully promised to us in the first chapter is never fully realised; the greatness is snatched away before it is ever allowed to "breathe" and replaced with plodding mediocrity.
Any threads of character and purpose that were fleetingly brushed upon in the middle of the book are subsequently abandoned, with a prolonged and bored sigh-out on the part of a writer who no doubt couldn't find the words to end it all.
I have a suggestion that may have helped in the proof-reading stage: "DELETE"
Such a decision may have saved his reputation as one of Australia's foremost literary talents...as it is he doesn't even hang on by a breath. (terrible pun intended)
3/10 stars
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