‘Impressive … a haunted and haunting power’ 

The Australian

‘Breathtaking … simply stunning,’ 

Herald Sun

‘A cleverly woven novel spanning centuries, told through the perspectives of five main characters. A vivid and evocative novel of place, time and Australian life,’ 

Miles Franklin Award Judges.

‘A beautifully woven story … a devastating retelling of man’s effect on the land and the native people, and offers a chilling insight into what may come to pass with climate change. Storyland is reminiscent of Patrick White’s A Fringe of Leaves, Kate Grenville’s A Secret River and The Lieutenant … and even, dare I say, a bit of Tim Winton’s Cloud Street,’ 

Books and Publishing.

 ‘This is a book I will return to multiple times, both for its beauty and subtlety and for the sheer pleasure of experiencing the world it reflects,’ 

Otago Daily Times.

‘Storyland is a worth contender for the Great Australian Novel – encompassing, ambitious,’ 

Readings.

‘It just might be the real story of Australia,’ 

Qantas Magazine.

‘McKinnon plays with form just enough to carry us into new imaginative places. She decentres individual human beings only up to a point, because while each story is only part of something bigger, each one is beautifully crafted and compelling.’ 

Tracey Sorenson, Newtown Review of Books

‘But what really marks this novel as an exceptional one is McKinnon’s eloquent and haunting prose. … Thematically, there’s a lot going on, including environmental destruction, racism and fear of the Other — just to name a few. I loved its subtle exploration of these issues and its examination of the stories that tie us to the land. The message, it would seem, is that the land (and nature) will outlive us all, but we need to learn to live according to its rules. It will always be here, even if we are not. We mistreat it at our peril.’

Kim Forrester, Reading Matters