'Clean Straw for Nothing' By George Johnston

"Clean Straw for Nothing" by George Johnston is a novel set in the aftermath of World War II in Australia. The novel follows the protagonist, David Meredith, a war veteran who returns to Australia to live on his family farm. The story explores themes of trauma, grief, family, and relationships against the backdrop of a changing rural landscape.The novel begins with David arriving at his family farm after being discharged from the army. He is greeted by his sister, who informs him that his father has passed away, leaving the farm in a state of disrepair. David is determined to restore the farm to its former glory and begins the arduous task of rebuilding and farming the land. Throughout the novel, we see David struggling with the physical and emotional toll of this task.One of the central themes of the novel is trauma and its effects on individuals and their relationships. David is haunted by his experiences in the war, and the trauma he has experienced has left him emotionally disconnected from the people around him. He struggles to connect with his sister and her husband, and his attempts to form a romantic relationship with a local woman are thwarted by his inability to open up emotionally.Another theme explored in the novel is grief and loss. David's father's death has left a profound impact on him and his family, and they all struggle to come to terms with their loss. David's attempts to restore the farm are driven by a desire to honor his father's memory and to keep the family legacy alive.The novel also explores the changing landscape of rural Australia in the aftermath of World War II. As the country recovers from the war, new technologies and farming practices are introduced, and traditional ways of life are threatened. David's struggle to maintain the family farm is a reflection of this changing landscape, and the novel paints a vivid picture of the challenges facing rural communities in this period.One of the strengths of the novel is its nuanced portrayal of the relationships between the characters. David's interactions with his sister, her husband, and the other members of the local community are all well-drawn and realistic. Johnston does an excellent job of capturing the tensions and conflicts that arise between individuals who are bound together by family ties or shared experiences.The novel's prose is lyrical and evocative, and Johnston's descriptions of the Australian landscape are particularly beautiful. His use of imagery and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the story, and the novel's climactic scene, which sees David burning the farm's hay in a symbolic act of renewal, is both powerful and haunting.In conclusion, "Clean Straw for Nothing" is a powerful and moving novel that explores themes of trauma, grief, family, and relationships against the backdrop of a changing rural landscape. George Johnston's prose is lyrical and evocative, and his characters are well-drawn and realistic. The novel's exploration of the aftermath of World War II in Australia is both insightful and thought-provoking, and its themes remain relevant today. Overall, "Clean Straw for Nothing" is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian literature and the human experience.