Justin's Quest - No 2 in The Shangri-la Trilogy
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Ages: 16-18, 18+
Deep in the heart of rural North Australia, a young man named Justin Fielding, with part Aboriginal heritage, feels a profound inner propulsion to document his life and search for his identity.
After a period of self-imposed exile in the Northern Territory, under an assumed name, his father finds him and brings him home to the family station, Shangri-la, to farewell his dying grandfather.
Now, reconciled with his father, and guided by his strange connection with the red-tailed black cockatoos, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He knows he must choose between the expectations of his pastoral family and his inner need to pursue his dream of becoming an artist and writer.
This evocative tale explores the deep-seated connections between land , lineage and heritage and his need to honour his unique spiritual and artistic identity by finding his true place in the world.
This is Book Two in the Shangri-la Trilogy, which tells the story of the Fielding family from 1985 to 2010
Reviews
In the wild Australian outback, Justin Fielding seeks to find his destiny. A young artist, on the cusp of manhood, Justin wrestles with uncertainty as he attempts to balance his dreams to become an artist with his family's expectations of him. Searching far and wide to find himself, Justin explores the mysterious Australian Northern Territory, taking odd jobs as he continues to improve his artistic skills. Intrigue and secrets abound, wherever Justin goes, from the isolated cattle stations to the urban centres. As Justin fights to pursue his dreams, dangers surround the young man, as well as the whisper of a possible romance. Can Justin hope to discover his place in the world, and choose his own destiny,or will he forever lose all that is truly important? "Justin's Quest", by Winsome Board, book two of the Shangri-la Trilogy, is an engaging adventure steeped in Australian culture. Although this is the middle of a trilogy, this tale stands on its own, without the reader feeling a a loss of context. Board includes a wealth of information about the Aboriginal history of Australia, as well as the complex lives of those with Aboriginal heritage as they fight to balance the values of their culture in an ever-shifting modern society. Justin's struggle to learn more about his heritage was real, and spoke volumes to my heart.In fact, the story, written in the style of a diary, was so incredibly realistic that I felt as if I was actually reading the journal of an aspiring young artist. Board does not shy away from heavy themes such as domestic violence and addiction in this sombre narrative as the history and culture of Australia are explored. Written as an actual diary account, there are many loose ends and mysteries that may never be solved and motivations that will forever remain unclear. There are a few moments of implied intimacy, but these are handled with discretion, as Justin fights to understand his own heart. Finally, the deep story comes to an ending that, while not entirely conclusive, leaves the reader perfectly satisfied and curious about what book three will hold. "Justin's Quest" is deep and rich in cultural awareness and is an excellent find for readers who enjoy adventures in world history. Containing violence, language, drug references and mention of domestic abuse, this story is perfect for mature readers looking to expand their literary horizons. A deeply touching tale of of self-discovery in a dangerous and confusing world, "Justin's Quest" is an engrossing journal-style narrative unlike any other. Karen Almeida, Literary Titan.
