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The Winter Road

A Story of Legacy, Land and a Killing at Croppa Creek

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The Winter Road

By: Kate Holden
Narrated by: Jessica Douglas-Henry
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An epic true story of greed, power and a desire for legacy from an acclaimed Australian storyteller.
July 2014, a lonely road at twilight outside Croppa Creek, New South Wales: 80-year-old farmer Ian Turnbull takes out a .22 and shoots environmental officer Glen Turner in the back.

On one side, a farmer hoping to secure his family’s wealth on the richest agricultural soil in the country. On the other, his obsession: the government man trying to apply environmental laws.

The brutal killing of Glen Turner splits open the story of our place on this land. Is our time on this soil a tale of tragedy or triumph – are we reaping what we’ve sown? Do we owe protection to the land, or does it owe us a living? And what happens when, in pursuit of a legacy, a man creates terrible consequences?

Kate Holden brings her discerning eye to a gripping tale of law, land and inheritance. It is the story of Australia.

Compellingly told, shattering in its reverberations, The Winter Road is a story for our times – a battle that is being fought the world over as we try to find a better way of managing the land and respecting the forces of nature that sustain us.’ —Isabella Tree, author of Wilding

‘This book is a major contribution to the canon of Australian land and social history: a bedfellow with Francis Ratcliffe, W.E.H. Stanner, Tim Flannery, Bill Gammage and Bruce Pascoe … Its power is in exposing a hidden, suppurating sore in the psyche of our nation.’ —Charles Massy, author of Call of the Reed Warbler

‘Holden brilliantly telescopes centuries of history and law into fatal conversations at a farm gate. As one man stalks another on a winter road, the whole psyche of modern Australian settlement comes under trial. An enthralling and disturbing tale told with deep insight and compassion.’ —Tom Griffiths, author of The Art of Time Travel

‘This is a special book, and I cannot thank Holden enough for writing it.’ —Anna Krien, author of Into the Woods and Night Games

‘Holden finds the epic thread in this crime.’ —Chloe Hooper, author of The Tall Man and The Arsonist ‘An incredible writer.’ —Books+Publishing Australia & Oceania Murder Politics & Government Rural Sociology True Crime World Crime
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All stars
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well researched and has a strong authors voice. very memorable but perhaps over long. the references to philosophy and history that inhabit the earlier chapters seem to set up some arguments that fall away in the latter half of the book. it could have been great but loses its way a bit.

dark story of loss

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I remember the murder happening and being shocked at the time that someone doing their job could have this happen, but when I thought about what I saw growing up on an Australian farm I thought, yes I have seen this anger before. the regeneration movement is steadily growing and I hope this continues. we also need to stop farming land that is unfarmable, if you only get 1 or 2 good years off a farm then why stay there. we need to be more clever about how we produce food and protect what little is left of our environment.

A must read for everyone

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Kate Holden gives philosophical, historical and psychological context to a murder by a wealthy landowner of a government inspector. The story itself is a mirror of the attitudes to the environment, land and nature that seem to lock us into a destructive trajectory. She reveals the precariousness of the rule of law, the veneer of civilisation in the face of a ferocious entitlement that disregards the common good. The narrator Jessica Douglas Henry brings the energy and nuance this thoughtful and gripping book deserves.

Gripping story, dynamically delivered

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What a great writer.
Didn’t know about this case - really an eye opener into the stereotype of outback cockies who think they’re above the law, yet a balanced view of ordinary person’s struggle to cultivate a harsh land. Grateful for all rangers who aim to prevent environmental destruction, and no one should have to pay with their life for just doing their job. The real hero. 🙏🏼

Compelling and illuminating.

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The lead up to the murder of Glen Turner by Ian Turnbull was riveting in itself, but the authors research and recounting of the history of land management in Australia was adeptly woven into the events that took place.
This was an excellent narrative, made even more engaging by the narrator’s wonderful rendition of the broad range of accents, reflecting the culture of historical contributors and the personality of the farming community. Truly engaging.

Great recount! Narrator was excellent!

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.