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We of the Never-Never

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We of the Never-Never

By: Aeneas Gunn Mrs
Narrated by: Marie-Louise Walker
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About this listen

 In 1902, newly-married Jeannie Gunn (Mrs Aeneas Gunn) left the security and comfort of her Melbourne home to travel to the depths of the Northern Territory, Australia, where her husband had been appointed manager of 'The Elsey', a large cattle station. One of the very few white women in the area, she was at first resented by people on and around the station, till her warmth and spirit won their affection and respect. This is her moving and simple account of her life amidst the beauty and cruelty of the land, and the isolation and loneliness.©2003 Aeneas Gunn (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Australia, New Zealand & Oceania Classics Oceania Women

Editorial reviews

First published in 1908, this is a classic account of a year of life spent on a remote Australian cattle station. Though styled as a novel, the book is based on author Aeneas Gunn's experiences as wife of the manager of a cattle station in the Northern Territory. Infused with a sense of life on the land, the story recounts her struggles and triumphs to fit in as one of the first white women seen in the area. We of the Never-Never has been hailed as a minor masterpiece, and Marie-Louise Walker performs a beautiful narration with sensitive characterizations.
All stars
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beautifully read, poetic, informative. Especially enjoyable after travelling through the homesteads country. great Australian Classic.

delightful

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I note this from an anon review: the narrator is absolutely bloody awful. She reads way too fast and dosen't allow the story to sink in. Her voice is just a bunch of words with little enthusiasm and depth, an absolute pain in the arse.

I couldn't disagree more. The narrator does a great job and if the person who wrote that review got more than 5 minutes into the book perhaps they could change their mind.

I normally listen to scifi but wanted to listen to the history of Mataranka, as it's such a wonderful place to visit.

I enjoyed the book and I think the narrator did a great job.

Go jump in the thermal pools anon person who rudely rubbished a great book.

The one star review is rubbish - this is great

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we loved listening to this when driving from mataranka around kakadu and litchfield. when we drove back through the area again we could imagine the river crossings and the homestead had a whole new perspective.

true perspective

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A fascinating, entertaining & informative account of a married couple, settlers new to the bush of the Northern Territories of Australia in the early 1900s. Audiobook marred only by the excruciating attempts at a Scottish accent by the narrator.

Pioneering woman settles in Australian Bush

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This is a brilliant story which I have read years ago (and watched the movie). I was keen to re-visit it via Audible, but couldn't get more than a couple of chapters in, as the narrator is absolutely bloody awful. She reads way too fast and dosen't allow the story to sink in. Her voice is just a bunch of words with little enthusiasm and depth, an absolute pain in the arse.
Do yourself a favour and read the book instead.

The Narrator has ruined a great story

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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.