Eerily addictive debut
Although Half Wild is based on historical recounts of the various tales of Eugenia Falleni from 1875, the truth is uncertain, which allows the narrative of this novel to really come alive. Falleni was a female- to- male transgender person who was eventually tried for murder; there’s a New Zealand connection in that his family, originally from Italy, settled in Wellington before Falleni ( also known as Harry Crawford and Jean Ford) moved to Australia.
Pip Smith’s debut novel Half Wild has been widely praised by critics, touting it as the change to come in Australian fiction. And this comes with merit. Despite its basis in historical events, it’s original, maintains a cinematic intensity and is eerily addictive.
“Right,” Detective Watkins said, shaking the cuff of his sleeve back from his wrist in preparation to write. “What else?”
“. . . once I heard a little scream, and then a door slam.”
“But did you notice anything in particular about Mr Crawford?”
“About his . . . ?” She leaned forward, hoping he would finish her question so that she might better know how to answer it but the detective was not playing ...
It can be confusing to get an idea of where you are in the story but Smith has committed herself to the imagination and its effect. She puts the reader right into the mind, eyes and shoes of the person in the spotlight.
While you would be forgiven for thinking this was a mere historical recount novel, Half Wild dynamically reveals the timeless concerns of self and existence on a universal scale. To not give too much away, everyone is connected in some way, despite name, age, sex, and of course, time.
This is a beautifully written debut novel.