If you’ve picked up The Clinking by Susie Greenhill and found yourself drifting, rereading paragraphs, or wondering when things will ‘start to happen’, — that’s completely understandable.
This is not a typical novel, and it asks a lot of the reader in quiet, unusual ways.
The novel unfolds gradually, with little in the way of traditional plot momentum. There are no big twists, dramatic confrontations or fast-moving action. Instead, the story moves like a slow tide—drifting, circling and returning. For readers used to narrative drive, this can feel meandering or inert.
It’s more like a long, quiet walk through unfamiliar terrain. You’re not meant to rush—it’s about observation, emotion, and atmosphere.
Greenhill writes with an intentionally poetic style—rich in metaphor, description and sensory detail. While beautiful, this can also slow down the reading experience, especially for those who prefer direct, clear-cut prose. The density of imagery can feel overwhelming rather than immersive if you’re not attuned to it.
A big part of this novel is its setting. The Tasmanian coastline, the sea, the sky—they’re not just backdrops. They reflect the main character’s inner world. This is a dystopian Tasmanian story which mentions our unique places like Cygnet, Kunanyi and Lake Pedder, our water rat the rakali and our swift parrot.
It’s okay if this book isn’t for you right now. Some stories require a particular headspace, and that doesn’t make you any less of a thoughtful or capable reader. But if you’re willing to meet The Clinking on its own terms, you might find it has something quiet and lasting to offer.
In short, The Clinking is designed to be felt more than followed. It demands a patient, reflective reader—someone who is willing to linger in ambiguity, appreciate subtle shifts and find meaning in quiet moments. For others, it may feel like trying to tune into a frequency that’s just out of reach.
Susie Greenhill and the Richell Award
Susie Greenhill is an Australian author and this is her debut novel. It is an evocative exploration of grief, ecological loss, and resilience set in a near-future Tasmania.
She resides at the mouth of the Huon River in southern Tasmania and holds a PhD in Writing from Edith Cowan University, where she was awarded the 2016 Postgraduate Research Medal. Her short stories have been featured in various Australian and international journals and anthologies.
In 2016, Greenhill won the Richell Prize for Emerging Writers for The Clinking, which was then in its early manuscript stages. The Richell Prize, established in memory of Hachette Australia CEO Matt Richell, is awarded to unpublished Australian writers and includes a $10,000 prize, a year-long mentorship and consideration for publication.
Greenhill’s manuscript stood out among 428 entries, with judges describing her writing as “electric and profoundly affecting.”
Winning the Richell Prize was a pivotal moment in her career, providing her with the confidence and financial support to focus on completing her novel.
The Clinking, by Susie Greenhill, ISBN: 978-0733652349, February 2025, 295pp, Hachette Australia, RRP: $32.99
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