Reviewed by Patricia Simms-Reeve
The deep connection to the natural world is beautifully and movingly realised in Inga Simpson’s collection of different stories which are linked by the passion they contain. In the longer eponymously titled one, the uncompromising nature of a relationship is a reflection of a wider view of the world. The two women, Marie and Frankie, have a close and it seemed, an enduring love. But in Once We Were Wildlife, they become symbolic of a world that appears to care deeply but does little, even abandons, the opportunity to make all important things work. These two characters fail to live their lives together which poses the question of whether a planet’s inhabitants can ever succeed peacefully in living with its wildlife.
Humans have lost sight of the fact that they should be aware of this vital concept – their link with animals in the wild.
‘The Wash’ graphically describes a near drowning of Marlen in the surf. The wash is the aftermath of crashing surf, the calm water free of excitement and exhilaration. Marlen’s partner, Gail, takes fright at this risky love of danger and the shock of witnessing the incident forces the impetus to their breakup. She cannot share Marlen’s visceral love of the ocean and its underlying menace.
Sally, in her beach walk daily, becomes immersed in the Blue Heron’s ways, noting its behaviour and, in the solitary rhythm of her days, ordinary life seems to fade. In the story ‘Heron’, past reality slowly evaporates and is replaced by the heron…. a kind of transformative escape.
‘Quartz’ is a very different picture of the conservationist. Initially, a group is in a forest, intent on thwarting the devastation wrought by a mining company. They are compelled to escape to avoid arrest and imprisonment and take refuge in an old tunnel. Struggling through its nearly interminable length, they enter a cave. To the amazement of all they have discovered the legendary hoard of a gang of bushrangers. It was hidden there for over 100 years. An enormous quandary emerges for them. What to do with a vast quantity of gold?
For the multitudes who cannot or will not experience the wilderness themselves, there are gifted photographers like Tone, in ‘Tanglefoot’. With zeal that is close to religious, she endures harsh conditions and, in that discomfort, hopes to capture the beauty of Tasmania’s Huon Pine for as long as her professional skills allow. Tragically, a bushfire destroys much of the magnificent stand of trees and she is plunged into despair. The story ends with her spotting the flight of an eagle above the blackened landscape. A small vestige of hope arises.
‘Poached’ switches to India and Damian’s search for a beautiful female tiger. There are stunning scenes of his seeing this wonderful beast by moonlight, its glorious pelt, its green eyes. He is near breathless with excitement. A poacher’s gun rings out. The ending is cruel and unexpected.
Inga Simpson’s here constructed a short story that is a life in miniature. Condensed in less than 12 pages, we know that Damian is, emotionally, a damaged man wounded by injustice, his mother, teacher and the army. His fascination for the perfection of the wild animal somehow brings a meaning to his life. An amazing writing feat, which demonstrates her mastery of the form.
The range of themes is unchanging – the fate of the world – be it a Penguin colony, the slow melting of the Antarctic, sea wolves.
Finally, ‘Out of the Forest’ is brief but decidedly optimistic. The message is that ‘It takes an age to move a forest’ but regrowth and replanting make it possible.
Books like these play such an important role in reminding us all that we must recall that Once We Were Wildlife and this is a really fine example. The prose, the passion and beauty of the writing ensure its vital message is absorbed and perhaps inspires action…
Once We Were Wildlife
[2026]
by Inga Simpson
Hachette
ISBN: 978 0 7336 5 1014
$29.99; 256pp