A personal review of Brothers in Arms

This is a delightful tale of a family very comfortable in who they are and their place in life. The story is narrated by Ian Minchin in a light, humorous fashion. The various family members come forward and speak through him in a no nonsense, no holds barred, but very tasteful portrayal of a Western Australian family from the early 1900’s through to current times. The story starts with an outline of the family that has gone before and then as if sitting around the kitchen table and reminiscing a woman  tells their story in great detail which is followed by the various Members coming in and telling their story with recaps along the way as life progresses. Very soon the reader becomes a part of the Community that envelops the Minchin family and early in the book, it is hard to not consider oneself as an eavesdropper or close neighbour who has the family’s best interest at heart and are in fact close friends. The uncomfortable feeling soon departs and you are soon one of the family. The writing style assumed by Ian is so refreshing from the norm and how he is capable of speaking in so many voices is difficult to imagine, particularly when his own character tells his own story in a child’s voice. Quite amazing. A lovely story that takes people back to happy, safe and comfortable times when the main goal was simply to survive not to acquire material wealth. A great resource tool of earlier Western Australia and a good relaxing read, but not a book that you can skim as the amount of detail contained is worth reading every word.  David Ammon