Michael Winkler’s debut made Miles Franklin history. Griefdogg is just as perplexing and philosophical |
What does a more authentic life look like? This is the question that suddenly confronts Jeffrey Watson-Johnson, the protagonist of Micheal Winker’s second novel, Griefdogg. It follows his acclaimed debut, the experimental historical novel Grimmish – the first self-published novel to be shortlisted for the Miles Franklin.
Jeffrey lives with his wife Martine and their child Bern in Mildura. A hydrologist, his life is notable for its strict routines and orderly habits, and his strident involvement in local social and environmental causes. The bane of town councillors and his weekly tennis partner, whom he regularly defeats with his unadventurous and predictably effective play style, he is serious about his career, community and family, and his physical and mental health.
Review: Griefdogg – Michael Winkler (Text Publishing)
This quietly laudable existence is shaken by unexpected good fortune at the start of the novel. Jeffrey discovers his recently deceased aunt has left him an inheritance of just under two million dollars, a sum that can reasonably be expected to be “life-changing” for him and his family.
It provides the opportunity to divest from unimportant or tedious aspects of life, to focus on what is meaningful. Jeffrey’s cousin, Pam, who receives a similar amount, quickly embarks on this course with gusto: quitting her job, travelling, enjoying previously neglected cultural activities.
Jeffrey, however, is gripped by a different desire. Suddenly, all his labours, routines, and his professional and personal fixations feel meaningless; just forms of concealment, avoidance and distraction. He........