Ian McFarlane Livres

Exploring the interplay between creativity and mental health, this revised edition delves into the author's experiences with clinical depression and anxiety. It reflects on how these challenges can lead to both paralysis and heightened awareness, offering a critical perspective on social justice, literature, and love. Through a collection of essays, stories, and poems, the work seeks to validate the complex relationship between suffering and creative expression, ultimately inviting readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding mental health.

The book chronicles the inception of a quarterly journal aimed at enhancing the significance of Australian literature and promoting independent commentary on political, social, and cultural issues. Co-editors Bill Tully, Stephen Matthews, and Ian McFarlane conceived the project during a meeting in a Canberra café, leading to the launch of the first issue of Voice in March 2002.

Focusing on the resilience of the first Tasmanians, this comprehensive account delves into the long history of Aborigines in Van Diemen's Land, highlighting their isolation for 300 generations following the flooding of Bass Strait. It examines their struggle against overwhelming challenges, emphasizing the need for respect and serious consideration of their epic survival story, which continues to the present day.

The book explores the vibrant rock 'n' roll scene of the 1960s in Australia and New Zealand, highlighting iconic bands like the Easybeats and the Masters Apprentices. It chronicles the rise of musicians who later achieved international success, such as the Bee Gees and AC/DC. Featuring chapters on 35 influential bands, a curated list of the top 100 beat and garage songs, and extensive illustrations, this comprehensive work serves as an essential resource for fans of 60s music and garage band culture.

Exploring themes of imagination and social justice, Ian McFarlane's poetry reflects his journey through anxiety and depression. His unique blend of free and rhythmic verse invites readers into a conversation that transcends traditional boundaries. An accomplished writer of fiction and essays, McFarlane has dedicated years to advocating for psychological well-being and environmental issues. Now residing in a retirement village in Canberra with his wife, Mary, he continues to use his craft to inspire and engage with important societal themes.

Why has poetry fallen so sadly by the literary wayside of our hectic digital age? An age, if ever there was one, needing the kind of humanising empathy that readable (and quotable) poetry can provide. One of the central problems facing poetry today is that we seem to have forgotten (in some cases, perhaps deliberately) its link to the emotional cadence of music, and when that link is broken the light fails. These 'shapes of light' seek rediscovery, and their only claim is one of honesty - emotionally, intellectually and spiritually.