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I started to read Eucalyptus coincident with a polar vortex in this area bringing -30C temperatures. In that context, it is interesting to imagine a climate where the dominant tree species are adapted to a water-scarce, frost-free environment.
In some ways, the structure of this book reminds me of Moby Dick. Besides the ongoing references to the natural history of eucalyptus, there is a very rich stream of narratives which are not obviously related to the plot. There are some marvelous stories here, like that of Holland breaking in his step-father's shoes (I think there is a deeper meaning there).
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