Description
Book SynopsisShortlisted for the ABIA Nonfiction Book of the Year
'A tender, touching and at times bloody funny meditation on life. And death. And how to live.' David Wenham'For as long as I can remember, there has always been just the three of us. Three sisters. Only a year between each. Inseparable. It's been like that for almost 50 years ... Until my youngest sister walked out into her suburban backyard and took her life.Is it possible to ever heal a tear in your universe?'After her younger sister died suddenly, broadcaster Indira Naidoo's world was shattered. Turning to her urban landscape for solace, Indira found herself drawn to a fig tree overlooking Sydney harbour. A connection began to build between the two - one with a fractured heart, the other a centurion offering quiet companionship while asking nothing in return.
As Indira grappled with her heartbreak, an unnoticed universe of infinite beauty revealed itself: pale vanilla clouds pirouetting across the sky, resilient weeds pushing through cracks in the footpath, the magical biodiversity of tiny puddles. With the help of a posse of urban guides, she began to explore how nature - whatever bits of nature are within reach - can heal us during life's darker chapters, whether nursing a broken heart or an anxious mind.
The Space Between the Stars is a heart-rending, at times funny, and uplifting tribute to love and our innate need to connect to the natural world, a celebration of the reassuring cycle of renewal that sustains and nourishes us all.
'As long as you can see the stars, you can never truly be lost.'Trade Review'A tender, touching and at times bloody funny meditation on life. And death. And how to live.
The Space Between the Stars is a little treasure. I am richer for having read this book.' David Wenham
'Indira Naidoo's writing beats with the strength and power of love and hope, and is a moving meditation on the solace and healing we find in the natural world.' Holly Ringland
'The world is crying out for more intimate and granular paths through the landscape of grief right now. Thank you dear Indira for taking our hand and bravely showing us how being in nature can provide our way.' Sarah Wilson
'This book is life-changing - from deep loss and despair there is also light. Put your face towards it. It may be the only thing that feels real at this time. Let nature do its job and fix what has been broken in all of us.' Kate Ceberano
'A powerfully moving and insightful journey. Careful attention is a form of love, and Indira Naidoo's vivid writing shows us how such love can lift and expand our minds and spirits, drawing us into the wonders of the universe.' David George Haskell, author of Pulitzer finalist
The Forest Unseen and Burroughs medallist
The Songs of the Trees.'Part memoir, part requiem, part journalistic meditation on the natural world ... Naidoo has penned a beautiful reflection on grief, and the unexpected pathway she took to overcome it.' Chris Taylor
Table of ContentsPrologue: In the beginning
Chapter 1: Stargirl
Chapter 2: Exit wound
Chapter 3: Mooks
Chapter 4: Under the milky way
Chapter 5: Aiya's sari and the curtains
Chapter 6: Tree of life
Chapter 7: Cricket
Chapter 8: Birds of a feather
Chapter 9: Highland dancing
Chapter 10: On a wing and a prayer
Chapter 11: Ice-cream and apartheid
Chapter 12: Weeds in the cracks
Chapter 13: Peas in a pod
Chapter 14: The shape of things
Chapter 15: Smiley hair clip and birthday party
Chapter 16: Garden in the sky
Chapter 17: Dad's toupe
Chapter 18: The secret life of puddles
Chapter 19: High as a kite
Chapter 20: Ants in your pants
Chapter 21: Driving
Chapter 22: 40th and surprise wedding
Chapter 23: Uber goodbye
Epilogue: Dust to dust
