Whispering in the Wind

Author: Alan Marshall
Published: 1969
Target Audience: Ages 9-13

Once upon a time, long long ago, beyond the Tin Shed and the other side of the Black Stump, there lived an old man and a little boy. The old man's name was Crooked Mick and the little boy's name was Peter. They lived in a bark hut with two windows and a chimney. The bush grew so thickly around the hut that there was no room for a dog to wag its tail amongst the trees and barking was impossible.

'Whispering in the Wind' is a children's bush fairy tale novel by Australian writer Alan Marshall. First published in 1969, it tells the story of a young lad called Peter who decides to go on a quest to rescue a beautiful princess, if only he could find one. He is joined in his adventures by a kangaroo called Greyfur who can pull anything out of her pouch - even chairs and tables and elephants! - and is given a special bag of magic leaves by the South Wind to aid him in his journey. Together, Peter and Greyfur travel far across the land, encountering giants, ferocious cats, a witch who sweeps the moon at night, a bunyip who works as a dragon, and three impossible tasks. Will they ever find the Beautiful Princess?

'Whispering in the Wind' is a true Australian fairy tale packed with larger-than-life characters, beautiful descriptions of the Australian landscape, witty bragging, and memorable mini-stories within the larger narrative.

There are, however, some elements that undermine the story, particularly for a contemporary readership. Firstly, the impetus of the story is Peter's desire to rescue a Beautiful Princess. He doesn't know of any princesses, or of any looming threats that said princesses may need rescuing from. He embarks on this quest simply because he feels like it. Stories do not need an overly complicated premises, but this does unfortunately reduce the princess in question to a prize to be won merely for Peter's own entertainment. This is further reinforced when we do meet Lowana, the Beautiful Princess, who after a brief conversation with Peter, declares that her dream is to marry Peter and be able to cook and clean for him. It is very much a male-centric perspective in this regard.

The second factor that undermines the story is the bag containing the self-replenishing Magic Leaf. When given to someone in need, the Magic Leaf makes them feel loved and needed, and when given to a greedy, wicked individual, the leaf instantly transforms them into a kind, helpful person. These sorts of magic items are common in fairytales, but the repeated use of this item is problematic for this story. In some instances Peter and Greyfur overcome obstacles using their wits, teamwork, and skill, while in others they easily avoid challenges by doing little more than handing over a Leaf, instantly turn foes into allies. This overuse of the Magic Leaf can greatly undercut the dramatic tension for the reader.

Yet overall, this book never pretends to be more than the light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek story it is, and if you can look past the princess-as-prize and Magic Leaf macguffin, it is an enjoyable read filled with tall tales and over-the-top characters. 'Whispering in the Wind' is a fun experience for young and older readers alike, capturing the beauty of the Australian landscape, the thrill of a quest, and the excitement of a once-upon-a-time adventure.

Excerpt:

'Would I find a Beautiful Princess in the places you visit?' Peter asked him.

'A Beautiful Princess!' exclaimed the South Wind, and his laughter shook the trees. 'No, no! Why I haven't seen a Beautiful Princess for a thousand years. I used to see them braiding their golden hair while they looked out of castle windows. But now...No, you wouldn't find a Beautiful Princess in the lands I visit. Why do you wish to find a Beautiful Princess?'

'I wish to rescue her.'

'From what?'

'From a Dragon.'

'Well now! That's going to be most difficult. Dragons! Now let me think. When did I last see a Dragon! Probably China. I forget. Beautiful Princesses guarded by Dragons...Now that is a problem.'

'Crooked Mick told me if I searched long enough I would find a Beautiful Princess. He told me all the Beautiful Princesses he had met were guarded by Dragons.'

'Crooked Mick!' exclaimed the South Wind. 'Isn't he the man who wrestled a whirlwind and broke its back?'

'Yes, he did. He told me.'

'I know him,' said the South Wind. 'I once carried him fifty miles on a sheet of galvanised iron.'

'He was mending the shearing shed roof when you blew him away,' said Peter. 'He told me he travelled the fifty miles in ten minutes.'

'Ah, that was a storm!' exclaimed the South Wind, rubbing his hands together with pleasure at the memory. 'He had chained his bullock wagon to a red gum tree and I made it flap like a sheet. If he says you will find a Beautiful Princess, there must be one in Australia...'