Book Review: Of Drought and Fire by Frank Prem

Of Drought and Fire by Frank Prem

Frank Prem's "Of Drought and Fire: Two Natural Disasters in Australia" (Wild Arancini Press, December 2024) offers a powerful glimpse into environmental catastrophe through personal experience. Through two interwoven poetry collections, Prem chronicles his firsthand encounters with Australia's most devastating natural phenomena.

The narrative builds masterfully, mirroring the mounting tensions of drought and the growing anxiety within affected communities. Rather than overwhelming readers with technical details, Prem opts for an intimate approach that makes the devastating impact of these disasters deeply relatable. His accessible yet profound writing style bridges individual experience and collective trauma.

The book's strength lies in its timing and authenticity. As a lived experience of two natural disasters in Australia, it provides crucial perspective amid ongoing global conversations about climate change. While the poetic format might not appeal to readers seeking traditional prose accounts, the personal narrative approach succeeds in making abstract environmental concepts tangible and immediate.

Rating: 4.5/5

Recommended for readers interested in environmental literature, poetry enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the human dimension of climate change through an Australian lens.

(Courtesy of Frank Prem)