Cloudstreet

In Tim Winton's 'Cloudstreet', two working-class families, the Lambs and the Pickles, find their lives intertwined in a ramshackle house in post-war Australia. Spanning two decades, the narrative explores themes of hope, loss, and the quest for belonging, as both families navigate their tumultuous paths. With the house at the center, it becomes a character in its own right, steeped in memory and haunted by the past. Winton’s lyrical prose evokes vivid imagery and deep emotions, making every page a poetic journey. As the stories of joy and tragedy unfold, readers are left wondering: what does it truly mean to call a place home?

By Tim Winton

Published: 2002

"In the chaos of life, we find our home in each other's stories."

CloudstreetBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

Hailed as a classic, Tim Winton's masterful family saga is both a paean to working-class Australians and an unflinching examination of the human heart's capacity for sorrow, joy, and endless gradations in between. An award-winning work, Cloudstreet exemplifies the brilliant ability of fiction to captivate and inspire. Struggling to rebuild their lives after being touched by disaster, the Pickle family, who've inherited a big house called Cloudstreet in a suburb of Perth, take in the God-fearing Lambs as tenants. The Lambs have suffered their own catastrophes, and determined to survive, they open up a grocery on the ground floor. From 1944 to 1964, the shared experiences of the two overpopulated clans -- running the gamut from drunkenness, adultery, and death to resurrection, marriage, and birth -- bond them to each other and to the bustling, haunted house in ways no one could have anticipated.

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Cloudstreet

About the Author

T

Tim Winton

Tim Winton is an acclaimed Australian author, recognized for his evocative storytelling and deep connection to the Australian landscape. Born in 1960 in Perth, he has published numerous novels, including notable works such as 'Cloudstreet', 'Breath', and 'The Riders'. Winton's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, rich imagery, and profound exploration of themes such as identity, nature, and the human experience. His contributions to literature have earned him multiple awards, including the Miles Franklin Award, and he continues to be a significant voice in contemporary Australian literature.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Tim Winton
Published
June 2002
Publisher
Scribner
ISBN
0743234413
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
Contemporary FictionLiteratureLiterary Fiction

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

The GoldfinchBook binding

The Goldfinch

Donna Tartt

Modern Geometry — Methods and ApplicationsBook binding

Modern Geometry — Methods and Applications

B.A. Dubrovin, A.T. Fomenko, S.P. Novikov

A Visit from the Goon SquadBook binding

A Visit from the Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan

The Gap of TimeBook binding

The Gap of Time

Jeanette Winterson

The Four-chambered HeartBook binding

The Four-chambered Heart

Anaïs Nin

If on a Winter's Night a TravellerBook binding

If on a Winter's Night a Traveller

Italo Calvino

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.Book binding

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.

Lorenz Von Westenrieder

A Fine BalanceBook binding

A Fine Balance

Rohinton Mistry

AdaptBook binding

Adapt

Tim Harford

The Secrets We KeptBook binding

The Secrets We Kept

Lara Prescott

Cultural AmnesiaBook binding

Cultural Amnesia

Clive James

The Future of CapitalismBook binding

The Future of Capitalism

Paul Collier

The LowlandBook binding

The Lowland

Jhumpa Lahiri

Anything Is PossibleBook binding

Anything Is Possible

Elizabeth Strout

Avid ReaderBook binding

Avid Reader

Robert Gottlieb

TrafficBook binding

Traffic

Tom Vanderbilt

No BullBook binding

No Bull

Michael Steinhardt

A Geek in JapanBook binding

A Geek in Japan

One of UsBook binding

One of Us

Alice Domurat Dreger

A Collection of EssaysBook binding

A Collection of Essays

George Orwell

Thank You for Coming to HattiesburgBook binding

Thank You for Coming to Hattiesburg

Todd Barry

The Shadow of the WindBook binding

The Shadow of the Wind

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Orwell: EssaysBook binding

Orwell: Essays

George Orwell

A Manual for Cleaning WomenBook binding

A Manual for Cleaning Women

Lucia Berlin

Ape HouseBook binding

Ape House

Sara Gruen

No Better TimeBook binding

No Better Time

Molly Knight Raskin

The Robert Collier Letter BookBook binding

The Robert Collier Letter Book

Robert Collier

The Book of VirtuesBook binding

The Book of Virtues

William J. Bennett

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer's Book Recommendations

Amanda Palmer is an American singer-songwriter, author, and performance artist, best known for her work as a solo artist and as part of the band The Dresden Dolls. Palmer is known for her theatrical performances, genre-blending music, and her strong connection with her fanbase. She has been a pioneer in crowdfunding, raising millions to fund her creative projects through platforms like Kickstarter and Patreon. Palmer is also the author of The Art of Asking, where she explores themes of vulnerability, creativity, and connection. Her work transcends traditional music, blending performance art, activism, and community engagement.

View Collection
John Green's Book Recommendations

John Green's Book Recommendations

John Green is an American author, YouTuber, and educator, best known for his best-selling novels The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska. Green's writing often explores themes of love, loss, and the complexity of adolescence, resonating with both young adults and adults alike. He is also the co-creator of the YouTube channels Vlogbrothers and CrashCourse, where he educates viewers on history, literature, and science in an engaging, accessible way. Green is known for his deep empathy and ability to connect with readers through emotionally powerful storytelling. His work in literature and online education has made him a beloved figure in both media and education circles.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Walter Isaacson's Book Recommendations

Walter Isaacson's Book Recommendations

Walter Isaacson is a renowned American author, journalist, and professor, best known for his detailed biographies of influential figures. He has penned bestselling biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci, each acclaimed for their thorough research and engaging storytelling. Isaacson served as the CEO of the Aspen Institute, chairman of CNN, and editor of Time magazine, significantly impacting both media and educational spheres. His works often explore the intersection of genius, innovation, and human nature. Isaacson's ability to distill complex lives into compelling narratives has cemented his reputation as one of the foremost biographers of our time.

View Collection
Claire Diaz-Ortiz's Book Recommendations

Claire Diaz-Ortiz's Book Recommendations

Claire Diaz-Ortiz is a prominent author, speaker, and technology innovator known for her influential work at Twitter, where she played a key role in promoting the platform's use for social good. She has authored several notable books, including "Twitter for Good" and "Design Your Day," which offer insights into leveraging social media for activism and optimizing personal productivity, respectively. Diaz-Ortiz is also recognized for her contributions to leadership literature, particularly through her co-authored works with Ken Blanchard. She is a sought-after keynote speaker and has been featured in major media outlets for her expertise in technology and social impact. Beyond her writing, she is committed to philanthropic endeavors and mentoring women entrepreneurs globally.

View Collection
Colin Firth's Book Recommendations

Colin Firth's Book Recommendations

Colin Firth is a British actor known for his roles in films such as The King’s Speech, Pride and Prejudice, and A Single Man. Firth’s portrayal of King George VI in The King’s Speech earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. He is widely respected for his ability to bring depth and nuance to a wide range of characters, from romantic leads to complex historical figures. Firth is also a passionate advocate for human rights and environmental causes, using his platform to support charitable organizations. His combination of talent and activism has made him one of the most admired actors in the film industry.

View Collection
Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens's Book Recommendations

Christopher Hitchens (1949-2011) was a prolific British-American author, journalist, and literary critic known for his sharp wit and unapologetic criticism of religion and political figures. He penned numerous books, including the best-selling "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," which cemented his reputation as a leading public intellectual and outspoken atheist. Hitchens contributed regularly to prominent publications such as Vanity Fair, The Nation, and The Atlantic, showcasing his wide-ranging knowledge and incisive commentary. He was also lauded for his powerful oratory skills, engaging in countless debates and lectures worldwide. His memoir, "Hitch-22," offers an introspective look into his life, further solidifying his legacy as a formidable voice in contemporary literature and thought.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

In the chaos of life, we find our home in each other's stories.

Cloudstreet

By Tim Winton

Frequently Asked Questions