Friday, 15 December 2006

The life of the Irwin family in technicolour is this latest book written by Steve and Terri.
BOOK REVIEW: The Crocodile Hunter by Steve and Terri Irwin
Terry Whitehead
"Oh gosh! I miss you, Mum ... I miss you every minute of every day and the pain of losing you tears my heart out. [You] fought for me, protected me, pushed me forward when the going got tough, and raised me to fight for the preservation of wildlife until the day I die."

How apt to begin this history of Australia Zoo with a dedication by Steve to his mum, Lynette Leslie Irwin, who passed on her love of wildlife to her now famous son. It could in fact be Terri speaking about Steve. The face of Terri Irwin, seen bravely holding herself together after Steve's death, replays something of that passion and emotion that Steve revealed in the dedication to his mother.
Even those not that interested or familiar with The Crocodile Hunter's exploits may find his unmistakable energy drifting out of the pages. For this reviewer, it brought a new awareness that "Crikey! This bloke was pretty remarkable!"
Conservationist Stephen Robert Irwin, 44, nicknamed "The Crocodile Hunter" won worldwide fame from his TV wildlife program of the same name.
The Crocodile Hunter was broadcast internationally and was co-hosted with wife Terri. Then, on September 4 this year, Steve died when struck by a stingray on Batt Reef in Queensland. The news shocked the world.


This book came long before the tragedy and the worldwide outpouring of grief and in essence, this is a family story. A story that lays out the history of the beginnings of the Irwin family through to the ongoing aims for their beloved Australia Zoo in Beerwah, Queensland, founded by Steve's parents,


The writing and storytelling and dozens of boyhood and family photos, reflect Steve Irwin's undeniable pizzazz and Terri's gentler passion for life and wildlife. Steve's phrases are riddled with exclamation points and the Gee Whiz factor. Terri passes on the romance and adventure with a calmer voice.


The photos set a reality, to the unreal scenario, reading a book which was written by a couple in love and full of action and plans for the future.


Terri's tale is the yin to Steve's yang and the balance is very complimentary. Their personalities seep out from their written words and an appreciation of the drive and belief in their work takes hold.


This narrative/adventure/romance story is well worth the read – out in nature, lying in the shade and well away from the crocodiles.


The Crocodile Hunter, Viking, RRP 35.00
Source: Rural Press Network