Cloudstreet, by Winton, is a saga following the life paths of two struggling families sharing accommodation in a gloomy house but living separate lives. Sagas are not, however, confined to family life; Cloudstreet is also a historical novel in its detailed evocation of Western Australian society through two turbulent decades after World War II. Notwithstanding, Cloudstreet has epic qualities which dislocates it from the particularities of time and setting. Responders are able to sense Winton's desire to confront them with values intrinsic to human life such as love through discord and diff…
