Michelle de Kretser explores the intricacies of mobility, dislocation, and the human need for connection in her ambitious and multi-layered novel, Questions of Travel. The book, which won the 2013 Miles Franklin Literary Award, compares the lives of two main characters: Ravi, a Sri Lankan man who was compelled to leave his country due to political unrest, and Laura, an Australian woman who travels extensively before pursuing a career in travel publishing. Through their parallel stories, De Kretser examines the different experiences of voluntary travel and forced migration.

Laura’s travels are characterized by a feeling of affluence and aimlessness, which is indicative of a Western view of travel to escape and discover oneself. Ravi’s displacement, on the other hand, is traumatic and painful, underscoring the terrible conditions that refugees must endure. The novel’s examination of the varied nature of human mobility is highlighted by the brief intersection of their lives in Sydney, but the overall disconnection of their experiences.

Themes of globalization, technology, and the pursuit of purpose in a world that is changing quickly are all interwoven in De Kretser’s lyrical and perceptive prose. The book asks readers to think on the moral implications of travel as well as the sometimes-overlooked benefits that come with it. According to a reviewer, the book “delves deeply into the complexities and realities of modern travel, dissecting its illusions, challenges, and potential for profound transformation.”

Questions of Travel offers a profound study on the human condition, encouraging reflection on the various reasons individuals depart and seek new places, even though some readers may find the book’s structure and pacing taxing. Those who are interested in the connections between personal stories and more general social issues will find it to be an engaging read.