ABBEY'S BOOKSELLER PICK ----- Arguably one of the best novels ever written about growing up and coming of age in Australia between the world wars, this is the story of David Meredith's early life (Johnston wrote two sequels: Clean Straw for Nothing and A Cartload of Clay). From his earliest memories, David never feels like he fits into his family, that he is a disappointment to his violent father, and can't be compared to his brother. Jack is the epitome of the rugged Australian larrikin who treats life like an adventure, can turn his hand to most things, and is not afraid to have a go. David is a poor specimen by comparison, and also in his own estimation, but manages to drift into an occupation that brings him all the adventure his brother would have liked, and ends up being professionally successful, if not at all content with his personal life. This self-aware and complex character, unable to fully engage with the life and people around him, and set against the happenings and society of pre-WWII Australia, is one of the finest creations in our literature. Lindy
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'The thing I am trying to get at is what made Jack different from me. Different all through our lives, I mean, and in a special sense, not just older or nobler or braver or less clever.' David and Jack Meredith grow up in a patriotic suburban Melbourne household during the First World War, and go on to lead lives that could not be more different. Through the story of the two brothers, George Johnston created an enduring exploration of two Australian myths: that of the man who loses his soul as he gains worldly success, and that of the tough, honest Aussie battler, whose greatest ambition is to serve his country during the war. Acknowledged as one of the true Australian classics, My Brother Jack is a deeply satisfying, complex and moving literary masterpiece.
By:
George Johnston Imprint: Angus & Robertson Country of Publication: Australia Dimensions:
Height: 199mm,
Width: 128mm,
Spine: 27mm
Weight: 270g ISBN:9780732297046 ISBN 10: 0732297044 Series:Meredith Publication Date:01 March 2013 Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
