Mary Grant Bruce (1878–1958)

Christmas in Australia is so very different from the traditions in the USA. I can appreciate that since Christmas in south and central Texas rarely feels like the traditional Christmas. At Christmas-time, Australia is blazes hot with risk of fire, snakes, and the odd kangaroo ever present. So much work this time of year at the stations. Stories are set mostly in the early 20th century. Some are sad, poignant, and funny. Many involve someone in distress and true love is found when someone saves them, such as a former WWII POW unable to recover from his experiences. One story ends in tragedy so read before sharing with young ones. Only one involves Christmas magic. Most feel like Little House on the Prairie type stories with the Australian Christmas background. I enjoyed it for something very different this year.… (mehr)

A key text in Aussie children's literature, published when my great-grandparents were still young, this book was read and re-read by children for 60 years, although I don't think many people my age would be familiar with it. Another fantastic female heroine, and gripping use of the landscape. By this point, colonialist Australia had developed its own personality, and that ever-changing relationship with the land is at the heart of this work.

Is it outdated? Absolutely. It might be a questionable choice for one's children because of its racial stereotypes and language. A product of its time but, on balance, an invigorating historical novel. Just maybe leave it until people are old enough to question the parts that should be questioned.… (mehr)

Re-reading From Billabong to London, I am struck afresh by the interesting structure and build of the books in this series. Episodic in nature, and with only a loosely hanging overarcing plotline, the books tend to be very... anecdotal. Nearly always beginning (obviously aside from the volumes set overseas) with a gentle depiction of life at Billabong station, followed by a few chapters concerning specific events in station life, such as a servants' ball, a muster of stock etc., the books usually have some excitement/danger/suspense just before the halfway mark. Examples include snake-bite, attempted horsetheft, housefire, and so on. After the excitement at this point, which is often spread out over a few diverse episodes, the book usually settles down again for a little while - before the extremely dramatic events of the finale - none of which will I spoil for you!
From Billabong to London has many gripping moments - which I believe make up for some duller passages. (The book is set on board an ocean liner - there are bound to be fewer exciting moments, WWI notwithstanding.) Two people whom I have tried to interest in the series both tossed in the towel about halfway through this book. A real shame, for the last few chapters are quite exciting!… (mehr)