Written in 1928; but the style means it could be of the era in which it's set- the 1840s.
Following a rural pioneering community in New South Wales, there are similarities with Victorian Europe - the class consciousness of those from the 'Old country', the better off and those who came of emigrant rather than convict stock. But it's a much rough and readier lifestyle, even for the local 'aristocracy' - homes with earthen floors, long journeys on horseback, sleeping under the stars...
The story - based on accounts from her grandmother - tells of family feuds and unrequited love; floods and the hazards of childbirth; gold mining and bushrangers. It's a lovely, readable tale, that could be from the 19th century. ( )

Truly a delight by the end. It starts a bit slow, with the direction not very clear, but by 3/4 of the way through I was hooked to find out whether Bert was a bushranger, whether Emily would come to her senses.... I loved also the bits of pioneer housekeeping. I drew pleasure from no one being entirely good or entirely bad, mostly just a mix. I, too, look forward to the next “Brent of Bin Bin” book.
[I read the 1984 edition, which apparently has some differences, possibly including the ending, both from the 1928 and the 1951 editions.] ( )

Up the Country was published in 1928 and relates the story of the NSW pioneer families, Mazere, Poole & Brennan, during the mid 1800's.
Reading the book in 2011 highlighted the immense changes in society during the last 150 years and while the storyline sometimes seemed quite simplistic there are certainly parts of the book that I was not expecting. I enjoyed spending time with characters with such good values. I particularly enjoyed the language in this book, which has been largely lost to the modern Australia . I look forward to the next instalment in "Ten Creeks Run" ( )