Adapted from the story by Susan Coolidge
A classic 1950s children’s book for girls. A little marked up and obviously well read.
Whitcome and Tombs. 1950s. 88p.
USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP
By Norman Lindsay
FROM THE COVER. “This is a very funny book, about a very peculiar pudding. In spite of the word 'magic' in the title,there are no fairies or spells. Only a pudding. Sometimes it was a rich odoriferous steak-and-kidney pudding, sometimes it was boiled jam roll or apple dumpling. All you had to do was whistle twice, turn the pudding round, and you could have whatever you wanted! Indeed, the pudding was such a prize that there were 'professional puddin'-owners' and,alas, 'professional puddin'-thieves'. One of the owners was Sam Sawnoff, whose feet were sitting down while his body was standing (he was a penguin), although Bill was just an ordinary small man with a large hat. The pudding had his own views, and was apt to sing in a very gruff voice… For ages eight to eighty, allowing for brief blind periods now and again in between.”
Middlesex. Penguin. 1918.
By Frederick J. Thwaites
"They Lived That Spring" is a memoir by Frederick J. Thwaites, published in 1950. It chronicles his experiences as a soldier during World War II, including his training in the British army, his deployment to North Africa and Italy, and his return home after the war.
The book offers a personal account of the struggles and hardships of war, as well as the camaraderie and friendships that can develop in such circumstances. Thwaites' writing style is noted for its clarity and directness, and his descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered during his military service are particularly vivid.
"They Lived That Spring" has been praised for its honest portrayal of the realities of war, as well as for its engaging and accessible writing style. It provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a soldier in World War II, and offers valuable insights into the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole.
Sydney. F. J. Thwaites. 1946, 330p.
By Patrick White
"The Tree of Man" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1955. The novel tells the story of a couple named Stan and Amy Parker who settle on a small farm in rural New South Wales, Australia, in the early 20th century and raise a family there.
The novel explores the lives of the Parkers and their descendants over several generations, tracing the ways in which they adapt to the changing world around them while remaining rooted in their connection to the land. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.
"The Tree of Man" is considered one of White's most important works and has been widely praised for its poetic language, its sensitive portrayal of human relationships, and its exploration of the themes of family, identity, and belonging. The novel won the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1956.
Melbourne. Penguin. 1984. 463p.
By Patrick White
"Voss" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1957. The novel tells the story of a German explorer named Johann Voss who leads an expedition into the Australian interior in the mid-19th century.
The novel is known for its complex and multi-layered narrative structure, as well as its vivid descriptions of the harsh Australian landscape and the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Voss is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic figure, struggling to come to terms with his own identity and his place in the world.
The novel explores a wide range of themes, including the conflict between civilization and wilderness, the struggle for personal identity, and the impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It has been praised for its poetic language, its intricate plot, and its exploration of complex philosophical and psychological themes.
"Voss" is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian novels of the 20th century, and has been translated into multiple languages. It was awarded the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1957.
Sydney Aus. Random House. Vintage. 1957. 462p.
By Murray Bail
"Eucalyptus" is a novel by Australian author Murray Bail, first published in 1998. It tells the story of a man named Holland, who lives in a remote part of New South Wales and is famous for his collection of rare eucalyptus trees. When his daughter, Ellen, reaches marrying age, Holland decides that she will only marry the man who can name all of the trees on his property.
Ellen is not initially pleased with her father's plan, as she longs for a more conventional romance, but as suitors arrive and fail to name all the trees, she becomes increasingly intrigued by the challenge. The novel follows Ellen's relationships with various suitors, as well as her growing appreciation for her father's unique passion for eucalyptus trees.
The novel is celebrated for its lyrical descriptions of the Australian landscape, as well as its themes of love, family, and the tension between tradition and modernity. It has been compared to fairy tales and fables for its whimsical and magical tone, and has been praised for its exploration of the deep connection between humans and nature.
Melbourne Australia. Text Publishing. 1998. 254p.
By Miles Franklin
"My Brilliant Career" tells the story of Sybylla, a headstrong young woman living in rural Australia in the late 19th century. She dreams of a life beyond the narrow expectations of her social class and gender, but struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with the pressure to marry and conform to traditional gender roles. The novel is noted for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, as well as its frank depiction of Sybylla's rebellious spirit and the social constraints that limit her opportunities.
"My Career Goes Bung" picks up Sybylla's story several years after the events of the first novel. She has moved to the city and is working as a governess, but continues to struggle with the tension between her desire for independence and the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The novel continues to explore themes of class, gender, and the limitations imposed on women in turn-of-the-century Australia, and is notable for its witty and irreverent tone.
Both novels are widely regarded as landmarks of Australian literature, and are celebrated for their feminist themes, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and their pioneering portrayal of a young woman's struggle for independence and self-determination. Miles Franklin herself was a pioneering figure in Australian literature and a passionate advocate for women's rights, and the Miles Franklin Literary Award, one of Australia's most prestigious literary prizes, is named in her honor.
Sydney Australia. Harper Collins. 1901 & 1946. 448p
By Jane Shemilt
London. Penguin. 2014. 342p.
"The Daughter" is a novel by Australian author Jane Shemilt, first published in 2014. The book tells the story of a successful doctor named Jenny, whose daughter Naomi disappears one day without a trace. As Jenny searches for her daughter and tries to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, she must confront the painful secrets and hidden truths that have been simmering beneath the surface of her seemingly perfect family.
The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that explores themes of loss, grief, and the complexities of family relationships. Shemilt's skill as a writer is evident in her deft handling of the novel's multiple narrative threads, as well as her ability to create a sense of tension and unease that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
B y Tim Winton
Penguin Books. 2018. 266p.
"The Shepherd's Hut" is a novel by Australian author Tim Winton, published in 2018. The novel follows the story of Jaxie Clackton, a young Australian boy who flees his abusive father and sets out on foot into the Western Australian outback.
Jaxie's journey takes him through a harsh and unforgiving landscape, where he must fend for himself and face his own inner demons. Along the way, he encounters a mysterious old man named Fintan MacGillis, who lives alone in a remote shepherd's hut.
As Jaxie and Fintan form an unlikely bond, they both confront their pasts and grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and redemption. The novel explores themes of masculinity, violence, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world.
Winton's prose is spare and poetic, capturing the beauty and brutality of the outback landscape and the emotional turmoil of his characters. The novel has been praised for its powerful storytelling, evocative language, and exploration of important contemporary issues.
By Michelene Lee
Melbourne, Australia.Black Publishing. 2016. 293p.
As Aunty Party's family and friends gather for a weekend of prayer and healing rituals, the novel explores themes of faith, family, and the complex relationships that exist within communities. It also delves into issues of culture, identity, and the impact of colonialism on indigenous communities in Australia.
Through the character of Aunty Party, the novel explores the role of faith and spirituality in providing comfort and guidance to individuals and communities facing difficult challenges. It also raises important questions about the intersection of traditional indigenous beliefs with Western religious practices, and the ongoing impact of colonization on the spiritual and cultural practices of indigenous Australians.
By Alex Miller
Following the sudden end of her marriage, Annabelle Beck returns from Melbourne to the sanctuary of her old family home in North Queensland. There, on an archaeological survey, she discovers that the aboriginal field officer, Bo Rennie, knows her from her childhood. Initially intrigued by his old-fashioned manners, she finds herself increasingly captivated by his modest assurance that he holds the key to her future. Eventually she sets out with him on a path of discovery that leads back to her childhood and to the uncovering of family secrets that have lain buried for a generation or more, secrets that will challenge their future together and force them to question whether their love can survive the terrible knowledge they have come to possess.
NSW. Aust. Allen and Unwin.2002. 327p.
By Markus Zusak
The Dunbar boys bring each other up in a house run by their own rules a family of ramshackled tragedy their mother is dead their father has fled they love and fight and learn to reckon with the adult world. It is Clay, the quiet one, who will build a bridge; for his family, for his past, for his sins. He builds a bridge to transcend humanness. To survive A miracle and nothing less. Markus Zusak makes his long-awaited return with a profoundly heartfelt and inventive novel about a family held together by stories, and a young life caught in the current: a hoy in search of greatness, as a cure for a painful past. “‘Brilliant and hugely ambitious...the kind of book that can be life changing.” The New York Times. “‘Unsettling, thought-provoking, life affirming, triumphant and tragic, this is a novel of breathtaking scope, masterfully told.” Guardian. ‘Zusak’s novel is a highwire act of inventiveness and emotional suppleness’ The Australian.
Australia. Picador Macmillan. 2018. 581p.
By Tim Winton
In the 1990s Tim Winton made his mark through tough spare stories about youth and promise; of early age parenthood and the challenges of loyalty. Now almost 20 years since his last collection he returns to the form with 17 overlapping stories of second thoughts and mid-life regret set in the brooding small town world of coastal WA. Brilliantly crafted and as tender as they are confronting these ellagic stories examine the darkness and frailty of ordinary people and celebrate the moments when the light shines through.
Picador. Australia. Pan Macmillan. 2004. 317p.