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knod78's review against another edition
5.0
This was the Australian Forest Gump and I loved every minute of this book. Okay, maybe a few times, it bogged down with lots of information and it does the same thing that another Australian author did in introducing a character name without describing this person and the importance of this person. But I digress. Also, there was some repeated information, but that was limited.
What a beautiful story to follow this kid, a kid put into slavery at 7, and then basically work his way out of it and into a life of work (hard work). He has bad things happen and he happens to be at the right place at the right time. Just like Forest Gump. It works out for him in the end. I love that he was a Manager by 17, how he met his wife, and all the odd jobs and adventures he had. The Afterword was a treat to learn more about how he got this book published and I think it answers some questions about how he remembered everything at his age. It was such an insight into Australian life and their work with the war. I loved how they kept trying to get him to drink even at a young age, almost pestering him, and one officer making it an order...until he said, "No. I made a promise to my grandmother." Then, they backed off like ...understood.
I recommend everyone to read this book and learn about hard work, persevering, and well life. Thanks Elizabeth for this book.
What a beautiful story to follow this kid, a kid put into slavery at 7, and then basically work his way out of it and into a life of work (hard work). He has bad things happen and he happens to be at the right place at the right time. Just like Forest Gump. It works out for him in the end. I love that he was a Manager by 17, how he met his wife, and all the odd jobs and adventures he had. The Afterword was a treat to learn more about how he got this book published and I think it answers some questions about how he remembered everything at his age. It was such an insight into Australian life and their work with the war. I loved how they kept trying to get him to drink even at a young age, almost pestering him, and one officer making it an order...until he said, "No. I made a promise to my grandmother." Then, they backed off like ...understood.
I recommend everyone to read this book and learn about hard work, persevering, and well life. Thanks Elizabeth for this book.
stewg's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.5
moomoocows's review against another edition
5.0
Simple, yet eloquent prose. Truly a life-story that cannot be forgotten easily.
yoshi5's review against another edition
5.0
Incredibly moving book. An "everyperson's" book of which I realised there are far too few. Readable for everyone, and absolutely humble and profound. Wish this had been on the Australian reading curriculum in school!
smitchy's review against another edition
5.0
Why did no-one ever shove this book in my face and tell me how brilliant it is???! Do yourself a favour and read it now! It will get you right from the start. An absolutely fascinating account of life in pioneer Australia from being a boy on the gold fields, a teen working for his keep to a young man enduring the horrors of WWI at Gallipoli and then to marriage and getting by during the depression of the 30's. This book will take you a journey through the hard but ultimately fortunate life of a man who will show you that with the best attitude your life is in your control.
So many times in his life things could have turned out differently or Mr Facey could have given up but this is just a wonderful life and told in a clear, unique and modest voice.
So many times in his life things could have turned out differently or Mr Facey could have given up but this is just a wonderful life and told in a clear, unique and modest voice.
fanaticalfantasy's review against another edition
5.0
How can I possibly rate a mans life story - except to give it 5 stars because this incredible man lived despite all the odds.
What a stunning, moving, intense book about growing up during some of the hardest times in Australia.
I wish I could've met this man to shake his hand.
a truly inspiring life. I highly recommend!
What a stunning, moving, intense book about growing up during some of the hardest times in Australia.
I wish I could've met this man to shake his hand.
a truly inspiring life. I highly recommend!
danjk's review against another edition
4.0
Albert Facey’s ‘A Fortunate Life’ has, in my opinion, been unfairly criticised for its simple prose. I am not sure why people would make this defunct argument considering the memoir was written by someone who was not a writer, and, until his teens, completely illiterate.
If you’re looking for a well written book, do not read this. In saying that, I enjoyed the sparseness of the language – he simply told things in an economical and modest way. However, there were moments when I cringed when he used clichés like ‘all hell broke loose’.
I think this book is an important historical text, for Australia as a whole and for Western Australia, where most of the story is told. I garnered an insight into turn of the century Australia and how much our country has changed, not only geographically, but how families functioned and the role of children in society. It also made me see my forefathers in a different light. I have a lot more respect for those that came before me. They had a challenging existence, they worked hard and they had a bigger sense of family and community than we do today.
While I found my interest wavering in the middle (perhaps due to the length of the book), the first and last act were enthralling – which proves his skill as a great story teller. Because that is what he is. His commentary on the horror at Gallipoli will stay with me for a long time.
It’s a great book. I recommend every Aussie to have a read. It was enlightening and, at times, profoundly moving.
If you’re looking for a well written book, do not read this. In saying that, I enjoyed the sparseness of the language – he simply told things in an economical and modest way. However, there were moments when I cringed when he used clichés like ‘all hell broke loose’.
I think this book is an important historical text, for Australia as a whole and for Western Australia, where most of the story is told. I garnered an insight into turn of the century Australia and how much our country has changed, not only geographically, but how families functioned and the role of children in society. It also made me see my forefathers in a different light. I have a lot more respect for those that came before me. They had a challenging existence, they worked hard and they had a bigger sense of family and community than we do today.
While I found my interest wavering in the middle (perhaps due to the length of the book), the first and last act were enthralling – which proves his skill as a great story teller. Because that is what he is. His commentary on the horror at Gallipoli will stay with me for a long time.
It’s a great book. I recommend every Aussie to have a read. It was enlightening and, at times, profoundly moving.
sofia72's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.25