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A review by bristoni74
My Brilliant Career by Miles Franklin
4.0
My first reading of this novel by Miles Franklin (written when she was only 16!). I'm pleased I haven't seen the movie adaptation with breakout stars Judy Davis and Sam Neill at the time, to influence my thoughts. Published in the late 1800's, the themes of this novel felt so contemporary, and the writing is amazing.
I can only admire Miles Franklin for writing such an engaging character at only 16. Sybylla reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, except that Anne disappointingly grows up and chooses the traditional path and loses her imagination. For this reason, I'm glad there wasn't a sequel to "My Brilliant Career". I can remember Sybylla as always frustrating and indecisive but is clear she doesn't want the drudgery and life of a bush wife who works herself to the bone and gets old before her time. Sybylla is feisty and wants a life of adventure and independence.
What is also lovely about this classic, is the sense of Australia - the bush, the heat, the dust, etc. It's beautifully written and I always wondered how they coped when wearing fashions that were suited to the Northern Hemisphere and a cooler climate. I'm really happy I selected this book as part of my "Australian Classics" goals this year and I would recommend it as a timeless YA story
I can only admire Miles Franklin for writing such an engaging character at only 16. Sybylla reminds me of Anne of Green Gables, except that Anne disappointingly grows up and chooses the traditional path and loses her imagination. For this reason, I'm glad there wasn't a sequel to "My Brilliant Career". I can remember Sybylla as always frustrating and indecisive but is clear she doesn't want the drudgery and life of a bush wife who works herself to the bone and gets old before her time. Sybylla is feisty and wants a life of adventure and independence.
What is also lovely about this classic, is the sense of Australia - the bush, the heat, the dust, etc. It's beautifully written and I always wondered how they coped when wearing fashions that were suited to the Northern Hemisphere and a cooler climate. I'm really happy I selected this book as part of my "Australian Classics" goals this year and I would recommend it as a timeless YA story