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krrolf's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This book was so funny to me at times because the narrator perfectly communicates the soul-splitting agony of being 17, and a girl, and very special. Her mom is her mortal enemy one minute and the next she’s the impossible standard of perfection Sybella can never reach. Sybella’s mood swings from a triumphant self-absorbed intellectual to a self-deprecating melodramatic whiner. And I acted the same way at 17 over 100 years after this book was written, so it felt relatable.
The plot sometimes felt disjointed, but overall I loved this book because it felt like an accurate teenage stream-of-consciousness, while demonstrating the impossible position of a young feminist at the end of the 19th century.
The plot sometimes felt disjointed, but overall I loved this book because it felt like an accurate teenage stream-of-consciousness, while demonstrating the impossible position of a young feminist at the end of the 19th century.
ezza1637's review against another edition
3.0
Maybe more of a 3.5 almost a 4, quite entertaining even without an apparent plot as admitted by the author
kerry2046's review against another edition
3.0
My mothers friend lent this to me to read. Not a terrible book but it took me very long to complete. May have to reread it again
carole888's review against another edition
4.0
This gives a glimpse back in time at life in some (imaginary) rural towns around Goulburn, at the end of 19th century Australia. The story told from the unusual perspective of young Sybylla who to me is quite irritating & impossible at times, but also likeable, as she’s young and means well. It is interesting to see the style of writing and use of language in the book, also the use of certain words and phrases from that time …. Certain attitudes and prejudices stand out … Good on Sybylla for being true to herself!
This is a Bookclub read for March 2022 - Am looking forward to discussing it with the others.
This is a Bookclub read for March 2022 - Am looking forward to discussing it with the others.
thecurbau's review against another edition
5.0
Just finished My Brilliant Career for the first time. That final chapter is beautiful and heartbreaking.
Please, people, make sure to give value to every young child growing up so they know that they are wanted and needed in the world.
Please, people, make sure to give value to every young child growing up so they know that they are wanted and needed in the world.
issyanthony's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ltobin's review against another edition
4.0
This book truly leaves me with a pang of sadness, surely an indication of the talent of the author.
This is a semi autobiograpy written by Miles franklin in the late 1890's, and it certainly reflects the time. Set in country Australia, our narrator grows up on a farm in the midst of a drought, which turns her father to alcohol. Syb, our narrator, is a bit different from other girls at this time. She is self described as being plain, and revokes any thoughts of marriage. She is unafraid of hard work, but her real downfall is her lack of confidence in herself which has been brewed by people constantly remarking on her 'plainness' in regards to her beautiful sister and mother.
Her mother despairs when Syb renounces God and refuses to leave home to seek work, and thus sends her to her Grandmother's home. This is a real turning point in her life. Her aunt transforms her appearance, and she gets to engage in reading and literary discussions with the many visitors. One of the visitors is Harold Beecham, a rich man who owns much property. He becomes smitten with her, but never makes it too obvious due to his reserved nature (when he is not in a temper). He asks for her hand in marriage on numerous occasions, she ranges for saying yes to maybe to renouncing the whole idea of marriage. She is of the belief that a man of his standing needs a more respectful woman than she.
Ultimately, the heart wrenching part of this book is that Syb, while she has not created her own misery she has certainly prolonged it, by being unable to take Harold's offer. The 'law of the land' at the time is against her, as she has always been told she is too plain to get any kind of suitor, nevermind a rich man who should be with a glamorous wife. Her self confidence also contributes to her misery; she just cannot accept the fact that a man such as Harold would marry her.
This is a semi autobiograpy written by Miles franklin in the late 1890's, and it certainly reflects the time. Set in country Australia, our narrator grows up on a farm in the midst of a drought, which turns her father to alcohol. Syb, our narrator, is a bit different from other girls at this time. She is self described as being plain, and revokes any thoughts of marriage. She is unafraid of hard work, but her real downfall is her lack of confidence in herself which has been brewed by people constantly remarking on her 'plainness' in regards to her beautiful sister and mother.
Her mother despairs when Syb renounces God and refuses to leave home to seek work, and thus sends her to her Grandmother's home. This is a real turning point in her life. Her aunt transforms her appearance, and she gets to engage in reading and literary discussions with the many visitors. One of the visitors is Harold Beecham, a rich man who owns much property. He becomes smitten with her, but never makes it too obvious due to his reserved nature (when he is not in a temper). He asks for her hand in marriage on numerous occasions, she ranges for saying yes to maybe to renouncing the whole idea of marriage. She is of the belief that a man of his standing needs a more respectful woman than she.
Ultimately, the heart wrenching part of this book is that Syb, while she has not created her own misery she has certainly prolonged it, by being unable to take Harold's offer. The 'law of the land' at the time is against her, as she has always been told she is too plain to get any kind of suitor, nevermind a rich man who should be with a glamorous wife. Her self confidence also contributes to her misery; she just cannot accept the fact that a man such as Harold would marry her.
amyburra29's review against another edition
5.0
A favourite of my youth. Helped shape my character. The pride and the vulnerability all at the same time....something I know, with hindsight, I have emulated.
cameliam's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Emotional abuse, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Animal cruelty, Classism, Colonisation, Confinement, Bullying, Addiction, Racism, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Grief, Body shaming, Forced institutionalization, Animal death, Slavery, and Physical abuse