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candacesiegle_greedyreader's review against another edition
5.0
One of Charles Dickens' eight sons opines to another that the gov'ner, as they called him, sends his own children to the same backwaters that he sends his least favorite characters. Two of his sons are in Australia, while the others are scattered across India and Canada. Whas the gov'ner disappointed in this children? It might seem so.
The Dickens boy is the gov'ner's youngest, Edward, known at Plorn, dragged from school at 16 and plopped on a ship for Australia, where he will learn the sheep business. Plorn "never applied himself" and is not very ambitious, and has never read any of his father's works. In Australia, Dickens is revered by people of all classes and education. They can recite whole chapters of this book or that, they act them out, they never get tired of discussing the characters, and laughing when they're not weeping. Dickens' work is something that brings people together, and Plorn has a big secret to keep.
In remote New South Wales the formerly feckless Plorn creates himself. With an open mind he meets aboriginal people, ex-convicts, new colonists, gets taken hostage (one of the most touching parts of the novel) and flirts with love. He has so much of his father's work quoted to him that he almost doesn't need to read them. He defends the gov'ner to his angry brother and tries to do well by all.
Thomas Keneally writes about Australia of the 1860's with a historian's eye and novelist's flair, making this novel a treat and a triumph.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
The Dickens boy is the gov'ner's youngest, Edward, known at Plorn, dragged from school at 16 and plopped on a ship for Australia, where he will learn the sheep business. Plorn "never applied himself" and is not very ambitious, and has never read any of his father's works. In Australia, Dickens is revered by people of all classes and education. They can recite whole chapters of this book or that, they act them out, they never get tired of discussing the characters, and laughing when they're not weeping. Dickens' work is something that brings people together, and Plorn has a big secret to keep.
In remote New South Wales the formerly feckless Plorn creates himself. With an open mind he meets aboriginal people, ex-convicts, new colonists, gets taken hostage (one of the most touching parts of the novel) and flirts with love. He has so much of his father's work quoted to him that he almost doesn't need to read them. He defends the gov'ner to his angry brother and tries to do well by all.
Thomas Keneally writes about Australia of the 1860's with a historian's eye and novelist's flair, making this novel a treat and a triumph.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for a digital copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.
katscribefever's review
3.0
A wrenching reimagination of the relationship between a little-known son and his extremely-known father. Meanwhile, the Dickens biography was entirely about his childhood and parents, his writing process, and his legacy; there was scant mention of his wife, children, or eventual mistress.
briawnah's review against another edition
2.0
This book was not engaging and the characters left much to be desired. There didn’t seem to be any plot beyond sharing the experiences of a young Edward Dickens in Australia. Though it may be terms a coming-of-age story, there was no truly interesting plot. I was hard-pressed to stay with it and I can’t say I’m glad I stuck with it.
phoebe912's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
megank27's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
cook_memorial_public_library's review against another edition
4.0
Recommended by Ellen J. Check our catalog: https://encore.cooklib.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sdickens%20boy%20keneally__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&suite=gold
cjeanne99's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Charles Dickens sends his sixth son Alfred to Australia as a teenager - and later - sends his tenth child and favorite son, Edward to Australia as well. both boys find themselves employed in the sheep industry - learning from settlers and indigenous peoples. Edward struggles to make his way. Alfred is convinced that these two sons were a disgrace to their father - which is why he sent them away. Just like he does in his novels - he either kills off "bad" characters - or sends them to Australia.
I didn't really like Edward.
I didn't really like Edward.
estreetgirl's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75