Back to Billabong By: Mary Grant Bruce (1878-1958)
Back to Billabong by Mary Grant Bruce is a captivating coming-of-age novel set in the beautiful Australian outback. The story revolves around Norah Linton, a spunky and adventurous young girl who finds herself returning to her beloved childhood home, Billabong, after spending time in England. Upon her return, Norah is faced with the challenges of adjusting to a life that has changed and grown more complex during her absence. She must confront the realities of adulthood and the pressures of societal expectations, all the while striving to hold on to the spirit of freedom and independence that Billabong represents. One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the way in which Mary Grant Bruce brings the Australian landscape to life. Her vivid descriptions of the sprawling billabongs, towering gum trees, and vast open plains create a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the essence of the outback. It is as if the land itself becomes a character, highlighting the connection between humans and their environment. The characters in Back to Billabong are well-rounded and relatable. Norah's determination, resilience, and unwavering love for her home make her a compelling protagonist. Moreover, the supporting cast, including Norah's family and friends, are each given their own distinctive personalities and play important roles in Norah's journey. The novel skillfully addresses themes of identity, the impact of societal expectations, and the pursuit of one's passions. Norah's experiences serve as a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by young people as they navigate their way through adolescence and discover their place in the world. Mary Grant Bruce's writing style is engaging and evocative, successfully transporting readers into the heart of the Australian bush. Her attention to detail and ability to capture the nuances of human emotions make for a compelling narrative that captures the imagination from beginning to end. Back to Billabong is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that combines adventure, self-discovery, and the power of connection with nature. It is a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of remaining true to ourselves and the places we call home. First Page: BACK TO BILLABONG By Mary Grant Bruce 1921 "Beyond the distant sky line (Now pansy blue and clear), We know a land is waiting, A brown land, very dear: A land of open spaces, Gaunt forest, treeless plain: And if we once have loved it We must come back again." (Dorothea Mackellar.) CONTENTS CHAP. I. LANCASTER GATE, LONDON, W II. THE RAINHAMS III. PLAYING TRUANT IV. COMING HOME V. THE TURN OF FORTUNE'S WHEEL VI. SAILING ORDERS VII. THE WATCH DOGS VIII. HOW TOMMY BOARDED A STRANGE TAXI IX. THE WELCOME OF AUSTRALIA X. BILLABONG XI. COLONIAL EXPERIENCES XII. ON INFLUENZA AND FURNITURE XIII. THE HOME ON THE CREEK XIV. THE CUNJEE RACES XV. HOW WALLY RODE A RACE XVI. BUILDING UP AGAIN BACK TO BILLABONG CHAPTER I LANCASTER GATE, LONDON, W "Do the beastly old map yourself, if you want it. I shan't, anyhow!" "Wilfred!" "Aw, Wil fred!" The boy at the end of the schoolroom table, red haired, snub nosed and defiant, mimicked the protesting tone. "I've done it once, and I'm blessed if I do it again." "No one would dream that it was ever meant for Africa." The young teacher glanced at the scrawled and blotted map before her. "It it doesn't look like anything earthly... Continue reading book >>

Back to Billabong By: Mary Grant Bruce (1878-1958)

Back to Billabong by Mary Grant Bruce is a captivating coming-of-age novel set in the beautiful Australian outback. The story revolves around Norah Linton, a spunky and adventurous young girl who finds herself returning to her beloved childhood home, Billabong, after spending time in England.

Upon her return, Norah is faced with the challenges of adjusting to a life that has changed and grown more complex during her absence. She must confront the realities of adulthood and the pressures of societal expectations, all the while striving to hold on to the spirit of freedom and independence that Billabong represents.

One of the most commendable aspects of this book is the way in which Mary Grant Bruce brings the Australian landscape to life. Her vivid descriptions of the sprawling billabongs, towering gum trees, and vast open plains create a rich tapestry that immerses readers in the essence of the outback. It is as if the land itself becomes a character, highlighting the connection between humans and their environment.

The characters in Back to Billabong are well-rounded and relatable. Norah's determination, resilience, and unwavering love for her home make her a compelling protagonist. Moreover, the supporting cast, including Norah's family and friends, are each given their own distinctive personalities and play important roles in Norah's journey.

The novel skillfully addresses themes of identity, the impact of societal expectations, and the pursuit of one's passions. Norah's experiences serve as a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by young people as they navigate their way through adolescence and discover their place in the world.

Mary Grant Bruce's writing style is engaging and evocative, successfully transporting readers into the heart of the Australian bush. Her attention to detail and ability to capture the nuances of human emotions make for a compelling narrative that captures the imagination from beginning to end.

Back to Billabong is a delightful and thought-provoking novel that combines adventure, self-discovery, and the power of connection with nature. It is a timeless story that will resonate with readers of all ages, reminding us of the importance of remaining true to ourselves and the places we call home.

First Page:

BACK TO BILLABONG

By Mary Grant Bruce

1921

"Beyond the distant sky line (Now pansy blue and clear), We know a land is waiting, A brown land, very dear: A land of open spaces, Gaunt forest, treeless plain: And if we once have loved it We must come back again."

(Dorothea Mackellar.)

CONTENTS

CHAP.

I. LANCASTER GATE, LONDON, W

II. THE RAINHAMS

III. PLAYING TRUANT

IV. COMING HOME

V. THE TURN OF FORTUNE'S WHEEL

VI. SAILING ORDERS

VII. THE WATCH DOGS

VIII. HOW TOMMY BOARDED A STRANGE TAXI

IX. THE WELCOME OF AUSTRALIA

X. BILLABONG

XI. COLONIAL EXPERIENCES

XII. ON INFLUENZA AND FURNITURE

XIII. THE HOME ON THE CREEK

XIV. THE CUNJEE RACES

XV. HOW WALLY RODE A RACE

XVI. BUILDING UP AGAIN

BACK TO BILLABONG

CHAPTER I

LANCASTER GATE, LONDON, W

"Do the beastly old map yourself, if you want it. I shan't, anyhow!"

"Wilfred!"

"Aw, Wil fred!" The boy at the end of the schoolroom table, red haired, snub nosed and defiant, mimicked the protesting tone. "I've done it once, and I'm blessed if I do it again."

"No one would dream that it was ever meant for Africa." The young teacher glanced at the scrawled and blotted map before her. "It it doesn't look like anything earthly... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

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