Daren
An Olaf Ruhen novel probably written with the youth reader in mind. It is pretty simple and tells the story of a young man setting off into the Australian bush to extend his knowledge.
Bobby is living with his brother, looking after his fathers farm - the father is not present, and being cared for in the city by another relative - details left vague, but it is obvious he is not coming back. The farm is small and not well sited to pay its own way. Bobby's brother has taken to branding cleanskins from the neighbouring property with his own brand and selling them to meet the costs. Bobby finds out by mistake, and the two argue, but Peter knows he is doing wrong.
They decide to hand over the deed to the farm to the neighbour to make good - they end up being offered employment, which Peter accepts. This sets Bobby on his way, with a horse and not much else.
The chapters after the setup are a series of short interactions Bobby has with different characters. The book is made up of short stories previously published in dividually in newspapers - a note at the front says they have been edited to bring them in to line.
I enjoyed this, despite it being written in a simple style. Bobby shares his stories of droving, horsemanship, there are rescues of people trapped by a flood, he helps people out who he comes across between droving jobs and describes various outback and cattle country of Australia.
3.5 stars.
An Olaf Ruhen novel probably written with the youth reader in mind. It is pretty simple and tells the story of a young man setting off into the Australian bush to extend his knowledge.
Bobby is living with his brother, looking after his fathers farm - the father is not present, and being cared for in the city by another relative - details left vague, but it is obvious he is not coming back. The farm is small and not well sited to pay its own way. Bobby's brother has taken to branding cleanskins from the neighbouring property with his own brand and selling them to meet the costs. Bobby finds out by mistake, and the two argue, but Peter knows he is doing wrong.
They decide to hand over the deed to the farm to the neighbour to make good - they end up being offered employment, which Peter accepts. This sets Bobby on his way, with a horse and not much else.
The chapters after the setup are a series of short interactions Bobby has with different characters. The book is made up of short stories previously published in dividually in newspapers - a note at the front says they have been edited to bring them in to line.
I enjoyed this, despite it being written in a simple style. Bobby shares his stories of droving, horsemanship, there are rescues of people trapped by a flood, he helps people out who he comes across between droving jobs and describes various outback and cattle country of Australia.
3.5 stars.