A Fortunate Life by AB Facey
Posted by kyliel on April 8, 2008
Published: 1981
Summary (taken from blurb):
Bert Facey sees himself as an ordinary man, but his remarkable story reveals a winner against impossible odds. At eight, his ‘childhood’ ended and he went out to work – clearing, ploughing, fencing, droving, sinking dams, boxing with a travelling troupe. He survived Gallipoli to become a farmer, but was forced to leave the land during the Depression.
Comments:
A Fortunate Life is the amazing true story of the life of Albert Facey, covering his life from his birth in 1894 to around 1976, six years before he died. Bert had little schooling and mostly taught himself to read and write. He began keeping notes about his life and eventually compiled them chronologically into this book at the urging of his family.
The writing is not at all flowery or lyrical – Facey tells the story straight up and betrays little emotion throughout, only occasionally mentioning his loneliness in the bush, his terror during the war, and his deep love for his wife and children. The story is so chock-full of events that, had overly descriptive language been used, the impact of his story would have been lessened.
A Fortunate Life moves along at a cracking pace and is a remarkable story of endurance and humbleness in the face of incredible hardship. The book gives a wonderful view of how life was lived in Australia during this time period. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
Review by Kylie
Ashleigh said
I am sorry, but I whole heartedly disagree. I had to read this book for english, I found it painstakingly slow, over discriptive and monotonous. I suppose it comes down to personal taste, but the bush setting did nothing for me.
Gretta said
I fully endorse your review. I absolutely loved and devoured this book. I especially recommend it to people who move newly to Western Australia (from overseas like me or the Eastern States I guess too) as it is a wonderful introduction to WA and gives the reader a great introduction to the history and story of WA. Beautiful book.
Does anyone know if it has been published in languages other than English?
Kylie said
Thanks for the comments. I can see how some people might not like this book. AB Facey was clearly not a ‘writer’ as such. He dealt more with the facts than with poetical language. Still, I find that in this case, the story itself makes up for any lack of style.
I’m from NSW (have travelled a bit around WA) and it certainly gave me a desire to see more of the state, and in particular the places mentioned in the book. And it certainly does work very well as a historical account.
scotty said
WOWOWOW.. AWSOME… INSPIRING… This book should be introduced to our school curriculum…, all aussie school kids NEEED to read this,, they need to know bout our humble begginings and what we faced just to survive in those days and conditions and A.B Facey brings it all to your imagination with no bull,straight forward writing.. he doesnt dress anything up he says it how it is which what makes this book come across sooo reall……. wow… im a current serving defence force member,Army and his tales of Gallipoli make me proud to be an Australian Digger.And its rare in these modeern days to see a couple stay married for 59 years like facey and his wife evelyn…. ive just finished reading this book and jumped straight online to find out more about this remarkable man and his story and found this site…… anyways,, i hope all who read it got as much out of it as i did…..
PTE S.HOWE
ADF Army
Emma said
I find this book boring, Im reading it as a part of my studys for Yr 11 and i refuse to go past chapter 6
Dean said
Well Emma, I can tell you that I too had to read the book at school and I enjoyed it so much and it left such a lasting impression on me that I have just re read it at the age of 37. Refusing to go past chapter 6 is most definately your loss. It is a very inspiring story. It is quite ironic that you refuse to read the book when Facey himself had to struggle to get his hands on a book or indeed access to the opportunity to learn to read or write. Opprtunities that you quite obviously treat with contempt. Perhaps you could consider reading it when you are mature enough to appreciate it.
gill said
hey emma,
im in year 11 2 and i totally agree with you, i got past ch6 but i definitaly haven’t finished the book. and i dont think its the best book for analysing critcal literacy.
Bailey said
hey im in year 5 and love the book at the end when his wife died i nely cried . my mum siad that would