Chilla's Apprentice

by Bruce Simpson

While Snowy and Simmo are wangling their way into whatever work they can find, Snowy tells tales of the Great Depression, featuring the notorious and resourceful Chilla O'Rourke - gambler, horseman, friend to the battler, lurk merchant extraordinaire.

These astutely observed and unsentimental stories open a window into rural Australia during one of the toughest periods in its history, displaying a world of swagmen, drovers and saddlers, a tough place where people battle to survive, but also a place of casual heroism and humour.

182 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't quite put my finger on why this book didn't grab me. This was a strange book really, it seemed to start nowhere and finish nowhere. There were times when I could have put it down and not bothered to pick it up again but I'm glad I persisted. This book gives an interesting look into life during the great depression. If you like a good yarn then this possibly is the book for you but if you like a story to get your teeth into, well perhaps find something else.