True Blue?: On Being Australian

by Peter Goldsworthy (Editor)

Australians mostly live in cities, yet many of our favorite movie characters are working men from the bush. We revere our sporting heroes, yet we prize their larrikin irreverence. Each year we enthusiastically commemorate a battle we lost. What makes us Australian? Why is it so hard to put a finger on what makes us unique? At the beginning of this new century, waves of immigration and our embrace of a wider world have made Australia a highly cosmopolitan culture. This lively collection from across the continent reminds us of our varied heritage, highlights our common connections, and sometimes discerns what Peter Goldsworthy calls "a national temperament." It shows us we have much of which to be proud. True Blue? draws together novelists, journalists, poets, cultural icons, historians, commentators, photographers and painters, old voices and new voices, who reflect on the stories we tell about ourselves and the myths we cultivate. By turns funny, ironic, penetrating, provocative, and inspiring, True Blue? is a great companion for a day at the beach or in the bush.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Peter Goldsworthy grew up in various Australian country towns, finishing his schooling in Darwin. After graduating in medicine from the University of Adelaide in 1974, he worked for many years in alcohol and drug rehabiiltation. Since then, he has divided his time equally between writing and general practice. He has won major literary awards across a range of genres: poetry, short story, the novel, in opera, and most recently in theatre.

Reviews

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not a novel, as many would expect. It was more of a collection of short stories, anecdotes, articles, cartoons and images which represent what to those who contributed to this book what it means to be Australian. Which the book raises the point quite clearly. After much discussion and study it is certainly much clearer to me what it does mean to be Australian although it also proves difficult to place a finger upon exact aspects at times.

This was actually another of the books I was required to read as part of my high school English course. I certainly liked it more than the other books we read that year which I admit were not all that great. This book provides the basis for some great class discussions and gives great insight as what others believe being Australian means which is interesting, this book is also full of interesting facts about Australia, and I certainly learnt much more about the country I call home from reading this book.

Although this isn't the sort of book I would pick up and read for enjoyment it certainly proved to be a little more than I was expecting.

3 Stars.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was alright

[Lou | bookswithlou · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection was interesting, though the sports section in particular made me quite angry but overall it was good considering it was a book for school.

[anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3/5*

Stopped reading on page 117/214 as I had to return it back to my school.
Quite interesting perspectives, although it shouldn't be something you would read all at once.