The Min-Min

by Mavis Thorpe Clark

The goods train snaked across the vast southern desert of Australia. Sylvie stood waiting for it to bring the weekly provisions to the tiny settlement. But this Saturday she had a feeling of terrible apprehension. Sylvie's brother, Reg and his gang had just wrecked Mr Scott's school - only he didn't know it yet - and smashed Sylvie's hopes for her future. Now everything looked so bleak - the siding with its ramshackle buildings, the flat, empty desert and Sylvie's own dreams - until she saw, dancing towards her, a small, swaying light. A min-min! All Sylvie's hopes were symbolised by the min-min, that elusive light which beckoned her and retreated, then beckoned again... Perhaps things could be worked out after all, even though it meant running away.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Australia, Young Adult, 20th Century

160 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Clark was prolific Australian writer of juvenile fiction, known for her realistic depiction of her beloved country.

Reviews

[LauraW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another Australian book that seems to embody what I think is slightly different about Australian literature for children. There are two major themes that seem to stand out for me: 1) the love of place and 2) the love and support of family. The outback is so lovingly described that you can almost feel the land and the people who live there, with their deep connection to it. Even the places that they hate (the siding for Sylvie) are places you want to see. And it all is so seamlessly integrated into the story that you don't even think about it. It isn't the "Oooh, aaah, look at the sunset!" type of description, but rather, Mrs. Tucker and Sylvie taking something to cover their heads and dancing in the rain. And Reg going after a bird that couldn't quite make it to the wall between the rain and the sun, because of the wind.

But better even than the love of the land is the obvious support of family and friends. The complicated and sometimes resentful relationship of Sylvie to her family members is always underscored by her love for them. And the Tucker family embodies the trust of parent in child, child in parent, parent in parent, and child in child. Each relationship isn't just simple, but complex and supportive at the same time.

This is an older book, the copyright says 1969, and it is a bit dated in terms of the technology used, but the story is still a good one.

My thanks to Judith Ridge for extolling it.

[Catherine Fleming · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in primary school and never forgot it. It haunted me for years…

[Judy Wollin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twelve-year-old Sylvie, lives on the railway siding in outback South Australia with her parents and younger brother and sisters. It’s a tough and isolated life.
Sylvie has never enjoyed school much until the current teacher, Clive Scott, came to town. He’s caught her interest and she loves learning. This one room school caters for all the local children. Many from poor families who do not value education. The school is vandalised by local children including Sylvie’s brother Reg.
They ran away, Reg to avoid the police and being sent to a reform institution and Sylvie to seek advice about her future. What do they learn?
I enjoyed to strong characters and the vivid descriptions of life in a railway siding town in the 1960’s.
Recommended for MG 10+ particularly those interested in how life used to be.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in one day because I just kept going back to it. Written with accuracy, nuance and sympathy in the portrayal of the children and the adults. There is insight into each characters life perception which seems to make them alive in their own right. This makes it a timeless book even through written in the 60's. As an adult with more experience of the people and areas, I can say the descriptions of S.A. outback, Whyalla and the life there is beautifuly described, vivid and realistic. I grew up in the city but it reflects the era and the small domains we all knew then. As a teenager I had a friend who lived as a child in a tiny siding town and this reminds me of her own memories which at the time I didnt really understand with the poignant insight this book gives.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reg has gotten in trouble once again, and this time the eleven-year-old will have to go to a reformatory. His sister, Sylvie, is going to suffer, too; their teacher refuses to stay, and Sylvie will have to drop out of school.

Off Sylvie and Reg go, in search of help.

It's a grueling place the two go, through the desert, hiding from those who want to find them. Will there be someone who can help them sort out their problems and assist them in working toward a better future?

This is an realistic and thoughtful look at kids who are in trouble. A 1001 Children's Book YMRBYGU.

[Tim Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet little book. Somewhat dated, but given it’s nearly 60 years old, that’s probably to be expected.

Clarke captures outback life beautifully, from the landscape and weather, to the isolation, boredom and lawlessness. In Sylvie, she has created a kind hearted heroine who’s just unsure enough to avoid being stereotypical.

Great for kids and adults alike.

[Michelle Hickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gritty realism...you don't get children's books written like this these days!

A captivating tale (I read it in a single sitting) which beautifully describes outback South Australia and life in a railway siding. The descriptions of the environment were beautifully written and accurate. The kids in this book were rough - some would say delinquent - but they were essentially just a product of their upbringing. A great coming of age story set in the early 60s.

[Jellys Sarabillo]

it made me cry. :3