Archer's Melbourne Cup : the diary of Robby Jenkins

My Australian Story #22

by Vashti Farrer

Genres: Historical Fiction, Diary, Childrens

203 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable, with easily digestible historical information for the younger reader 9-12 years. Written in the format of 'The diary of Robby Jenkins', we see early 1860s New South Wales and Melbourne through the eyes of Robby, a young stablehand who dearly loves the racehorse Archer. Archer goes on to win the first Melbourne Cup, and many more prestigious races, but it is the lives of ordinary people that we best see. Carefully researched, the historical notes at the end of the story also make for very interesting reading, and help dispel a few myths in this horse-racing nation.

[Molly]

This entire series is a wonderful way to learn history or teach it to adolescents. I find today's generations seem to recall more when they learn through other people (pop songs, celebrity gossip, etc.), so what better way to teach history than through someone else's perspective? Yes, "authentic" diaries would be "better", but would the language really hold the modern student's attention? Did the diary writer know what WOULD be important in the context of history? Probably not.

[Anna Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great historical diary about the lead up to the first Melbourne Cup. Good historical information about Melbourne, Burke & Wills, along with mention of indigenous land issues.