He promised his grandma he would never drink, and he never did. Get a sneak peek of the new version of this page. From then on, he led a remarkable life from being farmed out at a young age (to cruel and kind families alike), working in agriculture and lifestock, serving during World War I at Gallipoli, surviving the Depression and the loss of a son during World War II. A parentless boy who started work at eight on the rough West Australian frontier, he struggled as an itinerant rural worker, survived the gore of Gallipoli, the loss of his farm in the Depression, the death of his son in World War II an. Albert Facey was a storyteller. I finished this book with mixed feelings: the descriptions of the opening of the Western Australian Wheatbelt, and an Australia so foreign to us make the book wonderful; and yet, I felt it was too long in places and wondered when it would ever end. AB Faceys ‘A Fortunate Life’ Chapters 9-68 Summary and Analysis Essay Sample “My birthday went unnoticed, a common thing in those days” – Shows how Facey has matured, and the fact that his birthday is “unnoticed” is almost a sign of a coming of age as only children’s birthdays were celebrated, while his older acquaintances never celebrate their birthdays. Also remember this is an autobiography of his life and memories. It is not what I would typically read: an Australian biography of an "ordinary" man, but his simple, humble writing really captivated me. There are no literary devices employed: this is simple narration, the honest telling of a tale by a marvellous storyteller. The people he encounters do what they must to survive and while some of them people treat Facey with compassion, others seek to take advantage of him. He escaped from drunken employers after they beat him with a bul. I too recommend this jump into the world of a small boy in the wilds of Australia during the early part of the 20th century. Synopsis On his quest for happiness, Per decides to leave Jutland and an upbringing in a strict religious home. This makes me thing that 'A fortunate life' should be re-classified as fiction not biography. He served at Gallipoli, a terribly bloody and difficult battle in WWI, where, by strange cooincidence he recieved a care package there from the woman he would later marry ...the stories are too many to list. A Fortunate Life is the only book written by Australian author, Albert Bernard Facey. Synopsis. I can't tell you how many times I cried and laughed in this book. Even more so because I once lived in the Great Southern District of Western Australia, where Albert’s childhood was spent. I loved this book and I loved the ending. Don't criticise a 78 year old man who probably did a lot more than what you ever have done or will do. This is the kind of book that you read aloud to your kids when they are beginning to be bored with you reading to them. A Fortunate Life Book Synopsis Born in 1894, Albert Facey lived the rough frontier life of a sheep farmer, survived the gore of Gallipoli, raised a family through the Depression and spent sixty years with his beloved wife, Evelyn. Facey couldn’t write during the interesting aspects of his life, so there were no diaries to rely on. If the author had been more aware of the conventions and devices of writing and a great deal more literate he might have made more of this and perhaps even changed the date of his birth to get a perfect fit. There were always the birds and the animals in the bush. I am also very suspicious of the accurate dates and names of people recounted 70 years after the fact. At eight years old, he was forced by economic circumstances to start the backbreaking, dawn to dusk life of a farm labourer. I felt like I was having a conversation with my grandad who died a long time ago and had a hard life working on the railways. Schastlivanya zhizn. Short, Documentary, Fantasy. I had to read this book for our Book Club this month. I was riveted by Albert B. Facey’s story from the first page. Interesting and inspirational. I can't be enthusiastic enough about this autobiography by Albert Facey. He has. Australian born in the late 1800's, his mother abandoned him at just two years of age. This book was like having a yarn with an old guy at the pub. ), life on the land, Gallipolli and The Depression. I thought it would probably be a little boring, but in fact I found it a wonderful read. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. This book covered his hard childhood (he started working at 8! He runs away from his family and his patriarch father, a priest, and sets sail towards Copenhagen to become an engineer and implement a large […] This FAQ is empty. Extraordinary!!! A FORTUNATE LIFE Robert. It is the story of Albert Facey, who lived with simple honesty, compassion and courage. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Australian Social History. Russia, 1996. Oh my goodness! As a school student and as an adult you often hear tales of how difficult life was for previous generations, but it is only through reading a first hand account like this one, that you really "get" it. An epic tale of adventure with a reluctant, humble, intelligent and likeable hero who survives exploitation and harsh-treatment equating to child abuse, then escapes and eventually embarks on an epic wild cross-country droving adventure where he gets lost in the bush is rescued by a local tribe....In an era before occupational health and safety standards were established he falls down a haz. In the late 19th century, Peter Sidenius is an ambitious young man from a devout Christian family in Western Denmark, who travels to the Danish capital of Copenhagen to study engineering He lived to eighty-seven, and wrote down his extraordinary story for his grandchildren. Paradoxically his heart ached for stability and a loving home. This story is filled with humanity and heart-ache. Synopsis. In 1830's England, a young man from a good but troubled family is unjustly convicted of stealing a watch. However this book changed me, in many ways that I can't describe. I know it sounds funny, or what you'd probably expect. He's transported to Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania) where he suffers under the enmity ... See full summary », Mary Mulvane, an 18 year old Irish girl, is transported to New South Wales for seven years for doing little else than protecting her own property. Albert Facey was born in 1894 in Australia. Albert Barnett Facey (31 August 1894 – 11 February 1982), publishing as A.B. Quite a life did A.B. Synopsis. The remarkable story of an 'ordinary' man. He married Emily Anne Hamersle, Yes he does, our family consists of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren of Joseph Facey , Albert and Evelyns 3rd son. An old boyfriend, when I lived in Sydney, told me that if I wanted to really understand the Australian culture, I should read this. Thankyou for your kind review. There were many occasions when I smiled, cringed, cried and laughed in this book. Welcome back. Synopsis. It gives you an insight and understanding of what it was like for many at this time in Australia.. and the many experiences he went through.. Four part biopic about classic Australian author. This was the best book about Australia and what it means to be Australian that I have ever read. Mr Facey was not an author. Abandoned in infancy by his widowed mother to his grandmother, young Ber. A Fortunate Life Synopsis. This moving memoir, in plain, early 20th century Australian vernacular, was written by a man who was illiterate until his late teens, published when the author was in his eighties, and instantly acclaimed, bringing him national fame in the very last months of his life. A Fortunate Life Summary A Fortunate Life: The Autobiography of Paddy Ashdown by Paddy Ashdown. As a young boy Facey finds himself virtually alone in the world having to work for a living. However he persevered and managed to pull through. This book covered his hard childhood (he started working at 8! In so many ways this man is a wonderful role model for young men today. A parentless boy who started work at eight on the rough West Australian frontier, he struggled as an itinerant rural worker, survived the gore of Gallipoli, the loss of his farm in the Depression, the death of his son in World War II and that of his beloved wife after sixty devoted years - yet he felt that his life was fortunate. He leads an amazing life filled with problems (wars, poverty, abuse, the depression) yet always seem to find the bright side and come out of it okay. Start by marking “A Fortunate Life” as Want to Read: Error rating book. What makes it such a great read is that it contains so many details of everyday life in an era devoid of the convenience of electronics, modern day appliances and fast, convenient travel and communicatio. In Australia this is a famous autobiography and I remember first reading it in high school and when I was done I was glad it had been on the reading list. The lavish, passionate story of a beautiful convict girl, Sara Dane who is transported from England to Australia for a crime she did not commit. So was mr Facey telling a lie? I would recommend this book to anyone, Australian or not, it is truly a masterpiece and really makes you think about life. What makes it such a great read is that it contains so many details of everyday life in an era devoid of the convenience of electronics, modern day appliances and fast, convenient travel and communication. Facey often told these stories to his children, who begged him to write them down for future generations. Use the HTML below. A book-length essay with photographs by Swiss documentarian Jean Mohr, British author John Berger’sA Fortunate Man (1967) reflects on the life and practice of John Sassall, a local doctor in an impoverished, rural area of England. This is one of those amazing books where you just can't find enough superlatives to convey exactly how much you enjoyed it and/or the impact it had on you. RIP A.B FACEY! I can't be enthusiastic enough about this autobiography by Albert Facey. From a social history perspective, it's valuable. She struggle for freedom and independence against almost impossible odds. B. Facey's best-selling autobiographical novel, which tells of the early trials and tribulations of Bert Facey. My idea was to read books while traveling around CR and then leave them in whatever city I finished them thus making more room available in my suitcase to bring home souvineers. B. Facey's best-selling autobiographical novel, which tells of the early trials and tribulations of Bert Facey. It covers in detail an almost Dickensian childhood of poverty and enslavement across southern and western Australia from around the turn of the 20th century. He has chosen the painter Hubert Robert, who spent a … Report abuse. The failure of Gallipoli is due to the fact that the British Army had recorded the coast inaccurately and therefore we (the AIF) departed at the wrong area of the coast. He was let out to work at age 8. And then subsequently saddened by the cruel reaction of the almost-parents when the adoption was off. Read "A Fortunate Life for Younger Readers" by A.B. This book was given me by a woman of Italian ancestry who was raised in Australia. This is an Australia classic for good reason. ISBN Summary A powerful memoir of a year of dramatic change—a year spent battling cancer and reflecting on a long, happy, and lucky life. While in the second hand store looking for books to read during my month in Costa Rica I came across the memoir, A Fortunate Life. Australian born in the late 1800's, his mother abandoned him at just two years of age. There are no literary devices employed: this is simple narration, the honest telling of a tale by a marvellous storyteller. Facey experienced much is his eighty-eight years: building a humpy, trapping possums, slaughtering animals, harvesting grain, killing dingoes, kangaroos and emus for the bounty, a massive cattle drive, being lost in the outback, being stuck down a well, laying railway tracks, prize-fighting, conducting and driving trams and buses, farming sheep, cattle, poultry and pigs, growing wheat, Gallipoli and the Depression. Set in 1980s Sydney, this acclaimed mini-series tells the story of the relationship between corrupt Detective Roger Rogerson and one of Australia's most infamous criminals Neddy Smith. Firstly, I must say how much I enjoyed this book and what an extraordinary read it was. Was this review helpful to you? A wonderful memoir of an eventful life lived! ... See full summary ». Wounded, he then has a large loving family of his own, suffers in the Great Depression and then suffers more tragedy through drought and when he looses sons in the war. Facey lead. Albert Facey was a storyteller. His having been instilled with integrity and determination by the grandmother he remained devoted to until her death at 100, Bert's wits and character carried him through many amazing adventures and abuses around post-colonial Western Australia, in which he learned all there is to know about horseriding, shooting, sheep- and pig-rearing, wheat farming, housebuilding and bushcraft, until WW1, whereupon, as a strapping six-footer and amateur sideshow boxing champion, he enlisted and was landed at Gallipoli, which he survived for many weeks until, severely injured, he was sent home, his destiny forever changed. B. Facey.. (who will forever be in my heart and mind).. Aleksander Sokurov brings the treasures of the Hermitage back into the light by making films about artists and their paintings. A Fortunate Man tends to overstate its themes a little, and can be a touch repetitive, but it's ultimately a story worth telling. B. Facey.. (who will forever be in my heart and mind).. [But Bert’s mother was unable, and unwilling to take her children back, so they moved into the bush with an Aunt and Uncle, making a life with the Government grant of land, building their own farm and clearing the bush. A Fortunate Life is an inspirational tale of one man's struggle against seemingly overwhelming barriers to achieve peace and contentment. Bert Facey saw himself as an ordinary man, but his remarkable story reveals an extraordinary life lived to … This moving memoir, in plain, early 20th century Australian vernacular, was written by a man who was illiterate until his late teens, published when the author was in his eighties, and instantly acclaimed, bringing him national fame in the very last months of his life. B. Facey 'Born in 1894, Albert Facey lived the rough frontier life of a sheep farmer, survived the gore of Gallipoli, raised a family through the Depression and spent sixty years with his beloved wife, Evelyn. Through it all he was an old-fashioned gentleman, honest, true and chaste. Despite enduring hardships we can barely imagine today, Facey always saw his life as a ‘fortunate’ one. Directed by. Here are some great movies worth streaming that you won't see at the Oscars this year. He kept moving from job to job and seemed to be industrious, no nonsense, very capable and intelligent chap. loved it - felt like I'd lost my best friend when I fineshed it. I loved this novel and I always will. The author recounts the events of his life from the late 19th century through to 1976. I am so glad I read this near Anzac Day as it was even more poignant reading of his experiences. What an excellent book to end the year on! Truly awe-inspiring. It paints a picture of Australia, from the 1900's, at the turn of the century, (when he was born), and further on throughout his life, and details the struggles he faced from a very very young age.. (and there were many. Following the lives of a dozen Australian soldiers who served in the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during World War I which follows them from the 1915 battle of Galipoli, to ... See full summary ». This is a book that reminds us what is good and fine about mankind, told clean and true. Unschooled, his father dead, abandoned by his mother, by the age of twenty he had survived the rigours of pioneering the harsh Australian bush and the slaughter of the bloody WWI campaign at Gallipoli. (1986). Also features numerous great Aussie actors such as Ray Meagher and Bill HunterThe 4th and final episode is based in Egypt and than Gallipoli. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Given our friendship, however, I resolved to give it a try. Meet plain but privileged multi-millionairess Stephanie Harper, whose sole mistake is to fall for handsome young sporting hero Greg Marsden. WWI sent him to Gallipoli and he returned in late in 1915 with serious internal injuries. Facey is born poverty in rural Victoria. Things go from bad to worse for his family and over time. It opened my eyes to how hard life had been for earlier generations in Australia. Paddy Ashdown's autobiography was hailed as one of the most readable and exciting political life stories ever written of all - precisely because it was so very much more. This mistake cost the lives of thousands of men and yet through this Australia's reputation was formed. I thoroughly recommend reading this novel!!.. It is truly such a beautiful book/ recount of this man's life. You must be a registered user to use the IMDb rating plugin. The interactions between the settlers and local indigenous Australians was refreshing and honest. This four-part miniseries is based on A. There was a little bragging and I am not sure if all Mr Facey's accomplishments were real ( boxer, council man, tram driver, running properties with 1000's of cattle at age 12!) Great historical document on how life was for the country working class of Australia. It reminded me of how our early settlers struggled to survive. From then on, he led a remarkable life from being farmed out at a young age (to cruel and kind families alike), working in agriculture and lifestock, serving during World War I at Gallipoli, surviving the Depression and the loss of a son during World War II. Adam Hills hosts this lighthearted music quiz show.The two teams are captained by Myf Warhurst and Alan Brough. Excellent choice! Aleksander Sokurov brings the treasures of the Hermitage back into the light by making films about artists and their paintings. Sent to work in the Western Australian wheat district at the age of 9, his early employers used him as slave labour including one who horse-whipped him. A Fortunate Life by A. Facey available from Rakuten Kobo. He learnt a lot of practical things related to farming and by the age of 16 was able to manage properties. I am so glad I read this near Anzac Day. I loved it! I felt it was full of very interesting information but was written in such a way as to be extremely boring. A Fortunate Life by Albert Barnett Facey finally appeared in 1981. Despite enduring hardships we can barely imagine today, Facey always saw his life as a "fortunate" one. It looks like we don't have a Synopsis for this title yet. Two Australian sprinters face the brutal realities of war when they are sent to fight in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey during World War I. This drama TV series revolves around the daily happenings of a 'small town' rural Australian hospital, its doctors, nurses, ... See full summary ». Having the impression that it was fictional I wasn't sure I'd read it. He has an amazing connection when he mets his wife and they stayed together for 50 years and 6 kids. But neither Facey nor his country (and let's face it, Australia is the other main character in this book) was sophisticated or learned. A Fortunate Life is the only book written by Australian author, Albert Bernard Facey. As it happened, the publisher convinced Facey to release his story to a wider audience than just his family, and I'm so glad he did. ‘A Fortunate Life’ embraces themes that are intrinsic to our history and culture as modern Australians – resilience, fortitude, hope and integrity, bringing the beloved bushland to the big screen and placing humanity centre-stage. I unfortunately did not enjoy this book. It completely changed my perspective on life... truly TRULY well worth the read.. Tells the true story of the life of Albert. Quite a life did A.B. “I told him that I had at first, when I had to go out to work so young, but I was used to it now and I didn't feel lonely. 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