| Kings in Grass Castles is about a pioneering family who opened up the Kimberley Region in Australia. It tells of them coming out from Ireland, and starting to explore the region. It then tells of them setting up cattle and sheep properties all over Australia, and the huge feat of driving huge herds of cattle across the continent. It tells of the hardships of setting up a home in the middle of nowhere, and then surviving with the native people, and any close (or withing 500 kilometres) neighbours.
The main focus of the book is Patrick (or Patsy) Durack. He was the main force behind his family's success. His story is told by his grand-daughter, Mary Durck, who has written 15 books, as well as a number of short stories, poems, plays and film scripts. This book is one you would read to find out about the pioneering life in Australia in the 1800's and the opening up of the continent to many people. The sequel, Sons in the Saddle, continues the family's story up until about 1920. | ||
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Plot & Themes Ethnic/Relig. of subject (inside) Job/profession/poverty story Yes Kind of living: - pioneering in countryside Ethnic/regional/gender Yes Outdoors story Yes Exploring: - colonizing new territory Period of greatest activity? - 1600-1899 Subject of Biography Gender - Male Profession/status: Ethnicity - White Nationality - Irish Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 4 () Forest? Yes Farm/Ranch? Yes Century: - 19th century Writing Style Book makes you feel? - thoughtful Pictures/Illustrations? - A ton 16-20 B&W How much dialogue in bio? - significantly more descript than dialog |
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