UP THE COUNTRY: A Saga of Pioneering Days

by Miles Franklin ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 11, 1987

The late Australian author of My Brilliant Career--a free-swinging feminist, of a feisty, if florid, writing style--agreed in 1951 to a republication of this novel, but the present version, according to the publisher's note, is edited from an earlier one. Clear? In any case, this tale about mid- 19th-century pioneer families in New South Wales is an exuberant strand of authenticity--places, community mores and neighborly doings--plus love and marriage on the sentimental side. Pioneers, oh pioneers! Like: Mrs. Rachel Mazere, who, in spite of her husband's anger, crossed the raging Yarrabongo at flood to tend a birthing sufferer; thrillingly handsome Bert Pool, son of an ""old gorilla"" with transportation in his past; Catherine Mazere, nÉe Pool, whose marriage to Philip Mazere exiles the groom from home; little Rachel Mazere, married to stuffy Labosseer, who also snubs the Pools. But equally snotty governess Harriet marries the old gorilla, adds an ""e"" to Pool, respectability to the household, and a baby. This is also the story of unrequited love: of Bert for married Rachel; of a number of the lads for pretty Emily Mazere; of Emily for Bert, a paragon with a back ""to make a sculptor cheer"" and forearms ""where many a girl had wished to press her fingers or try her teeth."" There are disasters overcome--a flood, ""bail-ups"" (house invasions for mischief), and some shooting--but there are also picnics, balls, races and other pleasures among the muster of cattle, mining camps, lush natural wonders and Australia's ""squattocracy."" Robust pioneer doings expressed in lively if dated and occasionally perfumed prose. But likable nonetheless--and with Crocodile Dundee and the Cup, this is an Aussie-aware year, mate!

Pub Date: May 11, 1987

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Beaufort

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 1987

Categories: FICTION