Spuds, Rabbits and Flour Bags
RRP: $34.95
Author Bio
The author, Joy Rainey grew up in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria. The bush was her playground shared with her two siblings. Growing up, Joy was encouraged to continue her creative expressions in painting, writing and music. She furthered her studies as an adult and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship and University Bursary. She studied social work and psychology at the University of Melbourne, where Joy published a number of professional papers. The last thirty years have been spent in private practice as a psychologist. She has held seven solo art exhibitions and gained notable awards for her talents. A collector from way back, the author's interests include family stories, Australian plants, bantam poetry and objects of interest and beauty. She lives with her husband in the Ranges of Melbourne.
Spuds, Rabbits and Flour Bags
RRP: $34.95
This book is not only entertaining, it's real life.
A vivid illustration of an Australian rural family pre- and post- the thirties depression and end of World War II. Spoken in their own words with humorous feeling, recorded thoughtfully by a talented author.
'Spuds' is a book about people. Real life stories of a large farming family with twelve children. The time frame 1920 to 1946 includes their struggles during the 30's depression and the stress of three sons serving overseas in WWII. Amid this, they coped with a child suffering TB, another severely handicapped with Polio and a child dying with Coeliac Disease.
The family grew spuds and sowed crop to feed their big working draught horses, pony, chooks, a pig and milking cow. The big black iron stove cooked many meals. Reject potatoes were used for themselves. The rabbit plague had its positives. This 'underground mutton' supplemented many meals. Eventually a water tap was installed in the kitchen instead of water being hauled up by bucket from the well and carried inside. The big log fire with hanging, black iron water container was a source of comfort. Especially in winter, when snow was frequent along with 'puddle freezing' frosts, roads furrowed with deep boggy mud.
These fireside gatherings yielded many stories, reading, poetry recitations and concerts; sensitively recorded by the author, daughter, niece, psychologist with forty years of professional experience.
"A book of awe and admiration, mixed with humility and sadness as the pages flick by in a myriad of prose by a talented story-teller and lover of the stories told. A true Australian gem for the future to be reminded of what it is to endure and from where the spirit of this country truly arose...5 Stars." -Thomas, Indie Books reviewer
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